Peters Canyon

[3] This canyon is commonly used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians because of the trails that circumvent the 50 acre man-made lake, which was constructed by the Irvine Company in 1931,[4] on the interior of the plot.

[5] The park has garnered local popularity in part for its convenient location (the canyon is in a suburban neighborhood), as well as its cleanliness and varied trail options.

[6][7][8][9] During World War II the U.S. Army established a training area called Camp Commander in the eucalyptus grove near Little Peters Lake.

The men that were stationed here would fight mock battles against soldiers from Camp Rathke, an Army Post about two miles away in Irvine Regional park.

While, a gated community called Tustin Ranch Estates occupies a portion of the site of the former Camp Myford, the Irvine Co. donated 354-acre (143 ha) to the County of Orange on March 3, 1992, to be a regional park.

The canyon is home to varied wildlife, including, but not limited to, mule deer, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.

Cactus wrens, gnatcatchers, tri-colored blackbirds and rufous-crowned sparrows are some of the species that can be seen amongst the varying habitats contained in the park year-round.

Additionally, a small eucalyptus forest (originally planted by farmer James Peters) can be found in the southern region of the canyon.

[11] Habitats found in the canyon include freshwater marsh, coastal sage, scrub, grasslands, and the riparian sections connecting them.