OC Habitats

?? This #GivingTuesday, you can make a real difference! ?? Here are 4 ways to give back and support OCH: 1?? Donate – Every contribution helps! 2?? Start a fundraiser – Launch your own Instagram or Facebook fundraiser for OCH. 3?? Spread the Word – Help us reach more people by sharing our mission. 4?? Volunteer – Give your time and skills to make an impact.

In celebration of Thanksgiving, we have a bonus blog this week about wild turkeys and their connection to the holiday. Check it out at ochabitats.org/blog and enjoy your celebrations! We're grateful for all of you!! ?? PC: iStockPhoto.com

Wild Turkey Spotlight: Nature’s Thanksgiving Icon. Did you know wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are thriving right here in Orange County? ??? Introduced to California in the 1950s, these resilient birds have adapted beautifully to habitats like oak woodlands and chaparral. Their shimmering feathers, iconic "gobble," and elaborate mating displays make them a unique part of our ecosystem. Wild turkeys play a vital role in seed dispersal and insect control while facing challenges like habitat loss and predation. Despite their size, they can fly short distances and roost in trees at night! As Thanksgiving approaches, it's fun to reflect on their historical connection to the holiday. While it’s unclear if turkey was on the first Thanksgiving table in 1621, today, they’re a holiday staple—whether wild or domesticated. ?? This season, let’s appreciate the wild turkey not just as a symbol of the feast but as a reminder of the biodiversity thriving in our communities and the importance of preserving their habitats. ?? #Thanksgiving #WildTurkey #OrangeCountyNature #Biodiversity Post Creator: Piper Hall Picture from ISTOCKPHOTO.com

As Fall continues, we can take a moment to recognize the gray whale migration that occurs during this time. Between September and October, gray whales migrate south along the Pacific Coast with the goal of ending up in the lagoons of Baja California. This is where the pregnant female gray whales end up giving birth and will spend most of their time nursing their calves and getting them ready for the journey back up north to the arctic. While the mothers tend to their newborns, the females that are not pregnant and the males that have made the journey will spend their time mating. Fun Facts: - Adults can weigh between 30-40 tons and grow up to 45 ft - Migration from the arctic and Baja California is over 10,000 miles roundtrip - 50-60 year lifespan - Their diet consists of small marine invertebrates which they get by scraping their mouths on the bottom of the ocean floor Gray whales will remain in the warm lagoons of Baja California up until March but they will begin migration back up north in February. During this time you may be able to spot them as they make their trek up north back to the arctic to feed for the summer. A few ways you can identify them is by looking for their two blow holes, absence of a dorsal fin, and the most sure fire way is when they emerge from the water and make a giant splash as they dive back. This amazing action is called breaching. There are many tour guides that are able to take you to view these beautiful whales during migration season or if you prefer there are many beaches and ocean bluffs where you can whale watch. Post Creator: Isaac Orozco Photo Credits: Rhys Watkin Sources: https://lnkd.in/gqWCrdAS https://lnkd.in/gcx_VZzf https://lnkd.in/gDZ4nMZM

New blog!! También en Espa?ol. Head to ochabitats.org/blog to read a fascinating dive into some of the craziest animal abilities out there. From the peacock mantis shrimp's punch to the tardigrade's death-like cryptobiosis. PC: Cédric Péneau/Wikimedia Commons

Two more weeks before GivingTuesday! OC Habitats' Annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction will launch on GivingTuesday, December 3, 2024! GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to generosity and community spirit as we head into the holiday season. All proceeds will support our ongoing work in environmental education, critical habitat restoration, and species monitoring. These funds will help sustain our 2nd and 3rd grade educational programs, which we offer at no cost to Title I schools throughout Orange County. Your contribution will help us continue making positive impacts on the conservation of Orange County's native habitats and species, as well as our local communities. Interested in donating and/or spreading the word? Please contact [email protected] to learn how you can help!

Thanksgiving is around the corner—let’s give back! As we prepare for a season of gratitude, let’s remember those who need our help most. There are many ways to make a difference right here in Orange County! Here’s how you can get involved: - Donate to Local Food Banks: Organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and OC Food Bank provide essential support to families in need. Your donations help ensure that no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving. - Volunteer at Food Drives: Many local charities are hosting food drives leading up to Thanksgiving. Places like the Irvine Senior Services food drive help provide meals for seniors in need. Your time and energy will make a real impact. - Participate in Charity Turkey Trots: Lace up your running shoes for a good cause! Join the Dana Point Turkey Trot, which partners with local charities to raise funds for food programs and community services. You can run, walk, or even volunteer to help out! Many families are facing food insecurity, and the holidays can be especially tough. This is the season to share our blessings and make sure everyone is cheerful during the holidays, it’s never too early to help! Visit websites like www.feedoc.org, https://lnkd.in/gb7edYfm to learn more about these opportunities and sign up for events. You can help make a difference! Let’s make this holiday season a time of giving and unity. #GiveBack #ThanksgivingSpirit Post Creator: OCH Intern Elena Ramirez Sources: (listed in post) Photo Credit: https://www.mymcmedia.org/

Happy National Take A Hike Day!! ?????? Today, we celebrate the joys and challenges of getting out into nature and taking a hike. Every November 17th marks national take a hike day. Taking hikes is a great way to get into nature. Researching native species around the area you live in and going out to spot them can make hiking all the more exciting. Remember to gather the right supplies! Water and hiking shoes not only make the trip more comfortable but also safer. If you’re here in Southern California, be aware of the following three: - Mountain Lions: If you ever encounter one, experts say to appear big and face them! Make a lot of noise if they approach. - Coyotes: Experts say to follow the same protocol as mountain lions. - Snakes: start stomping your feet to create vibrations in the ground and wait until they move. Never approach them. Though it might feel strange to fight the urge to run, mountain lions and coyotes use this signal from other animals to recognize prey. So stand your ground, big and loud until they go away. The United States has over 60,000 miles of hiking trails so make use of them! Comment with your favorite hike! PC: David Nyquist #nationaltakeahikeday #takeahike #nature #ochabitats Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes. Post Creator: OCH Intern David Perez Nyquist

Today is National Recycle Day! National Recycle Day is all about raising awareness about the importance of recycling and how small actions can create a big difference. By recycling, we help reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize pollution. It’s a simple step that can make a world of difference! Every year on November 15th, National Recycle Day reminds us to prioritize recycling as part of our daily routine. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, recycling is something anyone can do at any time. Across the world, recycling initiatives are making an impact. Look for local recycling programs, drop-off centers, and curbside pickup in your area. Recycling reduces waste in landfills, conserves energy, and helps prevent harmful chemicals from entering our environment. It’s also a key action in combating climate change. Take the first step! Start by sorting your recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metal) correctly and check with local programs for guidelines. Look for eco-friendly alternatives and educate others to make a greater impact. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future! Let’s celebrate this holiday and recycle today for a better tomorrow! #NationalRecycleDay #GoGreen #ReduceReuseRecycle Post Creator: Elena Ramirez OCH Intern Sources: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), National Recycling Coalition Photo Credit: https://lnkd.in/g9EwQRAF (Betka82 via Vectorstock)

OC Habitats' Annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction are launching on GivingTuesday, December 3, 2024! GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to generosity and community spirit as we head into the holiday season. All proceeds will support our ongoing work in environmental education, critical habitat restoration, and species monitoring. Your contribution will help us make positive impacts on the conservation of Orange County's native habitats and species. From December 3-7, we’ll be offering a fun and diverse selection of gift baskets in our virtual Silent Auction—perfect for holiday giving! Stay tuned for the auction link, coming soon! To wrap up the auction, OC Habitats will be hosting an in-person Coffee & Conservation presentation on December 7th, featuring our guest speaker from the Shark Lab, Rebecca Perezgay, and OCH team members. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with environmentally conscious friends as we close out this exciting event. Our Annual Fundraiser will run from December 3-31, and we gratefully welcome donations of any amount. If you're unable to contribute financially, we’d greatly appreciate if you would help spread the word by sharing our event details on your social media platforms. Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful initiative! Interest in donating and/or spreading the word? Please contact OCH Staff ([email protected]) to learn how you can help!