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

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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 Open Space Preserve, 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, 12/03/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Night Sky Exploration Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Interpretive
Night Sky Exploration Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Come take a tour of the night sky, while hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will explore the importance of dark skies and the use of stars for navigation, by wildlife and our ancestors. Please dress in layers, bring water, and come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant should carry their own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity. All flashlights must have a red lens or red tinting.

Night Sky Exploration Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Tue, 12/03/2024
Time:
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Learn to Identify Birds by their Vocalizations in Bommer Canyon

Interpretive
Learn to Identify Birds by their Vocalizations in Bommer Canyon

The Open spaces are home to a wide variety of birds. Their songs and calls fill the air and enhance our experience in nature. Come and learn how to identify birds by their vocalization. We will have a short orientation to listening for pitch, tone, and pattern of bird sounds, then we will take a short walk and practice. No experience is necessary. Bring your binoculars, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy listening and looking for our feathered friends.

Learn to Identify Birds by their Vocalizations in Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 12/04/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
5 of 10
More Information  

Nature Narratives

Interpretive
Interpretive

Join OC Parks staff for story time while we enjoy the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park!

Nature Narratives is offered the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story with themed displays followed by an age-appropriate hike.

This program will begin at the Nature Center located near parking lot T. Program content is tailored for ages 2-6 years, but all are welcome to attend. Bringing water and wearing comfortable attire with closed-toe shoes is recommended.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Nature Narratives
Date:
Wed, 12/04/2024
Time:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
5 of 25
More Information  

Adaptation Spotlight: Staying Warm

Interpretive
Adaptation Spotlight: Staying Warm

Join OC Park Naturalists in exploring how different animals stay warm in the winter! We will be looking at animal pelts, testing our own ability to withstand cold water, and playing with fake snow!

Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

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

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 or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

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

Adaptation Spotlight: Staying Warm
Date:
Wed, 12/04/2024
Time:
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
7
More Information  

Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch

Hiking & Fitness
Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch

Take pleasure in a midweek hike, spanning 3.5 to 4 miles, through the urban wilderness of OC Parks’ Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. The hike features an easy to moderate pace with a slight elevation gain of just over 300 feet. Along the way, we’ll discuss the native plants and the diverse wildlife that depends on them. Remember to wear comfortable footwear and carry water.

Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch
Date:
Wed, 12/04/2024
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Where:
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
14 of 20
More Information  

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

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

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. 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 an average of 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:
Wed, 12/04/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
17 of 25
More Information  

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Come out and join us on a breathtaking hike from the Irvine Open Space Preserve into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This week’s docent-led hike begins in the Agua Chinon wash, continues to The Sinks, and may include a side trip to Box Springs, a natural year-round source of fresh water.

Maximum distance is just short of 8 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem!

IRC Volunteers are invited to help at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
4 of 5
More Information  

Fitness Hike – Willow

Hiking & Fitness
Fitness Hike - Willow

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 750-ft. elevation gain.

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking 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.

Fitness Hike - Willow
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Stewardship
Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we enhance the Quail Hill Loop trail by planting and watering native shrubs and milkweed along the loop. Your work will help restore habitat that will benefit wildlife and make the trail enjoyable to explore.

Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
1 of 4
More Information  

The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride

Equestrian
The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View beautiful geological formations and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks. Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
2 of 10
More Information  

Moving with Nature in Mind – Twilight Yoga at the Farm

Hiking & Fitness
Moving with Nature in Mind - Twilight Yoga at the Farm

Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.

Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, wear athletic clothing, and bring appropriate clothing layers for the temperature.

Moving with Nature in Mind - Twilight Yoga at the Farm
Date:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Full
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 Open Space Preserve, 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:
Thu, 12/05/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
19 of 25
More Information  

Friday, December 6, 2024

Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Fremont Loop Distance Hike
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
7 of 15
More Information  

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill

Enjoy a five mile out and back moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) before experiencing yoga outdoors at the Community Center. The hike is highlighted with a short but steep climb which provides great views of the Quail Hill neighborhood and beyond. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Crazy 8 Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Crazy 8 Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Join us on this moderate paced fitness hike in OC Parks Red Rock Wilderness Park. We will hike around 8 miles at a 3.5 mph pace through coastal sage brush and see views of the surrounding Limestone and Black Star Wilderness areas. This hike is designed for fit individuals who relish the challenge of a brisk outdoor adventure.  Please bring a minimum 70 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.

Crazy 8 Hike in Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
11 of 20
More Information  

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

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! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
10 of 15
More Information  

Relax, Rewind, and Recharge: a guided nature therapy walk

Interpretive
Interpretive

Deeper your connection with nature on this gentle and meditative walk through Mile Square Regional Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” you will discover the healing power of nature for yourself.

This slow-paced walk will begin with a guided meditation to help you tune in with your senses, followed by a series of invitations focusing on sense-based explorations. Throughout the program, will be encouraged to deepen your connection with nature, a proven process to help reduce stress and leave you feeling recharged.

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please note this program involves drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

We will meet at Freedom Hall.

Advance registration required.

This program is recommended for ages 16 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Relax, Rewind, and Recharge: a guided nature therapy walk
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
18 of 25
More Information  

Little Explorers: Leaves!

Interpretive
Little Explorers: Leaves!

*This program will begin at the James Dilley Preserve*

Join OC Park Naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore the James Dilley Preserve! Our theme of the month is leaves. We will play with leaves and make leaf art!

Age: 3-6 year-olds. 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 parking lot.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

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

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 or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

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

Little Explorers: Leaves!
Date:
Fri, 12/06/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
3
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  
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