Habitat Restoration Project in Bommer Canyon

Photo from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy website

The City of Irvine has announced a major habitat restoration and wildfire prevention initiative in Bommer Canyon Preserve, funded by a $1 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency secured with the support of Irvine’s State Assemblymember, Cottie Petrie-Norris.

In partnership with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that manages the Irvine Open Space Preserve, the City is tackling one of the region’s growing wildfire challenges: the spread of invasive, non-native grasses. As these grasses dry each spring, they create highly flammable conditions that can accelerate the spread of wildfire and increase risks to nearby neighborhoods. More than 500 homes are located within a quarter mile of the preserve, and more than 1,500 homes lie within a half mile.

By removing invasive vegetation and restoring native habitat, the project is helping reduce wildfire risk, slow the potential spread of fires, enhance ecological health, and strengthen protections for surrounding communities.

“Bommer Canyon Preserve is a defining feature within Irvine,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “Through this project, completed with our partners at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, we are strengthening the resilience of our open space, helping to safeguard Irvine neighborhoods, and preserving this remarkable landscape for future generations. This project would not be possible without the support of Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. We are grateful for her continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of our City.”

As part of the restoration effort, nearly 9,000 native plants representing 16 species of shrubs, trees, cacti, wildflowers, and bunchgrasses have been planted throughout the preserve.

Beyond reducing wildfire risk, the restored habitat provides critical resources for native wildlife, including the state- and federally-protected California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren, helping ensure these species continue to thrive in Irvine’s open spaces for years to come.