Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosted the inaugural family-friendly Bioblitz on Sunday, April 28, 2019, near the Library of Canyons, located in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. BioBlitz, a citizen science event that focuses on observing and identifying multiple species in a specific area over a short period of time, provides a “snapshot” of species diversity, providing the Conservancy and the local community with baseline data used to observe change over time.
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park is rich in biodiversity, featuring sage scrub and chaparral habitats, making it home to a variety of plant and animal species and an important area to observe. In just one day, 655 observations and 156 different species were collected, with the help of Conservancy volunteers, participants from Orange and Los Angeles counties, and the iNaturalist smartphone app. Through the iNaturalist app, participants recorded what they saw and connected with other nature enthusiasts as they hiked the Mesa Loop trail and took in a 360° view that included Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. Conservancy staff members were available to answer any questions and assist with identifying the many different living organisms that were observed throughout the day.
“While the goal of BioBlitzes are to produce biological inventory, our goal is to involve members of the community in the discovery process of science, so they will develop knowledge and appreciation for science and nature, producing more environmentally conscious citizens and inspiring the next generation of scientists and naturalists,” said Ashley Tirona, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Program Specialist.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy welcomes the community to learn more about the local environment and explore the Landmarks through the lens of science during one of the many free interpretive programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Search for birds using both eyes and ears in Arroyo Canyon of Agua Chinon during Better Birding Basics on May 17. Listen to tales of how Black Star Canyon’s geology was formed and learn about the plants and animals that call the protected habitat home during Discover Hidden Canyons on May 20. For a full list of interpretive programs on the Landmarks visit www.letsgooutside.org/activities.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to many rare and native species that span the mountains to the sea. Irvine Ranch Conservancy is fortunate to have the support of several devoted volunteers that are not only crucial to the success of the Conservancy’s land management, but have the opportunity to work on a number of monitoring projects throughout the year such as butterfly counts, monitoring active raptor nests, and working independently to collect important data within the Landmarks. Volunteering on the Landmarks is an important and fulfilling way to connect with this special land through recreation, restoration, and stewardship in a wilderness setting. To view a full list of ongoing stewardship programs visit letsgooutside.org/stewardship and if you are interested in becoming an Irvine Ranch Conservancy-Certified Volunteer, click here.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization created in 2005 to help preserve and support the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, enhancing the public’s connection to the land while helping partners and landowners with all aspects of stewardship. The Conservancy offers a variety of free, guided outdoor programs for all nature enthusiasts including hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding and much more. For more information, visit www.letsgooutside.org.
Christine Graves
PR & Event Marketing Specialist
The ACE Agency
Photo credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy
