What is the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve?
The City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve is part of the City’s protected natural open spaces and wildlands. It was set aside as a result of the City’s precedent-setting 1988 Open Space Initiative, which was approved by voters. The Preserve is made up of a mosaic of native habitats including wetlands, oak woodlands and extremely rare coastal sage scrub habitat. It is home to some of the most biologically diverse natural communities in the world. The City has committed to protect and manage this land in exchange for creating housing and economic growth in other areas (see NCCP/HCP below). For that reason, protecting the rare natural resources that are found here is a top priority. The City’s Open Space Preserve is protected for the residents of Irvine and surrounding communities to enjoy recreation and respite close to home, and to experience a piece of California the way it was a long time ago. There are many opportunities to experience the land including hiking, mountain biking, and eq
