New Augustine Native Plant Nursery Opens at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with OC Parks is pleased to announce the opening of the new Augustine Native Plant Nursery in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, with public programs beginning Nov. 13. Volunteers can now care for young plants at the Augustine nursery, in addition to the Native Plant Nursery at the City of Irvine’s Quail Hill Trailhead.

Planning for the Augustine Native Plant Nursery began in spring 2015, and the new structure will officially open for registered programs on Nov. 13. Volunteers can plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and care for native plants, all while surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful, expansive coast live oak trees.

The Augustine Native Plant Nursery is the Conservancy’s second nursery; the Quail Hill Native Plant Nursery is located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in the City of Irvine. Both nurseries are an extension of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s mission to protect, restore and enhance the natural resources of the Landmarks through stewardship of the open space. All native seedlings grown at the Augustine and Quail Hill Native Plant Nurseries support habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

“The plan to create satellite nurseries was set in motion to expand community-driven habitat stewardship on the land,” said Matilde De Santiago-Barrows, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Community Stewardship Coordinator. “The Augustine and Quail Hill nurseries restore and protect the land, but it’s our hope that they also inspire people of all ages to find a love of the Landmarks.”

Both nurseries welcome nature lovers age 6 and older to work comfortably at tables in shaded structures, where seedlings are thinned out and transplanted before being used at habitat restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.  Feel the earth beneath your fingertips during green winter months at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy nurseries, and help propagate native species and grow seedlings in the same location they will be planted. Join volunteers at the Augustine Nursery on Nov. 13 by registering here, and join volunteers at the Quail Hill Nursery on Nov. 6 and 15 by registering here. All programs are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training are provided. For more information on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.

Credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with OC Parks.