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CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE LAND
Experience it...Explore it...Preserve it... Bringing people and nature together through public access, volunteer opportunities, education, and other programs is a primary goal for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and its partners. Much has been said recently about people's loss of connection to nature. Especially in today's difficult times, everyone needs ways to restore that connection and experience nature close to home. What better way than to explore the magnificent Natural Landmarks on the historic Irvine Ranch? There is so much to discover and do without traveling far, including hiking, mountain biking, naturalist-led programs and much more. Orange County residents are fortunate to live close to an outdoor mecca, a spectacular landscape full of hundreds of species of native plants and animals and featuring rugged mountains, rolling grasslands, shady oak woodlands, and sandy beaches. A remarkable number of people don't even realize that these spectacular lands and opportunities for adventures in nature exist. "Many communities in Orange County have very little access to natural open space and parks," says Michael O'Connell, executive director of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. "We want to work with these communities and help them discover and enjoy all there is to experience on the land. We hope people will develop a personal connection with the land and take ownership in helping preserving it for future generations." The Conservancy has recently begun working with Latino Health Access (LHA), an award winning 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that was established in 1993. The Santa Ana-based group was created to assist with the multiple health needs and improve the health of Latinos in Orange County. Working with LHA, the Conservancy wants to encourage the Latino community to experience the land and take advantage of the many opportunities for outdoor activities that exist. The groups hope that restoring a connection to nature will also improve the lives and health of the community. Nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the historic Irvine Ranch have been designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior. This honor recognizes the exceptional value of these lands to California and the entire nation. The open space of the Natural Landmark is part of the 50,000 acres of wildlands and parks preserved on the historic Irvine Ranch. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmark is exceptional for both its biological and geological resources. It is an outstanding example of a rare Mediterranean climate ecosystem, as well as a unique illustration of the complicated geological history of the southwestern United States. The exceptionally wide diversity of rock formations and fossils captures changing landscapes and evolutionary events in Earth's history going back nearly 80 million years. The special geology is only matched by the diversity of rare species and natural communities that are found here. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy a breath-taking, outdoor adventure with the entire family. To register for an activity conducted by the Conservancy or its partners on the land, visit http://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/activities/index.asp. For more information about the Conservancy click on http://www.irvineranchconservancy.org/index.aspx. 
IRC Volunteer, Bob Huttar, leds a tour at Quail Hill in Irvine.
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