Preservation The Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks contains some of California's most beautiful wilderness, and is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, including raptors, mountain lions, Tecate cypress, California sycamore and several species of rare birds, reptiles and amphibians. Conservation scientists have identified the region as one of the world's ecological "hot spots" —an area with large concentrations of species found nowhere else. One of the primary goals of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is to preserve and protect the unique and sensitive habitat and species found on the land. In the midst of one of the largest urban settings in the country, thousands of acres of habitat and numerous plant and animal species will remain untouched and in their natural state. It's an extraordinary opportunity. At the same time the wildlands and parks provides refuge for habitat and species, the land will be managed in such a way to encourage and allow the public to enjoy it. The long-term stewardship of the land is of critical importance, and with proper stewardship, the Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks can serve as a vital natural area for both nature and humans. Effective land stewardship uses the best available conservation science and includes: Strategies for habitat protection, restoration and public access in a way that ensures the long-term well-being of the native habitat and wildlife; Hands-on field work to maintain trails, restore habitat, and remove invasive weeds; Ongoing biological monitoring to assess the health of native plants and wildlife; A group of committed volunteers to serve as naturalist-guides for public hikes, mountain-bike rides and horse rides, and to assist with other activities. Since 1992, when The Irvine Company first asked The Nature Conservancy to manage the stewardship of the company's privately-owned wildlands, The Nature Conservancy has worked with adjoining public land owners to enhance more than 2,500 acres of habitat, initiated various long-term studies on native plants and wildlife, recruited more than 150 dedicated volunteers and helped open more than 40 miles of new trails to the public. Specially trained docents regularly lead mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers onto the wildlands and parks. In 2001, when The Irvine Company expanded the Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks with the donation of an additional 11,000 acres in the northern portion of the Irvine Ranch, the company also broadened its partnership with The Nature Conservancy. The Bren Stewardship Fund provides financial support to The Nature Conservancy's ongoing restoration, biological monitoring, and enhancement of natural habitat on the Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks, and its efforts to enhance public access to the lands.