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Did You Know?
Did you know that you live in one of the most rare and threatened ecosystems in the world? 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. Did you know that 37,000 acres of The Irvine Ranch has been declared a National Natural Landmark? In 2006 a large portion of the protected lands on The Irvine Ranch was recognized for its value to the entire nation through federal designation as a National Natural Landmark (NNL). Similar to the National Historic Landmark Program, NNLs identify and promote the protection of unique places not part of the federal park system. The Irvine Ranch wildlands was the first site designated in California in more than 20 years. It was designated an NNL for both its globally important ecology and its remarkable geology. Rock formations and fossils found here reveal a sequence of events chronicling earth's history that dates back nearly 80 million years. The landscape also contains large patches of coastal sage scrub, a rare habitat found only in coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. The combination of unusual geological and rare biological characteristics is what gives this land such scientific value and meet the high standards for special designation as a National Natural Landmark. NNL's are designated by the U.S. Secretary of Interior and the National Park Service for natural areas in both public and private ownership. They are recognized as outstanding examples of the natural heritage of the country, alongside national parks, recreation areas and monuments. Nationwide, fewer than 600 sites have received this special designation. Did you know that volunteers are always needed? Make a difference as a volunteer! Help care for and introduce visitors to the beauty and splendor of the 50,000 acres of wildlands and parks. Volunteer jobs range from leading hiking, biking and equestrian programs to creating and rehabilitating trails to removing invasive weeds and collecting data on ancient oak woodlands. Click a link below to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks City of Irvine Open Space Preserve South FYI Update your records! In Mid-March our new address will be: 4727 Portola Parkway Irvine, CA 92602 Our phone number and email address will remain the same. Visit us online at www.irconservancy.org Landmark News is published approximately quarterly by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Copyright © 2008 Irvine Ranch Conservancy, All Rights Reserved. |