Programs - Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Our programs of work are designed and structured to address the needs of landowners and ensure the long term ecological health of their land. We take a holistic approach to land management, with a focus on techniques and strategies grounded in science, powered by community involvement and support.

Programs Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Habitat restoration and enhancement activities are aimed at revitalizing native habitats that have been degraded by natural or human-led forces. Our team’s expertise and deep understanding of the lands under our care makes it possible for us to improve the functioning and overall health of these lands, to assist in the recovery of native species, and to build ecosystem connectivity and resilience.

Wildfire Prevention

Wildfire Prevention

Wildfires threaten the wellbeing of all of the inhabitants of this region — both wildlife and human. IRC fire prevention works to reduce fire frequency and severity by engaging our volunteers, regional and state-wide partners, and the community to continuously monitor wind and weather conditions, reduce ignition sources, and stop fires before they occur.

Community Engagement and Education

Community Engagement and Education

Community engagement and education is how we connect Southern Californians with their local urban wildlands. We offer recreational and participatory activities to familiarize community members with the richness of the landscape, providing them with meaningful experiences that inspire them to care for and protect the land.

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Species Control

Invasive species control protects the health of local wildland habitats by stopping the spread of harmful plants, animals, and insects that threaten these ecosystems. With the support and collaboration of staff, volunteers, and regional partners, we engage in a variety of activities to prevent non-native plants and wildlife from degrading the local landscape, allowing for a full flourishing of biodiversity.

Native Seed Farm

Plant Materials

Plant materials development is the intentional cultivation of seeds, seedlings, and container plants in support of ecological restoration efforts. Our program uses wild seed collection, in combination with traditional farming and nursery practices, to ensure that each restoration includes a diverse set of plant species that are adapted to local conditions.

Monitoring and Research

Monitoring and Research

Through monitoring and research, we collect and study scientific data and information that help us assess the health of Orange County’s urban wildlands and track change over time. These studies, supported by academic partnerships and coordination with like-minded organizations, allow us to make informed land management decisions that support the long-term health of local habitats.

Planning and Infrastructure

Planning and Infrastructure

Planning and infrastructure involves the thoughtful design, development, and maintenance of a comprehensive network of roads, trails, signage, and facilities within managed land so that it can be safely accessed and enjoyed with minimal impact to the local ecosystem.

Volunteer Management

Volunteer Management

Our volunteer management team cultivates the human resources — our volunteers — who make it possible for us to care for our natural resources. We train and care for our volunteers through activities that cultivate their passions and build a stronger, more engaged community to protect and preserve our lands.

Programs Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Habitat restoration and enhancement activities are aimed at revitalizing native habitats that have been degraded by natural or human-led forces. Our team’s expertise and deep understanding of the lands under our care makes it possible for us to improve the functioning and overall health of these lands, to assist in the recovery of native species, and to build ecosystem connectivity and resilience.

Wildfire Prevention

Wildfire Prevention

Wildfires threaten the wellbeing of all of the inhabitants of this region — both wildlife and human. IRC fire prevention works to reduce fire frequency and severity by engaging our volunteers, regional and state-wide partners, and the community to continuously monitor wind and weather conditions, reduce ignition sources, and stop fires before they occur.

Community Engagement and Education

Community Engagement and Education

Community engagement and education is how we connect Southern Californians with their local urban wildlands. We offer recreational and participatory activities to familiarize community members with the richness of the landscape, providing them with meaningful experiences that inspire them to care for and protect the land.

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Species Control

Invasive species control protects the health of local wildland habitats by stopping the spread of harmful plants, animals, and insects that threaten these ecosystems. With the support and collaboration of staff, volunteers, and regional partners, we engage in a variety of activities to prevent non-native plants and wildlife from degrading the local landscape, allowing for a full flourishing of biodiversity.

Native Seed Farm

Plant Materials

Plant materials development is the intentional cultivation of seeds, seedlings, and container plants in support of ecological restoration efforts. Our program uses wild seed collection, in combination with traditional farming and nursery practices, to ensure that each restoration includes a diverse set of plant species that are adapted to local conditions.

Monitoring and Research

Monitoring and Research

Through monitoring and research, we collect and study scientific data and information that help us assess the health of Orange County’s urban wildlands and track change over time. These studies, supported by academic partnerships and coordination with like-minded organizations, allow us to make informed land management decisions that support the long-term health of local habitats.

Planning and Infrastructure

Planning and Infrastructure

Planning and infrastructure involves the thoughtful design, development, and maintenance of a comprehensive network of roads, trails, signage, and facilities within managed land so that it can be safely accessed and enjoyed with minimal impact to the local ecosystem.

Volunteer Management

Volunteer Management

Our volunteer management team cultivates the human resources — our volunteers — who make it possible for us to care for our natural resources. We train and care for our volunteers through activities that cultivate their passions and build a stronger, more engaged community to protect and preserve our lands.

IRC Blog

City Of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon Preserve.

11/5/2026

Best Fall Hikes in Orange County

Discover the best fall hikes in Orange County, from Red Rock Canyon and Limestone Canyon to Buck Gully Reserve, and enjoy cooler temperatures, scenic views, and seasonal outdoor adventures in Southern California. #OrangeCountyHikes #FallAdventures 🍂🥾

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Members Yi-Chin Fang, GIS And Data Manager, And Jesse Potter, Project Manager Of Plant Materials Development At The Native Seed Farm, Take Part In A Staff Seeding Day.

10/29/2026

Dormant or Dead? Understanding Seasonal Plant Dormancy

Discover the secretive gray fox, one of Orange County's most elusive wildlife species, and learn how this tree-climbing canid thrives throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 🦊🌙 #WildlifeSpotlight #IrvineRanchConservancy

10/22/2026

Wildlife Spotlight: Gray Fox

Discover the secretive gray fox, one of Orange County's most elusive wildlife species, and learn how this tree-climbing canid thrives throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 🦊🌙 #WildlifeSpotlight #IrvineRanchConservancy