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.
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.
Search & Filter Activities
Monday, November 23, 2015
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks
This slow-paced adult only mountain bike ride in Limestone Canyon will take you through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route goes all the way to The Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon.”Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat, and hope to see some of our local native animals and raptors. For mountain bikers with minimum of six months of trail experience who would like to join IRC volunteers on a 8 – 9 mile ride with 400 – 800 feet of elevation gain.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
CANCELLED: 4th Tuesday Habitat Restoration at Quail Hill
Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants and sowing native seeds can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact! All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Note that this activity is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Please review the Difficulty Ratings before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Full Moon Hike: Bommer Canyon
If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Bommer Canyon. 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.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Mid Week Hike: Bommer Canyon
Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon. This area was historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.
This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 2200+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking distance is 10-12 miles.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon
Join us for this relaxing combination of hiking and yoga in Bommer Canyon. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, as the canyon slowly warms up for the day.
Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended, in addition to two towels for yoga positioning assistance. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Sea Glass Jewelry
Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (Park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.) Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation. Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15)
No pre-registration is required.
Full Moon Hike – Orchard Hills
If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Orchard Hills. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring water and a flashlight (red tinting preferred).
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Thanksgiving Wobble Walk
Led by OC Parks in partnership with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner on this slow-paced, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and LCF volunteers. Ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required. Sign-up online at http://www.eventbrite.com/o/laguna-canyon-foundation-1000954979. For questions call: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included throughout this 6 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Let’s Go Hiking
Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation, but questions welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven. Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack, and wear proper hiking shoes. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (I-5/405 to 133/Laguna Canyon Rd. S, past El Toro Road intersection, on right-hand side). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.
Monthly Beach Cleanup
Calling all litterbug busters! Join the Office of Natural Resources at the City of Newport Beach the last Saturday of every month from 9:00AMto 12:00PM as we clean beaches and waterways of debris and litter to keep our ocean healthy. In an effort to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that will be used at each cleanup, we encourage you to bring reusable buckets and gloves, though we will provide bags and gloves if needed. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and be sure to bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle! Open to all ages, but participants under 18 years must have a parent/guardian present and sign their waiver. Look for our blue EZ-Up tent and see you there! For any questions, please contact: marineeducation@
Our Magnificent Oaks Interpretive Walk
Do the majestic oak trees that reside in our local wild lands fascinate you? Would you like to know more about them, their survival techniques and the relationships they have with the wildlife around them? Then come out on this easy walk while we observe and learn about the wonderful oaks in our ecosystem. This will be an easy, highly interpretive program. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Enjoy an early evening family hike in Agua Chinon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation of as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Crystal Cove Full Moon Hike
Crystal Cove State Park docents will lead a guided interpretive 2-hour, 4-mile full moon hike on Saturday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m. Terrain will be uneven and steep with a 700 foot elevation gain/loss in some areas on this moderate night hike. Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground.) Wear sturdy shoes, bring water & a flashlight, and dress in layers.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Beginning Fitness Hike in Weir Canyon
Ready for a workout, but not sure where to start? Join us for a fitness-focused hike in Weir Canyon. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. The 5 to 5.5 mile hike is conducted at about 3 miles per hour over mainly level trails with opportunity to do one hill with elevation gain of approx. 450 ft.
Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Cardio Hike: Limestone
Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this fast-paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.
Remember, this cardio hike is much faster than a walk, and features a 1,300-foot elevation change. You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3.5-to-4 mph without stopping. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Family Hike at Crystal Cove State Park
Summer is a wonderful time to learn about our local nature. Join a park naturalist on a family hike at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants and animals living in the park on Sunday, November 29 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.)
$15 day-use fee