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Keeping the NROC wild.

Protection and preservation are what we do best.

All of Earth’s elements are interconnected—if one thrives, others will follow. The NROC was established to create a permanent habitat for Orange County’s plants and wildlife—a new and innovative approach to species protection and rehabilitation, supported by developers, government agencies, and environmental organizations, all working together to keep OC wild.

 

upper newport back bay
Upper Newport Back Bay
Photo by: David Stocklein
Flower Photo by: IRC Provided
not sure which plant this is Photo by: IRC Provided

NROC was established to preserve our region’s precious open spaces.

Everyone involved is passionately dedicated to this shared purpose. From minimizing wildfire damage and maintaining trails to restoring habitats and studying wildlife, the ongoing programs taking place on the land make the Reserve a living example of what’s possible when public, private, and nonprofit communities come together for the common good.

Here are some of the ways we’re working together to keep the NROC wild.

Comprehensive Conservation

All of Earth’s elements are interconnected—if one thrives, others will follow. The NROC was established to create a permanent habitat for Orange County’s plants and wildlife—a new and innovative approach to species protection and rehabilitation, supported by developers, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Habitat Revitalization

There are 39 protected species that make their home on the Nature Reserve of Orange County, and we are dedicated to making sure these plants and animals are living their best lives.

Collaborative Care

Managing the NROC is a major group effort. The Reserve’s 38,000 acres are owned and cared for by a dedicated group of municipalities and organizations—including OC Parks, California State Parks, Irvine Ranch Water District, City of Irvine, City of Laguna Beach, City of Newport Beach, UCI, and more—all working together to support the land and its inhabitants.

Research + Observation

Establishing open spaces and setting sustainability projects in motion is not enough. The NROC land and wildlife must be continuously monitored. Every year, the Natural Communities Coalition conducts a number of studies to affirm the habitat is thriving.

Ferns Bio DiversityGet Involved

Trail Maintenance

The NROC offers hundreds of miles of trails for hikers, walkers, bikers, runners, birders, and horse riders to explore and enjoy. Repairing erosion, pruning vegetation, clearing drains, and restoring impacted areas are just a few of the ways we keep these trails safe and open to the public.

Buck Gully Trail

Fire Prevention

Wildfires are an increasing threat in Southern California. We work hard to mitigate the danger. In addition to removing invasive species that can catch and spread fire and building a resilient native habitat, Fire Watch is a program that deploys trained volunteers to trail heads, fire-prone open spaces, and fire towers on high-risk days. Once stationed, they can quickly report smoke and flames to first responders.

Fire sky mountain range

Community Building

The NROC is a sanctuary for Orange County residents and visitors, bringing people together in their awe of nature. Education, outreach, and the Reserve’s very existence inspire an appreciation for this incredible place we call home.

Limestone Canyon Nature PreserveLaguna Canyon Foundation

The Reserve is home to 39 protected plant and animal species, and many more that make these incredible habitats hum. Get to know some of the NROC’s wildlife.

Gnatcatcher
California Gnatcatcher
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wren
Pacific Pocket Mouse
Orange-Throated Whiptail
Bobcat
Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Mule Deer
Western Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle
Coulters Poppy
Coulter's Matilija Poppy
White-Tailed Kite
Crotch's Bumble Bee
Coyote
Mariposa Lily
Foothill Mariposa Lily
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Long-Tailed Weasel
Southwestern Arroyo Toad
San Bernardino Ringneck Snake

California Gnatcatcher

The establishment of the NROC was inspired by this tiny gray bird! We’re working hard to make sure its call, which sounds like a kitten’s mew, is heard by park goers for generations to come.
Gnatcatcher
Gnatcatcher

Cactus Wren

The largest wren in the United States, this 7- to 8-inch bird has beautiful black and white spotting, with a loud song naturalists liken to the sound of a car engine refusing to turn over.
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wren

Pacific Pocket Mouse

We thought this small mouse was extinct until a population was discovered right here in Orange County! It loves our sandy soils and tasty seeds.

Orange-Throated Whiptail

Distinctive stripes and a bright orange throat signify this good-looking lizard, which you can also spot because of its unique stop-and-start gait.

Bobcat

Bobcats can be spotted in various areas of the Reserve. Not to be confused with mountain lions, their spotted fur, stubby tails, and smaller size set these native cats apart.
Bobcat

Mule Deer

A white rump and black-tipped tail are the calling cards of this deer found in the arid, rocky environments of the Western United States.
Mule Deer
Deer

Western Pond Turtle

The only turtle native to California, these small, amphibious reptiles can live up to 50 years! We're making sure they do.
Western Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle

Coulter’s Matilija Poppy

California is known for its poppies, but this "fried egg" flower really pops off! Bees and butterflies love these gigantic blooms (which can be up to 7 inches across), and with their bright yellow stamens surrounded by crinkled white petals, we do too!
Coulters Poppy
Coulters Poppy

White-Tailed Kite

This graceful, small-to-medium red-eyed raptor can be seen hovering on the wind in various places of the Reserve. Look for its white feathers and black-tipped wings.

Crotch’s Bumble Bee

These large, fuzzy bees are on the brink of endangerment, which makes their livelihood on the Reserve all the more crucial. Look for their vibrant orange butt, a Crotch bumble bee calling card.
Bumble Bee

Coyote

This medium-sized member of the canine family has long called Orange County home, and is a key species in keeping the ecosystem in balance.

Foothill Mariposa Lily

The Reserve's dry chaparral and grassland habitat is perfect for this unique lily, which is native to L.A. and Orange Counties. Its vibrant purple, white, and yellow petals are covered in thin hairs.
Mariposa Lily
Mariposa Lily
Photo by: LCF

Mountain Lion

Mountain lions—it's estimated there are about 20 that live on the Reserve—love to roam the Santa Ana Mountains, and play a crucial role in keeping the land's ecosystems in balance.
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion

Long-Tailed Weasel

Consider yourself lucky if you spot one of these—their agility and speed make these cute but feisty creatures nearly impossible to encounter.

Southwestern Arroyo Toad

Think you hear a cicada? It might be this small, warty toad, which makes a similar-sounding call during its breeding season. This amphibian has disappeared from nearly 75% of the places it once called home, but thankfully the Reserve is a safe place for it to thrive.

San Bernardino Ringneck Snake

This small (about 7 to 15 inches long), slender snake gets its name from the pretty orange band around its neck. Its underside is that same eye-catching hue—quite the coordinated look!