Natural Landmarks

In the heart of urban Orange County, within minutes of millions of residents, lies a magnificent 50,000-acre network of permanently preserved open space and parks. Stretching from the mountains to the sea, these lands on The Irvine Ranch® are remarkable not only for their biological importance -- they contain a wide range of habitats that support many species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles -- but also for the breadth of year-round recreational activities they offer residents.

And twice, these permanently protected open spaces have been recognized as a Natural Landmark.

Two Natural Landmark Designations
In October 2006, after a detailed federal scientific evaluation process, the majority of The Irvine Ranch lands were designated a National Natural Landmark (NNL). This was the first NNL designated in California by the federal government since 1987. And in April 2008 many of these same lands were recognized with the first-ever designation under the new California Natural Landmarks (CNL) Program.

California and National Natural Landmarks are designated only after meeting rigorous scientific criteria. Areas chosen are those that best illustrate an area's rich biological and geological character; the scientific scrutiny considers the diversity and rarity of the area's geological or paleontological features, its natural communities, habitat quality and the presence of rare, threatened or endangered species, and the land's value for science and education.

"I do not believe that there is another potential NNL site in all of the United States that places such a wealth of geologic features as close to such a major population center, thereby providing abundant opportunities for K-12 field trips, college students visits, graduate student and professional research, and for the general outdoor-oriented public to learn the lessons of the Earth." - Richard Behl, Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach

The designations reflect a remarkable legacy of foresight, and the fact that protecting precious natural resources has always received the same level of thoughtful planning as has creation of the acclaimed master-planned communities on The Ranch.

Irvine Company Chairman Donald Bren played an instrumental leadership role in creating the vast 50,000-acre network on The Irvine Ranch. But acknowledging that simply setting aside the land wasn't enough, Bren has committed $50 million to ensure the lands' long-term protection, enhancement and access for the public's discovery and enjoyment.