Several restoration projects are on going within the preserve. Portions of Bommer Canyon are being revegetated with Coastal Sage Scrub, Oak Woodland, and riparian habitats. Both Bommer and Shady Canyons continue to be treated to remove non-native vegetation (Artichoke Thistle) to increase the health and biodiversity of the preserve. The City of Irvine works cooperatively with The Irvine Ranch Conservancy, The Nature Reserve of Orange County and local developers to increase the habitat value of the preserve.

TRAIL PROJECTS

Master planning for a trail system has been completed. This system provides linkages from Bommer to Shady canyons and beyond. Trails are to accommodate multi-purpose activities including hiking, mountain biking, equestrian use and provide accessible trail wherever possible.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

The Jeffrey Open Space Trail is a unique resource for the residents of the City of Irvine. This open space corridor constitutes an important element in the City's overall Open Space system, linking the conservation and open space lands within the City.

The trail provides a key linkage extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest. The Jeffrey Open Space Trail Community Consensus Plan focuses specifically on the portion of the trail extending from Interstate 5 to the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) Lands north of Portola Parkway. Click here for more information.

Bommer Canyon Trailhead (opening date TBD)

The Bommer Canyon Trailhead will be located off Shady Canyon Road near the entrance of Bommer Canyon. Key features of the Trailhead will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The proposed trailhead improvements include:

Segments of managed trail access for public use
Parking for vehicles including one handicap space
Restroom building
Informational kiosk/regulatory, interpretive and identity signage
Drinking fountains, picnic tables, bike rack, and benches

FUTURE PROJECTS

Recreation and Resource Management Plan for the Open Space Preserve North

A Recreation and Resource Management Plan has been prepared and submitted to the resource agencies that address community needs and ensures that the proposed uses for the open space lands comply with the General Plan, codes and standards of the City of Irvine and the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan. The Recreation and Resource Management Plan presents a conceptual framework for preservation, access, facilities, trails, park uses and habitat restoration. Subsequent detailed site plans need to be prepared for park facilities and staging areas. In the future, a long-term park operations and management plan will also need to be prepared by the City.

A Recreation and Resource Management Plan is completed for the Southern Open Space Preserve.

Orchard Hills Trailhead

This public trailhead will be located within Planning Area 1 (Orchard Hills) development. The trailhead will serve as a public gateway to the northern open space preserve. Tentative opening date is still to be determined.

The trail leads northeast and will be available to hikers, mountain bikers and equesterians. Trail amenities will include: access for mountain bike and pedestrian use, parking lot with three equesterian trailer spaces, two handicap spaces, and nine vehicle spaces.

The trailhead will include: restroom, drinking fountains, picnic tables, bike racks, and benches. A temporary trail facility is currently in use, providing docent-led programs into the open space preserve.