Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Discover Local Biodiversity at Bommer Canyon

Did you know that Irvine is home to rare and threatened plant communities and wildlife species? Understanding what plants and animals are present in an ecosystem is a key step in biodiversity conservation. Join us for a hike in Bommer Canyon, part of the Irvine Open Space Preserve, where we will look for plants and animals, learn how to identify them using the iNaturalist app, and catalog our observations in a community iNaturalist project. Following the activity, we will submit our findings in the City Nature Challenge (citynaturechallenge.org), a global effort to discover and document biodiversity in cities around the world. Come contribute to conservation science while learning about local plants and wildlife and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Bommer Canyon.

Please bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. This activity will consist of a beginner level hike of approximately 1.5 miles and approximately 200 feet of elevation gain.  We will explore Bommer Pass Trail and the Nature Garden near the Cattle Camp.

Download iNaturalist

To maximize your experience, make sure to download the iNaturalist app (iNaturalist.org) and create an account before the hike. Please bring your phone or a camera to the event, as we will be photographing our species observations. You do not need any previous experience with iNaturalist- we will teach you all you need to know.

What to Bring

• Camera or phone for taking pictures to submit to iNaturalist.
• Phone or Tablet with the iNaturalist App already downloaded (available for android and iOS)
• Keep yourself safe by bringing all necessary equipment including water, proper attire, closed-toe footwear, first aid, and any health needs etc.

Each participant must carry his or her own day pack. Please make sure you have a minimum of 70 oz. (2 quarts) of water. Be aware that underprepared participants may be denied access to this activity.  Please note that in order to participate in the activity, you must adhere to the following policies:

• Register in advance, we do not accept walk-up registration.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You will be required to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival to the staging area and before beginning the activity. Preview the liability waiver here: IRC Liability Waiver
• Failing to adhere to the above protocols may prevent you from participating in this event.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.