Orchard Hills Staging Area
In fall 2020, the Orchard Hills area of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve was caught in the path of the Silverado Fire, causing significant damage. Once the fire subsided, a complete survey of the area found that over 1,000 eucalyptus trees were damaged and needed to be removed to ensure the safety of visitors.
A comprehensive post-fire tree assessment was conducted by a team of certified arborists, who determined that the fire compromised the structural integrity of the eucalyptus trees. This made the trees unstable and prone to falling, so trees are being removed due to imminent safety concerns. The City of Irvine estimated the tree removal would take about two years due to the long, complicated process of removing the large eucalyptus trees. Tree removal efforts are ongoing, but once complete, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will begin rebuilding and rerouting the trails.
A comprehensive post-fire tree assessment was conducted by a team of certified arborists, who determined that the fire compromised the structural integrity of the eucalyptus trees. This made the trees unstable and prone to falling, so trees are being removed due to imminent safety concerns. The City of Irvine estimated the tree removal would take about two years due to the long, complicated process of removing the large eucalyptus trees. Tree removal efforts are ongoing, but once complete, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will begin rebuilding and rerouting the trails.
The City of Irvine and IRC are excited to reopen Orchard Hills for guided activities once this restoration process is complete, so visitors can safely enjoy the area once again. IRC’s Planning and Infrastructure team hope to complete this process by early 2023, with some trails potentially opening for guided activities in late 2022.
“This area is one of our most popular destinations for hikers because of the amazing views and unique surroundings. Our team is eager to fix up the trail so we can get the community back out there once again”, said Adam Maywhort, IRC’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming you back to Orchard Hills soon!
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“This area is one of our most popular destinations for hikers because of the amazing views and unique surroundings. Our team is eager to fix up the trail so we can get the community back out there once again”, said Adam Maywhort, IRC’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming you back to Orchard Hills soon!
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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