Empowering Students for Environmental Stewardship: Partnership Between IRC and Northwood High School

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is committed to educating the next generation about environmental stewardship, so when Nelly Tsai, a teacher at Northwood High School in Irvine, approached the organization for assistance with a class project in the Interdisciplinary Climate Explorations course involving habitat restoration, the staff eagerly jumped at the opportunity to help. 

A degraded hillside near campus, damaged by a past fire, became an authentic place-based learning opportunity for students to engage in climate civic action. The project involves imitating a large-scale habitat restoration on a smaller scale. Since IRC is known for its restoration work within Orange County, Ms. Tsai reached out so the students would receive hands-on experience led by professionals in the field. IRC staff from various program areas within the organization supported the students at various stages of the project.

The project started at the beginning of the school year in the fall. IRC staff first taught the students about our local habitats while introducing them to biodiversity within our ecosystems. The students kicked off the collaboration by participating in a field trip in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, where IRC staff highlighted the significance of the canyon’s oak woodlands habitat. Students also assisted in harvesting native acorns for propagation in the future restoration sites. During the field trip, students learned about the scientific approach to planting native acorns, with hands-on experience and professional advice on planting techniques, including how far apart and how deep the seeds need to be planted for the highest chance of survival. In the winter, IRC staff then taught the students about preparing the site, including how and why they need to clear and remove invasive species. The group then began planting the approximately 65 native plants they selected for the restoration site to ensure a diverse habitat. Following the first few weeks of prep and planting, the students undertook regular watering, weeding and general maintenance on the site. In the spring, IRC staff returned to demonstrate how to monitor and record success and survival rates. This includes recording leaf size and plant height on new growth. 

In addition to the field trip IRC took the students on to help collect acorns at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, IRC staff also led two other field trips with the students. With the school being so close to the City of Irvine’s Orchard Hills within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, IRC staff took the students on a short hike to the area and talked about various restoration projects and how they affect native wildlife. The students even heard a California gnatcatcher on the hike, a species with a population declining due to habitat loss. The final field trip included a visit to IRC’s Native Seed Farm, where IRC grows various species of plants for restoration projects. The students learned how this farm is helping dozens of restoration projects throughout Orange County and beyond. 

With the school year wrapped up and those students having graduated, the project isn’t complete. IRC is now collaborating with Ms. Tsai to develop a strategy for continuing and expanding the project to involve new classes each year. 

The school-year-long project not only enhanced the area near the campus but also instilled in the students a sense of stewardship within their community. Additionally, the project taught students about different career paths and encouraged their interest in the environmental field. 

IRC is always open to partnering with the community on projects like this that showcase its program areas, educate the next generation about habitat restoration, and foster environmental stewardship. IRC looks forward to its continued partnership with Northwood High School!