Best Ecological Park Irvine Near Me

4worldlovers:
Located on UC Irvine’s campus, the UCI Ecological Preserve offers students, faculty, and the public an opportunity to experience a subset of ecosystems native to Orange County. A series of hills, ridgetop vistas, and a valley bottom create a range of microclimates supporting rich species diversity given the Preserve’s modest 60 acre size. The hills consist of coastal sage scrub and grassland and a short riparian drainage at their base supports large shrubs and trees.

Typical of coastal areas in southern California, the UCI Ecological Preserve exists as a fragment of open space within an urban landscape and retains ecological attributes associated with a recent land use history of ranching and agriculture. The Preserve was established as part of a larger conservation effort in Orange County in the mid 1990’s to protect natural ecosystems in their entirety, including habitat linkages between open space areas necessary for their long term sustainability. This management plan is called the Natural Communities Conservation Plan and consists of over 30,000 acres of protected open space in central and coastal Orange County (occonservation.org/; www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/planning/nccp). This connection to other natural areas, combined with the mission of the University, positions the Preserve as an ideal site for furthering our understanding of natural areas, their interactions with human activities, and how best to manage for their sustainability and benefits to society.

UCI-Nature is an umbrella program providing an operational structure for the management UCI’s protected natural areas, including the Ecological Preserve. UCI-Nature works to facilitate partnerships between University Environmental Centers (Center for Environmental Biology, UCI OCEANS, Water UCI), faculty, and students and other open space land owners and managers, offering pathways to extend the University’s services and leadership training for students.

In order to retain the Preserve’s ecological values and our ability to understand how these ecosystems function, use is restricted. Please review the Preserve’s rules of use and contact Preserve staff within UCI-Nature for additional information on use for research, education and community engagement.

Below: A brief introduction to UC Irvine’s Ecological Preserve by Professor Peter Bowler

4worldlovers: The City of Irvine is starting the tarmac removal process at the ARDA site to make way for the Veterans Memorial Park & Gardens project at the Great Park. View a downloadable PDF with more information here.

The City of Irvine, in partnership with PSQ, invites you to participate in a night of fun, food, and festivities at (link is external) this Friday, July 21, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Great Park Palm Court Art Complex.

The new Summer in the City event series features family-favorite activities, including Movies on the Lawn, Sizzlin' Summer Concerts, and a Summer Dance Party.

The City of Irvine is receiving new baby gift donations to provide support and care for the families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.

166 Level 2 EV chargers available for the public in lots 4, 5, and 6 at the Great Park. For information on EV charger locations and other information regarding electric vehicles, please visit .

The City of Irvine is pleased to present the upcoming exhibitions, New Normal: Skateboarding Now at the Great Park Gallery, and Deck Design: A Survey of Skateboard Evolution at the Great Park Artists Studio –– opening Sunday, June 4, and concluding Sunday, August 27.

4worldlovers:
Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday - Friday; $5 Saturday - Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events (Fee Information)

Due to higher numbers of visitors and picnicking parties on weekends, Irvine Regional Park has been closing to vehicle traffic due to reaching capacity. Closures typically take place between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Irvine Regional Park is nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife. Trees and shaded turf areas provide a serene setting for leisure activities. Santiago Creek bisects the park and a pond with stone-work waterfall and footbridge is located in the center of the park. The variety of landscapes greatly enhances the park's beauty. Remember to visit the OC Zoo inside the park. Irvine Regional Park celebrated its 125th anniversary in October of 2022.

Tables and barbecues are located throughout the 495-acre park with convenient parking and restroom facilities nearby. A paved bicycle/walking trail meanders through the central park providing easy access to six playgrounds, four softball fields, two horseshoe pits and lake.

A three-mile equestrian trail skirts the perimeter of the central park providing scenic views of the park and its natural scenery. Horse trailers can be parked on the north perimeter of the train station parking lot. A lookout trail is on the north slope of the natural area where a covered shelter, watering trough and water fountain are available.

Group Picnic Areas... Four group picnic areas are available for large group picnics of 155 or more. Most have built-in barbecues, sinks and permanent tables. All groups of 100 or more are required to obtain a group activity permit a minimum of 15 working days prior to the day of use. Rates for reserving group picnic areas are variable according to size and type of group. Parking fees not included with reservations.

Squirrel Square is located near the lake and boathouse. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a "first-come" basis.

Deer Den is located near the bandstand/stage. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Coyote Corner is located in the back of the park with a more secluded atmosphere. Maximum capacity is 250, minimum group size is 155. A playground is nearby, and the playing field is first-come, first-served.

Falcon Flats is located in the Villa Park Loop area. This area has a maximum capacity of 350 people and a minimum of 155. The nearby playground can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concessions: Bicycle and aquacycle rentals are located adjacent to the historic boathouse. Rentals are available throughout the summer, weekends and holidays. For more information visit irvineparkrailroad.com.

The Lakeside Snack Bar is located adjacent to the historic boathouse. A variety of hot and cold food is available, as well as picnic supplies. Operating hours are seasonally variable.

Children's pony rides are offered year-round, daily except Mondays. Hours of operation are weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The operating schedule is subject to change, primarily due to weather conditions. For information about the pony rides only, please call (714) 559-9147.

4worldlovers: Open space and some recreational amenities are provided in the various villages of Irvine.

Neighborhood parks usually do not have public facilities or staff present. Picnic areas cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 50 or less. Alcohol and vendors (e.g., caterers or entertainers) are not permitted.

Bounce houses are permitted at select parks with a permit. For more information, visit the Picnic & Bounce Houses webpage.