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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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