Irvine Ranch Open Space includes Limestone Canyon, Fremont Canyon and Black Star Canyon. The protected wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Open Space are available for guided, passive recreation through various scheduled programs. These activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian rides, naturalist-guided tours and managed wilderness access days.

Highlighted by carefully restored and maintained natural wetlands, this unique park is bounded by the Santa Ana River and the Costa Mesa Bluffs. Park visitors will find a variety of hiking and interpretive trails, as well as an informal picnic area, all situated within an “ecological staircase” of a salt marsh, fresh-water wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. There is no parking available at Talbert Nature Preserve. Local Costa Mesa city park provide parking. Fairview Park on Placentia Avenue or Vista Park on Victoria Place.

Bordering Newport Back Bay, the Nature Preserve provides vistas of the coastal wetlands, which are reminiscent of the historic landscape of much of Alta California. Renowned as one of the finest birding sites in North America, several endangered species make this natural preserve their home. The Muth Interpretive Center overlooks the shimmering estuary, offering the visitor a portage to bay life.