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The mysterious world of fossils is now available for school-aged children to explore and discover on The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is partnering with the Discovery Science Center for a program that will get students out of the classroom and into the great outdoors for a hands-on learning experience. The goal is to let children discover the world of geology and the ecology of the past and how our world has changed. This special project allows children to get their hands dirty as they excavate for fossil replicas and learn the importance of the natural wonder right in their back yards.
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Discovery Science Center are excited to host this field trip program - the only one of its kind in Orange County - which simulates a fossil dig on the land in which actual fossils have been found. This program reinforces 2nd and 3rd grade California Science Content Standards, and is appropriate and safe for grades K-5. Using learning stations and role-play activities, the program introduces students to the Natural Landmarks of The Irvine Ranch, different types of fossils and predator-prey relationships. Students experience a day in the life of a paleontologist and take home their own fossil imprint as a keepsake. Interested groups should call Discovery Science Center at 714-913-5030.
As vast as it is beautiful, the Natural Landmarks comprise more than half of the historic 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch. Nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the land have been designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior. This honor recognizes the exceptional value of these lands to California and the entire nation. The open space of the Natural Landmarks is part of the 50,000 acres of wildlands and parks preserved on The Irvine Ranch. The landscape is home to hundreds of species of native plants and animals, and features terrain including rugged mountains, rolling grasslands, shady oak woodlands, and sandy beaches.
The unique and globally important ecosystems, plants and animals in this area were a major reason why the land was designated a National Natural Landmark. Equally distinctive and scientifically valuable are the geology and paleontology of the land.
Approximately 80 million years of the Earth's complex geologic history are recorded and highly visible in the rocks and soil of The Irvine Ranch. These rocks tell the story of changes in the landscape, climate, sea level and ecosystem from the late Cretaceous (65 million to 80 million years ago) to the late Pleistocene (less than 1 million years ago). In addition, the fossil record of the area is rich with plants and animals from different phases in prehistory. Many of these fossils, like the hadrosaur (a duck-billed dinosaur), represent previously undiscovered species.
The National Natural Landmark designation would not have been possible without the efforts of many dedicated researchers and scientists. Rigorous independent studies were conducted to reveal and record the unique features of the landscape. During this adventure, children have the opportunity to step into the shoes of geologists and paleontologists to excavate the fossil remains of prehistoric creatures. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the roles of the scientists responsible for amazing discoveries and vital land conservation.
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