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A Unique And Special Place
Discover the Natural Landmarks in your backyard…
The open spaces of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are wonderful examples of the species and habitats of the Mediterranean climate zone in which we live. Only five small areas of the planet contain similar features. They are found around the Mediterranean Sea, in central coastal Chile, the Cape region of South Africa, southwestern Australia, and coastal California. The rare and special ecosystems that have evolved in these regions are among the most threatened in the world – disappearing at three percent per year, faster than even tropical rainforests. The combination of mild weather, nearby oceans, and plentiful natural resources means that Mediterranean climate zones are among the most desirable for human settlement. This makes the large areas preserved forever on the historic Irvine Ranch even more special. “There is so much to discover and do here without traveling far or spending lots of money,” says Michael O’Connell, executive director of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “People can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, and even take naturalist-led tours – all free. We are fortunate to live so close to a world-class outdoor destination full of hundreds of species of native plants and animals and featuring rugged mountains, rolling grasslands, shady oak woodlands, and sandy beaches.” The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks comprise nearly 40,000 acres of open space in central Orange County. The land has been designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior in recognition of its exceptional value to California and the entire nation. The Landmarks are part of more than 50,000 acres of wildlands and parks that have been permanently preserved on the historic Irvine Ranch. The Irvine Ranch is one of only 600 sites in the nation to receive the special federal designation, and the very first Natural Landmark named by the State of California. The landscape contains large patches of coastal sage scrub, a rare habitat found only in coastal Southern California and northern Baja California, as well as many unique rock formations. This combination of unusual geological and rare biological characteristics is what gives the lands such great natural value. Among other special places, the Landmark celebrates the rare habitats of Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve, and Limestone and Fremont Canyons. Many people and organizations share in the protection and stewardship of these remarkable open spaces. The land is owned and cared for by several local governments, agencies and private landowners, including the County of Orange, the City of Irvine, The Irvine Company, The Nature Conservancy and California State Parks. They are supported by a variety of community and non-profit organizations and hundreds of volunteers, all working to make sure that this magnificent landscape remains healthy and enjoyed for many generations to come. “Mediterranean ecosystems like these need extremely active and attentive stewardship and represent a worldwide conservation priority,” says Dr. Jutta Burger, senior field ecologist for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “The rare plants, animals and habitats found here are adapted to specialized conditions and need strong, long-term management to survive.” The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is among the many organizations working with landowners and community partners to help care for these lands. The Conservancy focuses on two goals: planning and managing the long term health of native habitats and species, and bringing people and nature together through public access, education and other programs. Winter is a great time to experience and learn more about how to help care for the rare and special natural landscape in which we live, work and play. To learn more about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, the broad partnership working to preserve them, or to volunteer or register for a free program on the land, visit www.irvineranchwildlands.org. For more information about The Conservancy visit www.irconservancy.org. 
The Sinks in Limestone Canyon, also known as the "Grand Canyon of Orange County."
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