Several examples of restoration and stewardship projects managed by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy are:
 
Challenge: The spadefoot toad once thrived in parts of the wildlands and parks that collected water from year-round sources in areas with shallow depressions of loamy soil. The loose soil was easy for the toads to burrow into to lay their eggs. As the land gradually was converted into cattle pastures, water sources were diverted and the toads’ habitat was destroyed. With the population of spadefoot toads dwindling, the African clawed frog, which feeds on the spadefoot’s larvae, was able to invade the environment in portions of the land and worsened the situation.
With the remaining population in decline, land managers are investigating whether preexisting sources of water can be reintroduced to key nesting areas. Hydrology and soil studies are underway to ensure that if the natural ecology were restored, the habitat could rebound from its altered state. If so, the spadefoot toad can be reintroduced to its former nesting areas once the African clawed frog is removed.
With its habitat restored and the predator species removed, the spadefoot toad should stage a comeback and participate in the ecological cycles of the land as it once did.
Despite its epicurean name, artichoke thistle is an invasive and pernicious species of weed that originated in the Balkans in Central Europe. It has no nutritional value whatsoever for indigenous animal, bird or insect species, nor is there an existing mechanism for nature to keep the artichoke thistle from spreading. It is a thorny species that is difficult to handle. In 1996, artichoke thistle occupied approximately 4,500 acres of the Irvine Ranch.
A survey has been conducted to map the existing locations of the artichoke thistle and other weeds throughout the land. The plants must be removed in order to halt their spread or they will quickly overrun indigenous species that are important to the habitat found on the wildlands and parks.
To date, nearly 3,000 acres of artichoke thistle has been removed from the land and, by 2010, it should be nearly eradicated.
Challenge: Bobcats play an important role in keeping the land’s ecosystem healthy. Yet, scientists do not know much about regional bobcat territories, movement patterns or demographics. Understanding more about local bobcats will help us ensure that we manage their habitat appropriately.
In partnership with other educational and research organizations, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is beginning a study of a select population of bobcats in order to establish baseline information on their genetics, ranging patterns and their interactions with each other. The information can be applied to more detailed work at a later date to understand their behavior.
Over the long term, a broader understanding of these and other bobcats in the Southwest will enable researchers to learn how much natural habitat is required to foster a healthy bobcat population, and how best to conserve the important native animal species.
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