Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is excited to thank each of you as we celebrate the support and effort you provide on the Landmarks.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is pleased to host you and your friends and family for a morning of self-guided hiking, biking, equestrian riding, as well as socializing, and camaraderie. Trails in the Open Space Preserve will be open for you and your friends and family to hike or ride . . . or you can just hang out and relax under the lush sycamore tree canopy in beautiful Cattle Camp. You are also invited to wander in the lovely Bommer Nature Garden, adjacent to Cattle Camp.

What?           IRC Friends & Family Day

When?          Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Gate Opens at 8:00 am / Event Ends at 2:00 pm

• Arrive any time between 8 am – 2 pm (must be off trails and leaving by 2 pm)
• Coffee and light refreshments 8:00 am – 10:00 am
• More coffee, soft drinks, and hearty menu – after 10:00 am

Where?         Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp / City of Irvine Open Space Preserve

Who?            All IRC volunteers (regardless of certification) are invited to attend with up to 3 family members and/or friends

Event Details:

The Open Space Preserve will be open to equestrians, but equestrians must stage at the Quail Hill Staging Area and ride into Bommer Canyon.

Parking is limited at Bommer Canyon; we encourage carpooling! (Overflow parking is available at the nearby Turtle Rock Community Center; we encourage any mountain bikers to park there and ride in, as well as any others who might like to walk in.)

IRC Staff will greet you at the Bommer Canyon vehicle entrance gate from 8 am to about 11 am. After that time, volunteers can open the gate themselves to pass through, being sure to lock the gate behind them.

Note: Volunteers planning to hike, bike, or ride on the Open Space Preserve must wear their IRC volunteer uniform shirts and badges as they accompany their guests on the Open Space Preserve trails. Volunteers will be responsible for unlocking and locking any pedestrian gates behind them within the Open Space Preserve trail system.

Registration Details:

• Registration is required and will close on Monday, October 21.
• We cannot accommodate walk-up registrations for this special event

Volunteers can register themselves and up to 3 guests (total of 4 under one registration). Please provide the correct first and last name for each guest and indicate the age of anyone under 18.

We would like you to confirm availability and the interest of your guests before registering, so that we can have an accurate count. Please do not enter “Guest 1, Guest 2…” for names — hold off on registration until you confirm your guests. There will be plenty of space for everyone.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO IRC VOLUNTEERS: If you are planning to go out on the Open Space Preserve trails, please wear your IRC volunteer uniform shirt and badge as you accompany your guests on the Open Space Preserve trails. Volunteers will be responsible for unlocking and locking any pedestrian gates behind them within the Open Space Preserve trail system.

 

Note: This invitation-only event is for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers only and their guests. For information on becoming a volunteer, click here.

We know that you know what to expect during an activity like this, but please forward the following information to your guests.

We suggest forwarding the confirmation email to your guests, so they have the following information and driving directions.

Guidelines for Enjoying the Day:

Volunteers and guests may arrive anytime between 8:00 am and 2:oo pm, but must be off trails and leaving by 2:00 pm.

All volunteers and guests MUST check-in at Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp prior to accessing the trail system.

Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. The City of Irvine Open Space Preserve has rare and sensitive habitat. There are often unseen dangers just off-trail including, but not limited to: mountain lions, poison oak, ticks, poisonous spiders, and venomous snakes.

Other Important Notes:

• Dogs are prohibited. No matter how cute yours may be, by nature dogs are predators; their presence and their lingering scent disturb the indigenous wildlife and disrupt vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
• Minors, ages 18 and under, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled.
• To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and the wildlife needs.
• Please adhere to proper trail etiquette.

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.