|
The Richard & Donna O'Neill Conservancy* is 1,200 acres of preserved open space located on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, part of the historic Rancho Mission Viejo in southeast Orange County, California.
The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is a growing habitat reserve governed by a comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for Southeast Orange County. Over time, 16,536 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands will be preserved, in perpetuity, as open space. Including County parkland, HCP protected land will eventually total more than 32,800 acres.
The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo lands–including The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy–are managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is "to preserve and enhance Reserve lands for ecological, educational, charitable, conservation, open space, scientific, and recreational uses."
Plant communities and habitats found on The Conservancy are representative of Southern California as it appeared before arrival of Spanish settlers more than two centuries ago. Oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and grasslands dominate the landscape. Canyons are home to more than 6,000 Coast Live Oak trees, along with groves of huge Sycamores.
Lemonadeberry, California Sagebrush, Toyon, White Sage, and Monkey Flower are among the natives found within the scrublands. Of special interest are the high quality Native Valley Grasslands, composed of purple needle grass, and perennial spring wildflowers, such as California Buttercup, Lupine, Shooting Star, Wild Hyacinth, Checker Bloom and Mariposa Lily. Unique botanical resources abound, including a distinct population of California Juniper (normally found closer to the desert) and ancient Coast Live Oaks.
Soil type and topography create a beautiful mosaic of wildlife communities, ideal habitat for mule deer, fox, mountain lion and bobcat. Many threatened, endangered, and rare species are found here, including Many-Stemmed Dudleya, Turkish Rugging, Cactus Wren, San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Arroyo Toad, and Orange Throated Whiptail lizard.
*In 2010, The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy was renamed the Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy in honor of Richard J. O’Neill, the late Chairman of the Board of Rancho Mission Viejo. Together with his wife Donna, Richard maintained a deep love for Rancho Mission Viejo, its rolling grasslands, deep canyons and flowing creeks.
|
|