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The Irvine Ranch Conservancy was established in 2005. It is a non-profit, non-advocacy
organization, created to help care for the 50,000 acres of permanently protected
wildlands and parks on the historic Irvine Ranch. The organization works with its
partners to enhance the public’s appreciation, understanding and connection to the
land, while helping other land owners and managers with all aspects of stewardship.
The Conservancy contributes its resources, expertise and energy to achieve the best
possible balance of preservation and public participation.
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The Mediterranean climate zone exists in only five small areas of the world: around
the Mediterranean Sea, in central coastal Chile, the Cape region of South Africa,
southwestern and southern Australia, and coastal California - including the wildlands
and parks on The Irvine Ranch. The special ecosystems that have evolved in these
regions are among the most threatened in the world – disappearing at three percent
per year, faster than even tropical rainforests. The combination of balmy climate,
nearby oceans and abundant natural resources means that Mediterranean climate areas
are among the most desirable for human settlement. This has led to conversion of
most of these habitat areas to urban or agricultural landscapes.
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Nearly 50,000 acres of wildlands and parks have been designated as permanent open
space on The Irvine Ranch. But protecting the land is only the first step. Mediterranean
ecosystems like these need extremely attentive stewardship. The rare plants, animals
and habitats found here are adapted to specialized conditions and need our long-term
management to survive. The mission of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is to make sure
that these lands are cared for and enjoyed to the highest possible standards.
We invite you to learn more about our organization and the special natural landscape
in which we live, work and play. The Conservancy is here to help protect the land
and, working with all the owners, managers and partners to together transform the
wildlands and parks on The Irvine Ranch into a nationally acclaimed treasure of
conservation management and recreational enjoyment.
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