Donated Compost from OCWR Utilized at IRC’s Native Seed Farm

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is fortunate to have a variety of partners that help in their effort to protect and restore natural resources within Orange County. One key partnership spanning over a decade is with OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR). Recently, OCWR generously donated about 550 cubic yards of compost and 250 cubic yards of mulch to IRC’s Native Seed Farm. IRC’s Planning and Infrastructure team tilled the compost into the areas designated for annual plants before seeding. The mulch was scattered in small piles around the farm and will be used to suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture.  

IRC has worked with OCWR for over 10 years on several habitat restoration projects. A few years ago, OCWR began composting green waste at their facilities and notified IRC of this valuable material they could utilize in their habitat restoration projects. The composting process creates high temperatures that kills weed seeds and pathogens, making it an optimal material for restoration projects. IRC has successfully utilized this compost in wetland creation and cactus nursery projects and has now decided to try to use it at the Native Seed Farm to enhance soil health, reduce compaction, increase permeability and ultimately boost yields. 

With regular harvests at the Native Seed Farm, soil nutrients can get depleted over time. IRC staff have observed lower seed yields in their annual beds in recent years, partly due to a lack of irrigation for weed control and poor soil conditions affecting native crop growth. Thankfully, IRC now has water for irrigation again and will be able to improve soil conditions with the addition of compost from OCWR. The compost will help to provide more ideal growing conditions for crops, resulting in stronger growth, increased seed production and improved seed quality.

This year, IRC will be planting nine species of annual wildflowers at the Native Seed Farm ranging in size from the small common goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis) to the tall white pincushion (Chaenactis artemisiifolia). IRC will also be growing some fire-following species like common Eucrypta (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia) and wild canterbury bells (Phacelia minor). 

For those seeking compost or mulch in Orange County, OC Waste & Recycling is offering free material through Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine and Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano. Residents, businesses, local authorities, and government agencies are all encouraged to take advantage of this complimentary compost program.