Mission Statement The City of Irvine is dedicated to creating and promoting an awareness of our natural community, while encouraging behaviors that will ensure the preservation of our open space wilderness for generations to come. By engaging members of the community in positive outdoor recreational and educational experiences, we will manage and maintain Irvine's open space as a welcoming and valued part of our City. Register for Open Space programs now! Irvine’s Open Space is made up of a mosaic of habitats including, wetlands, oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub, and houses some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. This scenic land provides both preservation of critically important plants and wildlife, as well as an area for recreation and respite. At this time, public access to the Irvine Open Space Preserve is permitted only through guided hikes and programs. Click here for upcoming Open Space programs.