Activity Cards

Be prepared to experience the beauty and wonder of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, steeped in history and lore, on this morning equestrian ride. The ride will travel through Weir Canyon, where the trail weaves its way through a beautiful oak woodland inhabited by deer, coyote, bobcat, and many different birds. You will travel the route of the Butterfield Stage and see a monument dedicated to the Mexican ox cart drivers. If time permits, we will climb to the Two Tower vista point to look at distant views. This ride travels on wide trails with several easy to moderate climbs. Equestrians who have trail riding experience and their own fit and able horse are welcome. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel and distances over asphalt pavement. Please bring water on the ride.

The primary goal of the Butterfly Enhancement Project is to stabilize or improve populations of 10 butterfly species that are in decline. These 10 butterfly species in decline were identified using data collected from the Limestone Butterfly Count. A shortage of floral resources (nectar and larval host plants) may be a factor in this decline. In order to address this problem, 11 habitat islands were created within Limestone Canyon to become hotspots of floral and invertebrate diversity and to increase overall butterfly species richness and abundance.

Volunteers will survey the 11 enhancement plots along with 10 control plots using the survey123 app to record all plants and butterfly species that occur in each plot. Volunteers may use their own phones or check out a phone from IRC to do the survey. New plants species are often added to the plant list on survey, and updates to the survey in survey123 should be downloaded before the event begins. A pdf map of the plots can be downloaded onto the Avenza Maps app – it embedded location data and GPS to find your position in relation to the plots in real time.

Due to the plots being off trail, wearing snake chaps is recommended and will be provided by IRC staff.

IRC staff, local butterfly enthusiasts, and experts continue to monitor IRC’s butterflies every month! We will be recording number and types of butterflies encountered along the trails of Limestone Canyon. Our butterfly count will provide a benchmark estimate of diversity and number of these beautiful insects to compare to future local surveys and to larger patterns being compiled nationwide. Be prepared to share your appreciation and knowledge of butterflies. Bring close-focus binoculars and be ready to be out on the trail for the full morning.  Spaces are limited.