Nature Reserve of Orange County Launches New Website

Did you know that much of the land managed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is part of the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC), a network of nearly 38,000 acres of permanently protected wildlands stretching from the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains to the Orange County coastline. Even if you do not know the reserve by name, you have probably explored its landscapes like OC Parks’ Gypsum Canyon Wilderness and Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, The City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve including Bommer Canyon, Crystal Cove State Park, and more, which are all part of this expansive conservation area.

Established in 1996, NROC represents one of Southern California’s most significant collaborative conservation efforts. Today, 18 partners and organizations, including IRC, work together to protect, restore and steward the local wildlands so they can thrive for generations to come. This group effort and shared commitment ensure the long‑term health of some of the region’s most iconic natural spaces.

Like IRC, NROC is committed to not only caring for the land but also the many species that rely on it. The land encompassing NROC is home to dozens of protected plant and animal species, including the California gnatcatcher, whose threatened status helped catalyze the creation of the reserve, as well as the Pacific pocket mouse and the Western pond turtle. NROC’s collaborative model allows partners to work together to protect and sustain the region’s rich biodiversity.

These lands also form the backdrop of daily life in Orange County, offering sweeping views and hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, riding and exploring. Connecting people with the land is a shared priority for both IRC and NROC. 

To help the community better understand the landscapes within the reserve, the importance of responsible recreation and the many ways to get involved, NROC has launched a new website. The site highlights participating parks, volunteer opportunities, and information on the ongoing work that keeps these protected spaces healthy.

Explore more at naturereserveoc.com and discover the story behind the wildlands that make Orange County such a special place to live!