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
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Ranger Reserve Camera Service, Irvine Ranch Open Space, OC Parks
Come out to assist OC Park Rangers service a system of access monitoring cameras on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Explore the beautiful Irvine Ranch Open Space while providing critical assistance to the camera program. Must be a current OC Parks Ranger Reserve to participate. Prior experience on the Open Space camera route, or working with someone who has, is required.
Science Summary: Unhealthy Oak Monitoring-Limestone Canyon
Summary of Volunteer Hours for stewardship work performed.
Michael Mavrovouniotis: 7/13/2016 – 2.0 hours; Total Hours: 2.0
Saturday, September 3, 2016
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Want to smell the sun-dried sweetness of summertime? Want to feel the crunch of crispy golden brown pods? Come and refresh your senses while giving back to Nature! Absolutely no experience required.
Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be harvesting seeds from our quirky native Summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushions and Heart-leaved Beard Tongue. Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself, and all tools and training with be provided. You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work!
Nursery Plant Propagation and Care Day
Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation in partnership with Orange County Parks. Join us at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from seed to mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers! Wear closed-toed shoes, layered clothing and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Bring water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers. Free parking passes will be provided for you at the nursery. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Want to smell the sun-dried sweetness of summertime? Want to feel the crunch of crispy golden brown pods? Come and refresh your senses while giving back to Nature! Absolutely no experience required.
Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be harvesting seeds from our quirky native Summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushions and Heart-leaved Beard Tongue. Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself, and all tools and training with be provided. You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work!
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Black Star Canyon Habitat Enhancement
Join us as we steward Black Star Canyon! With your help, we will work to protect and enhance the natural habitat by planting small and easy-to-handle prickly pear cactus pads. Once placed in the ground, the single pads will take root and eventually grow into large stands, providing important shelter and food for the local wildlife. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training will be provided.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Adopt a Canyon – Agua Chinon Stewardship
Are you a nature lover, hiker, gardener, or just want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Does the idea of adopting a canyon across four seasons and being part of a longer term project interest you? Please come help Irvine Ranch Conservancy restore local habitat, native plants and wildlife so they may thrive in Agua Chinon.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Want to smell the sun-dried sweetness of summertime? Want to feel the crunch of crispy golden brown pods? Come and refresh your senses while giving back to Nature! Absolutely no experience required.
Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be harvesting seeds from our quirky native Summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushions and Heart-leaved Beard Tongue. Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself, and all tools and training with be provided. You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Second Sunday Restoration Program
Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring hat, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Water and tools are provided.
•Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
•Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
•Rain or heat advisories cancels event.
CANCELLED: Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. This month, help us to plant native seeds into small containers, and/or thin out and transplant tiny seedlings to create room for the plants to thrive. We will be working within the shaded nursery compound off of the trailhead parking lot. This is a unique opportunity to help start native plants right at the same location they will be planted. Your work at the nursery will help to enhance the native habitat within the Irvine Open Space Preserve – directly benefiting the local wildlife!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Adopt a Grassland – West Loma Stewardship
California native grasslands are a disappearing habitat that is home to many unique and endangered plants and animals. Please join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers for an opportunity to participate in a hands-on habitat restoration activity. Come join the team and help native plants and wildlife so they may thrive in West Loma.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Want to smell the sun-dried sweetness of summertime? Want to feel the crunch of crispy golden brown pods? Come and refresh your senses while giving back to Nature! Absolutely no experience required.
Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be harvesting seeds from our quirky native Summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushions and Heart-leaved Beard Tongue. Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself, and all tools and training with be provided. You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work!
Saturday, September 17, 2016
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Want to smell the sun-dried sweetness of summertime? Want to feel the crunch of crispy golden brown pods? Come and refresh your senses while giving back to Nature! Absolutely no experience required.
Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be harvesting seeds from our quirky native Summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushions and Heart-leaved Beard Tongue. Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself, and all tools and training with be provided. You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work!
California Coastal Cleanup Day at Crystal Cove State Park
Join Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. as we celebrate California Coastal Cleanup Day. Meet at Pelican Point lot #4 or Reef Point. Volunteers are needed to clean the 3.5 miles of coastline of the park. Parking fee waived for volunteers entering the park between 8:30 a.m.-11: 30 a.m. For more information, see www.crystalcovestatepark.com.
Coastal Cleanup Day at the Bay
In partnership with OC Parks, City of Newport Beach and California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Newport Bay Conservancy presents Coastal Cleanup Day. Be one of the 1,000 people to venture into the marsh and remove over 20k lbs. of trash and recyclables. To register, visit NBC’s website, www.newportbay.org/stewardship/cleanupday/
Sunday, September 18, 2016
3rd Sunday Restoration Day at Peters Canyon Regional Park
Help improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park by remove non-native invasive plants, which steal light, water and nutrients from native species. Please bring sunscreen, drinking water, light snacks, and gloves, and wear a hat and closed-toe shoes.
Nursery Plant Propagation and Care Day
Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation in partnership with Orange County Parks. Join us at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from seed to mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers! Wear closed-toed shoes, layered clothing and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Bring water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers. Free parking passes will be provided for you at the nursery. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324.
Santiago Oaks Stewardship
Leave your park better than you found it! Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff during monthly habitat stewardship activities at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, aimed at keeping the park’s habitat healthy. Identified in collaboration with the Park Rangers that patrol the trails everyday, stewardship projects can include planting to combat the effects of hiking, biking and riding off-trail, removing invasive plant species that threaten to crowd out the diversity of native plants, and more!
No previous experience is needed, however please note that we may be hiking up steep trails.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Tecate Cypress Stewardship
The Tecate Cypress is a rare species found only in southern California and northern Baja California. Unfortunately, the northern most population in the Santa Ana Mountains is in severe decline due to too-frequent wildfires. In effort to protect this rare species, locally genetic trees have been planted in Fremont Canyon, in close proximity to the staging area. Join us as we deeply water and weed around the young trees. Your work will ensure the newly-planted Tecate has all they need to thrive, and will directly help the effort to ensure the persistence of this unique forest community here in Orange County!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Adopt a Canyon – Agua Chinon Stewardship
Are you a nature lover, hiker, gardener, or just want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Does the idea of adopting a canyon across four seasons and being part of a longer term project interest you? Please come help Irvine Ranch Conservancy restore local habitat, native plants and wildlife so they may thrive in Agua Chinon.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.