 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
LANDMARK FACTS:
A Landmark Anniversary April 22, 2009 marked the one-year anniversary of designation of the open space on the historic Irvine Ranch as the first-ever California Natural Landmark (CNL). The CNL program officially recognizes extraordinary examples of natural resources and encourages their stewardship and protection. The designation was celebrated one year ago under the oaks and sycamores in Irvine's Bommer Canyon by IRC Founder Donald Bren along with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Parks Director Ruth Coleman. The goal of this voluntary program is to protect the natural history and heritage of California by helping preserve the ecological and geographic characteristics of the state. CNLs are designated after a rigorous scientific evaluation by qualified experts. Areas chosen are those that best illustrate California’s rich natural character. Scientists consider the diversity and rarity of the area's geological or paleontological features; its natural communities; habitat quality; and the presence of rare, threatened or endangered species; as well as the land’s value for science and education. More than 38,000 acres of open space on the Irvine Ranch met these rigorous criteria and were designated. Future generations will be able to enjoy and celebrate these lands as they are today. 
Raptor Perches Placed in Quail Hill Many people don't know it, but there are raptors in our midst! Not the infamous "Velociraptors" of Jurassic Park, but their mild-mannered modern day relatives. "Raptors" are what scientists call hawks and other predatory birds that can often be seen soaring or hunting in the open space. This spring, Irvine Ranch Conservancy's Stewardship team and volunteers built and installed several perches for rare white-tailed kites, Cooper's hawks and other raptors around Quail Hill in the City of Irvine. The perches will help the birds hunt in the large areas of grassland found there. The perches are about 13 feet tall and were designed and colored to blend in with surrounding habitat. IRC staff and volunteers are monitoring the perches to see if they will be used by the birds, particularly the pair of breeding white-tailed kites that have been observed in the area. The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) is a medium-sized, strikingly white-colored hawk with black shoulders and long and narrow pointed wings. It can be seen hovering over open grassland hunting for insects and small rodents – its favorite prey. Loss of habitat and nesting areas have made this bird a species of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Game. 
Blue-eyed Grass Blooming in the Natural Landmarks Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) is a common native wildflower of Southern California grasslands, although it can also be found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. A small member of the Iris (Iridaceae) family, it has knife-shaped leaves and inch-wide blue-purple flowers with yellow centers. The flower stalk grows 12 to 18 inches tall, generally blooms from March through May, and can currently be seen throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This plant spreads using creeping, underground roots and can form large colonies that grow in size from year to year. Look for them the next time you are out on the trail! 
Bluebirds Nesting in the Neighborhood In early January, Irvine Ranch Conservancy worked with students and teachers at Laguna Hills High School to install several bluebird nest boxes near Limestone Canyon as well as around IRC's office in Irvine as a school project. The boxes are monitored by students and IRC volunteers. In almost no time the bluebirds began to nest, and one box was recently discovered to contain three powder-blue eggs! The students will continue to monitor these boxes throughout the year. Check the website www.irvineranchwildlands.org in the future for photos of the project and how you can get involved with caring for the Natural Landmarks. 
|