Now is the time to see winter flora come to life in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
While the hint of colder weather might encourage some to bundle up inside, winter in Orange County is a perfect time to explore the outdoors. Our native plants that have been dormant throughout summer and fall come to life during winter months. So as people bring more green into their homes in the spirit of the holidays, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience green bursting to life out on the trails as well.
While the hint of colder weather might encourage some to bundle up inside, winter in Orange County is a perfect time to explore the outdoors. Our native plants that have been dormant throughout summer and fall come to life during winter months. So as people bring more green into their homes in the spirit of the holidays, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience green bursting to life out on the trails as well.
Explore the winter flora thriving in the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve on Dec. 12 during California Holly and Other Winter Flora of Buck Gully, led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer naturalists. This two-mile hike along a fairly flat trail allows visitors to explore the lower half of Buck Gully at a slower pace, giving them a chance to take in the winter sights, sounds and smells of this lesser-known coastal canyon in Newport Beach. Most notably, visitors can see the Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) shrub, which grows up to 30 feet tall on moist north-facing slopes or canyon bottoms such as Buck Gully. Toyon produces bright red berries that mature in fall and persist into the winter, resembling the Christmas holly – which is why it’s also commonly referred to as the Christmas berry.
In addition to its winter flora, Buck Gully can be an experience unlike any other on the historic Irvine Ranch due its creek. The year-long water source is known to attract birds and wildlife such as the acorn woodpecker, brush rabbit, migrating songbirds and coyotes, and provides exceptional growing conditions for different plant communities including riparian and coastal sage scrub.
One particular plant that seems to do very well in Buck Gully is poison oak, so come prepared – wear long sleeves and pants. Sturdy shoes, sunscreen and binoculars are also recommended. This program is free with required registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to the event. Children 10 and older are welcome, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To learn more about or to register for this activity, click on the title above or go to www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities. Additional events for the remainder of the year can also be found here.
In addition to its winter flora, Buck Gully can be an experience unlike any other on the historic Irvine Ranch due its creek. The year-long water source is known to attract birds and wildlife such as the acorn woodpecker, brush rabbit, migrating songbirds and coyotes, and provides exceptional growing conditions for different plant communities including riparian and coastal sage scrub.
One particular plant that seems to do very well in Buck Gully is poison oak, so come prepared – wear long sleeves and pants. Sturdy shoes, sunscreen and binoculars are also recommended. This program is free with required registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to the event. Children 10 and older are welcome, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To learn more about or to register for this activity, click on the title above or go to www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities. Additional events for the remainder of the year can also be found here.
RSS Feed