DISCOVER MISTLETOE, RED BERRIES AND MORE

Mistletoe in Newport Beach? Holly-red berries on a lush green shrub? A trail covered in white fluff? Indeed, here in Southern California we have our own portents of the holiday season. Just head to Buck Gully Reserve to check them out. Take the kids: There’s plenty to entrance them in this wonderful wild oasis in our midst, and much for them to learn.

The mistletoe is high up, usually bunched around the branches of sycamore trees. (But you can still use the sighting as an excuse to kiss a loved one — just point to the fuzzy green pompoms visible from the trails.) Mistletoe is known as hemiparasitic because, while it does extract water and some nutrients from the tree, it photosynthesizes its own energy. Moreover, it provides a lovely yearlong home for birds and butterflies.

Check out the shrubs with red berries that look just like holly: That’s toyon. It makes a great backdrop for holiday photos. At this time of year, coyote brush sends out clouds of white seeds, which, snow-like, might cover part of the trail.

Talking of photos, any of the four bridges of Buck Gully offer wonderful opportunities to pose in front of luxuriant vegetation. Tell your companions about the history of these aluminum bridges: Built in advance, they were helicoptered in and dropped into place in just 26 minutes. The bridges cross a stream that meanders throughout the reserve, creating a verdant watery environment that is rare in Orange County.

Glimpses of tiny water creatures, including crawdads, will fascinate youngsters. They might also spot bunnies and squirrels or the occasional mule deer.

Canopied single-track trails provide welcome shade on warm winter days. The winding ways offer a peaceful refuge infused with the sound of songbirds and trickling water.

Buck Gully’s location, close to Fashion Island and the beaches of Corona del Mar, make it a great destination for a daylong sojourn. Begin with a mellow hike along all or part of its 4.5 miles of trails, then head to lunch at one of several restaurants with a view of the Pacific Ocean. End with a stroll along the beach or, if you’re brave at this time of year, a dip in the ocean. And rejoice in your good luck in living here, where our natural environment is so thoughtfully preserved.

The Gift of Open Space

Buck Gully Reserve offers a peaceful and secluded escape into nature amid the beautiful neighborhoods of Corona del Mar and Newport Coast. The main Buck Gully Trail is an easy to moderate path of about 5 miles, great for walking, running and hiking. Park near the trailhead at 872 Poppy Ave. and head down the short paved road to access the trail. It winds through a 1,200-acre coastal canyon, following a year-round stream and crossing a series of four bridges.

In 2005, Irvine Company dedicated Buck Gully to Newport Beach, while also providing a $50 million donation to establish the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. The conservancy manages more than 40,000 acres of open space in Orange County, including Buck Gully, in partnership with public landowners like the city of Newport Beach.

The lush riparian habitat and coastal sage scrub provide a home for a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits and even bobcats. In the spring, the area comes alive with wildflowers. The trail is mostly a single-track dirt path, with some sections offering welcome shade under canopies of sycamore trees. Whether you choose a casual stroll or a more strenuous loop, Buck Gully offers a fantastic way to experience a bit of wilderness in the heart of Newport Beach.