The Irvine Ranch open spaces provide a range of nature-focused activities suitable for residents who prefer not to embark on extensive hikes. These programs span various interests, including plants, birds, bats, meditation, and art, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment.
September brings several scheduled events. On September 3, from 9-10 a.m., Berns Canyon Preserve will host a Watercolor Landscape art session. Participants will learn foundational art techniques such as sketching, layering color with pencils, and activating pigment with water to achieve soft, painterly effects. The session will cover basic shading, blending, and texture creation while focusing on a simple, scenic landscape. No prior experience is required, inviting curiosity and creativity.
Later in the week, on September 5, two distinct programs are offered. From 7:30-9:30 a.m., Bommer Canyon will host a program focused on Birding Using the Power of Sound. This event, held at Bommer Canyon’s Cattle Camp, focuses on teaching participants to identify birds by the pitch, tone, and pattern of their songs and calls. The location is known for its diverse bird population. The experience involves a slow, short walk on a hard-packed dirt trail, designed for immersing attendees in audible nature. Binoculars are optional for this session.
In the evening of September 5, from 6:15-8:15 p.m., Limestone Canyon will feature a program about bats. This event aims to educate attendees about these flying mammals and their critical role in the ecosystem's health. A guide will lead participants on a half-mile journey to a nighttime roosting area situated beneath a bridge. As dusk transitions to night, attendees can observe bats emerging and streaking into the sky. Bat detectors will be available, allowing listeners to hear the bats' high-frequency calls. This particular program is recommended for children aged 5-12.
Mid-month, on September 13, the Nix Nature Center will host a Nature Meditation program from 8-10 a.m. This program offers a chance for serenity, involving a meander of less than a mile. Throughout the walk, participants will pause frequently to engage in mindfulness exercises and appreciate the tranquil surroundings. The experience emphasizes the soothing sounds, scents, and sights of nature within a small group setting. The session concludes with a tea ceremony. The Nix Nature Center itself offers family-friendly exhibits, including a topographical map of the Laguna Coast Wilderness, microscopes for exploration, and a fossil dig pit.
Beyond these specific September dates, Guided Tide-pool Walks are scheduled monthly at Crystal Cove. These walks and accompanying talks are led by state park interpreters and naturalists from the Crystal Cove Conservancy. They assist visitors in identifying various marine creatures such as sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs, which inhabit the rocky intertidal zones. Participants can enjoy the briny sea air and the view of the sparkling Pacific Ocean during these outdoor adventures.
Much of The Irvine Ranch open space, where many of these programs take place, received a special designation in 2006 from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.
