Stinging Nettle & Weed Control on Trails

Stinging Nettle is one of the prevalent weeds being battled at this time by our trail crews. Weed control on the trails is occurring now through summer on the trails throughout Nellie Gail Ranch. Horses and dogs don’t usually eat stinging nettle, however, if they brush up against it while walking or lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant’s leaves and stems cause a skin reaction and an intensely painful stinging sensation that may last 24 hours or more. The standard practice for our trail crews is to grade the trails and spray herbicide on the nettle and other weeds along the two sides of the trail to limit regrowth.

This year we have stopped using Roundup and are using a non-toxic herbicide so we will be evaluating effectiveness this year. If you see specific areas of concern you may text a photo and location to 949-933-8546.

Equines and pets using trails should not be permitted to eat the stinging nettle or grasses or weeds in close proximity to them. Enjoy your time on the trails.

Electronic Consent Form

Please complete the attached Electronic Transmission Member Consent Form to save mailing expenses and to be Nellie Gail SMART, Saving MoneyAnd Resources Today. You will benefit by receiving documents in a format you can easily save for future reference, and electronic delivery will further reduce the mass mailing costs for budgets, the annual audit and other applicable documents. Last August the budget was mailed to the membership on a CD-ROM saving over 45,000 pages of printed paper resulting in a 27% reduction of mailing costs. Electronic transmission results in a savings of 100% of the mailing costs! Please help us to efficiently use your financial resources by clicking the link and filling out the form.

The Electronic Consent Form can be found by clicking here.

Sheriff’s Patrol Update

The Orange County Sheriffs have ongoing mounted patrols on trails scheduled this month to maintain a presence in the community as a deterrent. Over the holidays they successfully detained an individual on a City trail with outstanding warrants so the patrols are effective and the additional effort being made on the communities behalf is appreciated.

Park Benches

The aged wood park benches at all parks have been replaced with new durable benches that will not decompose, splinter or require painting.  

Trails Open

Trails are open but use care as we continue to correct minor grading issues caused by the rain and subsequent use following rains. Despite the cold temperatures, the days have been beautiful, and it is a great time to get some exercise and keep those New Year’s resolutions. Please help us protect your trails by keeping in mind all vehicles require a trail permit prior to accessing trails. This is particularly important for service vehicles in the winter season as we oftentimes know of certain trails that are excessively wet that may be damaged by heavy vehicles.  Permits are available from the Association office.

Tree Trimming 

Winter pruning of eighty trees at parks and streetscapes is nearly complete. Twelve trees were removed due to disease or adverse impact to private property. We continue to monitor trees throughout the year to prune in the appropriate season. Meanwhile, the 128 trees planted in 2018 are established, and we are looking forward to the Spring growing season.

New Year’s Day Trail Walk

Please join us for what has become an annual family New Years Day tradition. Work off the previous night’s events with a walk on the Nellie Gail Ranch trails with your neighbors. Join us at the trailhead across from Glen Canyon Circle at the corner of Glen Canyon and Bridlewood at 10:00 on Tuesday, January 1. The hike is approximately 2+ miles and will take advantage of Nellie Gail Ranch’s many hills.
The Holland Family

Holiday Hours

The Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 31st and January 1st in observance of the New Year.

The Tennis & Swim Club will close at noon Monday, December 31st, and will be closed New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1st. The Club will be open on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, normal hours, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Holiday Hours

The Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 24th  and 25th in observance of Christmas. The Tennis & Swim Club will close at noon Monday, […]

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Pet Courtesy and Trail Safety

Pet owners, please check to ensure your property perimeter is secure and your dog(s) are not able to access the trails from your property.  We have received several reports of pets escaping their homes and approaching equestrians and trail runners on the trails.  Horses are flight animals and barking or fast approaching dogs (no matter how “friendly”) can potentially lead to a serious injury to the horse, rider or dog.

People are also sometimes unsure of a dogs intention and can become fearful when approached on a trail or in a community park by an off-leash dog.  Particularly when the pet owner is not present.  Please secure your property from “escape”.  And when walking your dog(s), please keep them under control and restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet.  It is both the law and common courtesy!