Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is celebrating the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its stewardship programs during the month of September, in honor of National Public Lands Day on September 28. Held on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is an opportunity for the community to connect with nature through service.
National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Nature lovers throughout Orange County can give back to the local environment and learn how volunteering can have a direct impact on natural surroundings during year-round stewardship activities offered by Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners and volunteers through LetsGoOutside.org.
“Irvine Ranch Conservancy is grateful for the dedicated volunteers and partners who share a love for the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and give their time to enhance these natural resources,” said Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “IRC volunteers made a significant impact by donating 41,500 hours in 2018, helping our team achieve our goals. National Public Lands Day is the perfect opportunity for the community to learn more about how they can help keep these natural resources thriving all year long.”
In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will host a social media countdown starting September 23 through September 27. IRC will highlight a restoration project or volunteer fact each day leading up to National Public Lands Day. To follow along and learn more about restoration projects and activities happening on the open space, “Like” Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
Visitors are invited to give back to the Landmarks during National Public Lands Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join OC Parks staff at Upper Newport Bay and participate in a variety of service activities including clearing trails, habitat restoration, pulling weeds and picking up trash along the Bay.
Stewardship, fitness, and interpretive programs are available on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks throughout the year in the City of Irvine, the City of Newport Beach and throughout OC Parks, and welcome a wide variety of ages, interests, and skill levels. Rewarding volunteer opportunities are available to nature lovers, youth organizations, and corporations with advanced registration.
A complete list of all stewardship programs offered on the Landmarks can be found here, or click the links below for upcoming activities.
- Nurture the Bommer Canyon Nature Garden on Thursday, September 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. invites volunteers to keep the Native Nature Garden healthy by removing weeds and trimming back vegetation growth. This activity is perfect for local residents with a green thumb or those who enjoy spending time in the garden.
- Inner-Coastal & Watershed Clean-Up Day at Peters Canyon on Saturday, September 21 from 9 – 11 a.m. will keep Peters Canyon clean as volunteers help pick-up trash along the trails. Participants will help keep the 340 acres of coastal sage scrub, riparian, freshwater marsh and grassland habitats healthy for visitors to enjoy.
- It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm occurring every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. invites volunteers to help behind the scenes at the one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm, where you’ll learn about native plants while helping to harvest seeds from wildflowers.
Most docent-led stewardship programs on the Landmarks are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training are provided. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen, and a light snack. For more information on the Landmarks and stewardship programs, visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
Credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
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