
Wildflowers are blooming on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! With the recent rains, local wildflowers are growing at the Native Seed Farm on the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve and beyond. Visitors to the lands can head out to the Seed Farm to spot colorful blooms including the arroyo lupine and California poppies. Nature lovers can also connect with the lands online through a virtual wildflower takeover on Tuesday, April 3 beginning at 6 a.m. on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks social media pages. Discover the vibrant and diverse native wildflowers that call the Landmarks home this spring.
“The Native Seed Farm is home to more than 50 species of plants and wildflowers. Conservancy staff and volunteers wrapped up planting in late February, and now we get to enjoy blooms across 14 acres of land on the Farm,” commented Native Seed Farm Stewardship Coordinator, Rachel Lambert. “Whether volunteering at the Native Seed Farm to help harvest and plant wildflowers or following along with the virtual social media tour on April 3, there are beautiful blooms to enjoy on the Landmarks.”
After the wildflower takeover, visitors can spot wildflowers on the Landmarks by registering for programs in the City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, and OC Parks. Most programs on the Landmarks are free with required pre-registration, which closes 4 p.m. the day prior to each activity. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Click the activities below to register for a free program and experience the blooms of wildflower season.
- It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm is a reoccurring program at the Native Seed Farm. Volunteers can give back to the land and see native spring flowers like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Children as young as 8 years old can take this opportunity to help nurture and restore the wildlands within the Landmarks.
- The Self-Paced Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road is a reoccurring program where fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a walk, jog, or run to scenic Loma Ridge. Every Thursday from 6 – 7:30 p.m., participants and their families can spot California Poppies, Bush Mallows, and Paint Brushes while enjoying the beautiful vistas of Loma Ridge at dusk.
- Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon on Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. invites hikers, bikers, and equestrians, to start their weekend off in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Visitors can explore over 15 miles of open space at their own pace and enjoy the sights and smells of wildflowers along the way.
- Mid Week Hike: Quail Hill on Wednesday, April 11 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the City of Irvine’s scenic Quail Hill allows hikers to enjoy the fresh air, sprawling views, and wildflowers while covering 12 miles of trails. Visitors can use this time on the land to connect with nature in Irvine’s beautiful Southern Preserve.
- Mid-Week Hike: Agua Chinon and The Sinks on Wednesday, April 25 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. encourages hikers to recharge their batteries during a refreshing mid-week hike through the Agua Chinon Wash in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve where they can spot California Poppies, School Bells, and Lupine.
- Shhh…Hike, Look and Listen on April 26 from 5 – 7 p.m. in OC Parks’ Baker Canyon in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park encourages visitors to take a slow and tranquil stroll through the open space while learning about the canyon and its plant life and wildlife.
For more information on activities or to register visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.