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WILDFLOWERS ON THE WILDLANDS
The wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark literally exploded into bloom this spring. The spectacular display was due in large part to the recent gentle rains at the end of a long drought. Many species of wildflowers bloomed throughout the spring, including some species that hadn't been seen in a long time on the wildlands. Some hillsides had more than 30 species in bloom. Mass eruptions of flowers such as we witnessed here this year are quite rare in the world. Coastal California (and the adjacent deserts) is one of only five places on the planet that experiences this type of flowering display. Called "Mediterranean Ecosystems" the others are the Mediterranean Basin, coastal Chile, southwestern Australia, and the Cape region of South Africa. Some flowers, such as California Poppy, may lay dormant as seeds until the smoke from wildfire stimulates them to germinate. However, fires that are too frequent reduce native shrubs and allow invasive species to spread. The continued display of hillsides of flowers in the future depends on managing fire so that it is not too frequent. "Hillsides literally painted with wildflowers this spring are a welcome sign that we still have a healthy seedbank here on the land," said Dr. Jutta Burger, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Field Ecologist. "These blossoms are very unusual and remind us how truly special the Natural Landmark is and that it's our responsibility to preserve it." Nearly 40,000 acres of the wildlands on The Irvine Ranch were designated a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of Interior in 2006. And recently, these same areas were declared a California Natural Landmark by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Southern Californians have the luxury of visiting these beautiful lands right in their own backyard. Some areas are open every day, and others are reached by registering for free docent led hikes, mountain bike rides, or equestrian tours. To experience the many wonders of the wildlands and parks and the multi-colored, spring flowers while they last...visit www.irvineranchwildlands.org or partner organizations including OC Parks. 
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