2025 Jun 7 Field Trip – Starr Ranch

Field Trip
AUDUBON STARR RANCH SANCTUARY
Joint event with Sea & Sage Audubon
Saturday June 7, 2025

STARR RANCH BACKGROUND

Starr Ranch is a 4000 acre Audubon preserve in southeast Orange County.  Driving down the Ranch’s oak lined country road is like going back through time. The original Ranch buildings, built in the 1930s by previous owners Eugene and Applin Starr, now serve as staff residences and spaces for meetings and education programs. The Ranch protects and restores the rare native landscapes of Southern California and is truly a wildland jewel in South Orange County.

THE FIELD TRIP

Sea & Sage Audubon and Orange County CNPS are leading a fun field trip at the Ranch identifying the birds and plants along the way. We will split the groups into two, each with a wildlife biologist/ornithologist and a botanist/restoration ecologist. Limited to 30 participants.

Our ornithologists will be Adam DeLuna and James Lee.  Adam DeLuna is a professional wildlife biologist/ornithologist who volunteered for many years at Starr Ranch. James Lee is the current seasonal ornithologist at Starr Ranch.

Our botanist/restoration ecologists will be easy to remember, they are both named Sandy. Sandy DeSimone has been the director of research, education and land management at Starr Ranch since 1997. Sandy Leatherman is a professional botanist with over 30 years of experience in Orange County.

REGISTRATION

Register for this field trip on our Eventbrite page.

The Eventbrite page includes detailed directions to Starr Ranch, registration, and a waiver link.

LOGISTICS

Meet: 8:00, Saturday June 7, 2025.

Time: 3 hours (8-11am)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate, some steep trails.

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, camera, wildflower and bird book/notepad, water, hiking shoes/boots; Please bring your own drinking water. You’re welcome to bring a lunch to eat at our picnic tables.  You will need to sign and bring with you the following release form.

Facilities: Restrooms at parking area.