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.

Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.

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

Search & Filter Activities

Found 564 Events

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 09/28/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/29/2025
More Information  

Family Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Family Hike

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile Family Hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to Barbara’s Lake and back.

Age: 6 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
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.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Family Hike
Date:
Sun, 09/28/2025
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
6
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, fast paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike with 750 ft of elevation. The hike 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:
Sun, 09/28/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/13/2025
More Information  

Monday, September 29, 2025

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Mon, 09/29/2025
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/14/2025
More Information  

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 09/30/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/15/2025
More Information  

Stewardship Day at the West Sinks

Stewardship
Stewardship Day at the West Sinks

Please join us as we enhance habitat at the West Sinks in Limestone Canyon. This area is characterized by beautiful geological formations that resemble a mini–Grand Canyon. Volunteers will travel for approximately 20 minutes in an open-air safari style truck to the project sites. The morning will be spent watering native shrubs and rebuilding berms. We will be using small shovels and other tools. No experience necessary.

Stewardship Day at the West Sinks
Date:
Tue, 09/30/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/15/2025
More Information  

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to nature this Summer? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm! In this evening activity, attendees will learn about one to two (1-2) target species before assisting staff in weeding efforts around our native plant crops. Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Tue, 09/30/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/15/2025
More Information  

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 09/30/2025
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/15/2025
More Information  

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 10/05/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 09/05/2025
More Information  

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 10/12/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 09/12/2025
More Information  

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 10/19/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 09/19/2025
More Information  

Friday, October 24, 2025

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Irvine Regional Park

Interpretive
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Irvine Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Irvine Regional Park
Date:
Fri, 10/24/2025
Time:
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/10/2025
More Information  

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 10/26/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 09/26/2025
More Information  

Friday, October 31, 2025

testing WAD

Multi-Use Recreation
Multi-Use Recreation
testing WAD
Date:
Fri, 10/31/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

testing #2 WAD

Multi-Use Recreation
testing #2 WAD
testing #2 WAD
Date:
Fri, 10/31/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/30/2025
More Information  

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 11/02/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/03/2025
More Information  

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 11/09/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/10/2025
More Information  

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 11/16/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/17/2025
More Information  

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event.

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 11/23/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/24/2025
More Information  

Friday, November 28, 2025

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park

Interpretive
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Peters Canyon Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program will begin at the southern entrance to the the park located at the end of Peters Canyon Rd. near Peters Canyon Elementary School.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking in the lot is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park
Date:
Fri, 11/28/2025
Time:
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 11/14/2025
More Information  
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