Activities and Programs

The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event.  No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and employees. Certain offensive behaviors, including problematic language or attacks based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status will not be tolerated. Participating in certain offensive behaviors may lead to dismissal from activities.

 

    Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered.

Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

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Found 433 Events

Friday, June 28, 2024

Summer Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp

Hiking & Fitness
Summer Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp

Join us at Bommer Canyon for a moderate 3.5 mile hike before experiencing a gentle yoga practice at the newly reopened Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor dance floor is perfect for yoga. The hike is highlighted with beautiful views of the canyon and the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, slower in pace and gentle in practice. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never been to the Cattle Camp before you will be surprised how connected you feel to the cowboys that worked on this land. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking (no cowboy boots please).

Summer Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp
Date:
Fri, 06/28/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/13/2024
More Information  

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.

This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 06/28/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/13/2024
More Information  

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be able to hike steep hills.

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike
Date:
Fri, 06/28/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/13/2024
More Information  

Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon

Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, moderately paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike. The hike may include a few short rest stops along the way and will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.

Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon
Date:
Fri, 06/28/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/13/2024
More Information  

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Advanced Cardio Hike: Limestone

Hiking & Fitness
Advanced Cardio Hike: Limestone

Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, early morning cardio hike in Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.  This is an 8 mile cardio hike, completed in 2.5+ hours, includes a 1000+ foot elevation change. This hike is for experienced, physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. This hike is much faster than a regular walking hike. We average four (4) miles per hour fast-paced and is extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.

Advanced Cardio Hike: Limestone
Date:
Sat, 06/29/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/14/2024
More Information  

Trail Stewardship – Emerald Canyon

Trail Work
Trail Stewardship – Emerald Canyon

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Stewardship might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.

Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Minimum age of 16 years old accompanied by a parent/guardian. If under 18 years old, a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian, provided at the start of the event.
Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
In an effort to protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Emerald Canyon trail

Rendezvous location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach CA

Link to location on Google Maps

Trail Stewardship – Emerald Canyon
Date:
Sat, 06/29/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Nature Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Nature Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come join us at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike is 3-4.5 miles in length with elevation gain. We will hike along Oven Canyon trail through mixed habitat and then up through a single-track trail with switch backs and elevation gain to a 3 different overlook points with a spectacular view of Orange County. Please bring water, sunscreen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Participants must be able to hike up to 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Nature Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 06/29/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/14/2024
More Information  

Family Hike: Red Rocks/Black Star Canyon

Interpretive
Family Hike: Red Rocks/Black Star Canyon

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a dry creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.

Family Hike: Red Rocks/Black Star Canyon
Date:
Sat, 06/29/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/14/2024
More Information  

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Come enjoy a fast-paced early morning hike in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine up to the Fremont Weather Station where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph. After enjoying the view, we’ll hike back the same way to our starting point. This hike involves steep hills and a 1200’ elevation change but the rewards are panoramic views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding areas as well as possible wildlife sightings. Please arrive 15 minutes early; the entrance gate will be shut and locked 5 minutes before start of the activity. Be sure to come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Sun, 06/30/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/15/2024
More Information  

Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Thinking the cardio hikes might be too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slightly slower introduction to cardio hiking. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands where deer and bobcats are frequently observed. Multiple steep climbs and descents, and sweeping views, are included throughout this 6-mile hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Even though this is a slower cardio hike, it is faster than a walk. You must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour the entire time without stopping.

Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sun, 06/30/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/15/2024
More Information  

Mountain Bike Clinic: Terrain Skills

Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Clinic: Terrain Skills

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you just want to hone your existing skills developing terrain-influenced bike handling over several types of man-made features, this is the clinic for you! The class begins with a brief overview of rider fundamentals starting with platform position and weight transfer then covering equipment basics & setup, braking, gearing and a brief bike maintenance Q&A session followed by a series of exercises demonstrating terrain-influenced bike handling over a variety of man-made features including log piles, rock step-ups, A-frames and many more. These riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Mountain Bike Clinic: Terrain Skills
Date:
Sun, 06/30/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/15/2024
More Information  

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Food Preservation Demonstration – Tomato Preservation

Have you ever wanted to learn about preserving and canning your own food? Join The Master Food Preservers of Orange County and OC Parks at George Key Ranch Historic Park for a new series of three upcoming food preservation demonstrations. On Saturday, September 21st, we will be learning about preserving tomatoes. You will have the opportunity to learn about what materials are needed, to witness the steps involved in the process, and get some tips from the experts.

Event and parking are free, but reservations are required due to limited parking onsite.

Food Preservation Demonstration - Tomato Preservation
Date:
Sat, 09/21/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
George Key Ranch Historical Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, December 6, 2024

[TEST] Test Event

Interpretive
[TEST] Test Event

This is a test event used for piloting our new features, please ignore!

[TEST] Test Event
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
9:04 PM - 11:34 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
19 of 20
More Information  
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