Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks (also known collectively as Irvine Ranch Open Space[1]) are a collection of protected areas in Orange County, California in and around Irvine. They encompass almost 50,000 acres (20,000 ha) of land which was once a part of the Irvine Ranch owned by the Irvine Company. Almost 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) of the landmarks were designated a National Natural Landmark in 2006 and a California Natural Landmark in 2008.[2]

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
The beach in Crystal Cove State Park
Map showing the location of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Map showing the location of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Map of California
Map showing the location of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Map showing the location of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks (the United States)
LocationOrange County, California
Nearest cityIrvine
Coordinates33.7315°N 117.693°W / 33.7315; -117.693
Area50,000 acres (20,000 ha)
www.irlandmarks.org

Irvine Ranch contains a remarkably complete stratigraphic succession ranging in age from late Cretaceous (80 million years ago) to the present. The primary biological features at the site include coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities, including rare Tecate cypress woodlands.[3]

History

The Irvine Ranch started out as a cattle ranch in the 1860s. By the late 1970s the cattle business had been sold.[4]

Natural landmarks

Adjacent areas

References
  1. "Irvine Ranch Open Space". OC Parks. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  2. "The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks".
  3. "Irvine Ranch". nps.gov. National Park Service.
  4. Irvine Company
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