The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks expand over nearly 40,000 acres of open space that serve as a home to hundreds of plant and animal species. Spring season brings rain and an abundance of new plant growth across the Landmarks, thanks in large part to native pollinators. An essential part of the ecosystem, pollinators can be found pollinating locally grown crops like avocados, oranges, strawberries and different types of plants and wildflowers throughout the Landmarks.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy will recognize National Pollinator Week, June 17-23, through its unique programs that allow the public to learn about the process of pollination and experience pollinators in their natural habitat. The work of pollination is shared by bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, birds and even the wind, and occurs when pollinators visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off pollen. After obtaining the pollen from a flower, pollinators transport the pollen grains to other flowers as they move around in search of more food. This ensures the proliferation of the plants and pollinators. Pollination is a vital process that affects the entire food chain and is essential to one-third of human food production.
Pollination is essential for sustaining a functioning ecosystem, but some pollinators, such as bees, are in decline. The community can take steps to help support our local pollinators to ensure they are able to fulfill their vital role within our environment. One way to support the health of pollinators is by growing plants that are native to Southern California so they can be planted, or their seeds can be sown, on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This will provide habitat for the plants and animals to continue their symbiotic relationship.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s very own Native Seed Farm continues to benefit from local pollinators, who also rely heavily on the plants from the farm. Every year, the Native Seed Farm grows a new crop of more than 50 native plant species and harvests the seeds for use in restoration projects across the Landmarks, giving native pollinators a place to sustain and grow.
See pollination at work and join other nature enthusiasts to harvest seeds from native spring wildflowers during It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is no experience or special equipment necessary.
Help Irvine Ranch Conservancy enhance the Bommer Canyon Nature Garden and benefit local pollinators during Nurture the Bommer Canyon Nature Garden on June 20 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers will lend a hand and keep the garden healthy by removing weeds and trimming back vegetation while experiencing the beautiful native flora.
Closeout National Pollinator Week with OC Parks and local volunteers during the Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event on June 23 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nature lovers will have the opportunity to help beautify Peters Canyon Regional Park through watering, removing invasive plants, mulching, and weeding.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers a full calendar of activities where pollinators can be spotted throughout the Landmarks. Guided programs include hiking, mountain bike rides, horseback riding, habitat restoration and special events for nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. All activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. For more details visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
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
