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, May 23, 2024
Parks After Dark
We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!
Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Registration is required for this program.
For questions, please contact Park Ranger II, Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Friday, May 24, 2024
Wildfire Awareness Series: The Resiliency of the Coast Live Oak
For Wildfire Awareness Month, spend the morning learning about fire dependency, resiliency and plant management as we take a slow-paced interpretive hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. As we travel through the majestic oak woodland, we will discuss how the mighty Coast Live Oak has evolved adaptations to be resilient to wildfire. We will also discuss how anthropogenic fires have increased and how the Coast Live Oak is affected by the change of fire frequency.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Animal Signs and Tracks in Agua Chinon
Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.
Family Hike: Round Canyon
Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Nature Journaling: Marsh
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. This month’s journaling theme is “marsh.”
The program will begin outside the Peters Canyon Regional Park Ranger Station. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a moderate distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Advance registration required.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
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.
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset
Join us in the back-country wilderness for a journey filled with beautiful sights that are photographic and artistic sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon. We will be deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia, in the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon. You will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it. We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes, and answer questions.
Monday, June 3, 2024
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Baker Canyon
Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Baker Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate a relationship to our local wildlands.
This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon
Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.
Family Hike: Round Canyon
Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Bats: Heroes of the Night
As the day starts to settle into the night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out towards a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 a mile. Dress warmly as it may be a chilly evening. A camping chair is welcome as we will have a short introductory presentation in the staging area before the walk.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Discover Hidden Canyons: Black Star
Discover the hidden canyons and trails found in Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. These seldom-hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, wildflowers, secluded oasis of oaks, and rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales of how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as proper sun protection and, please bring plenty of water.
Bright Birds of Spring at Fremont Canyon – Bird Walk
It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
Friday, June 14, 2024
Phone Photo Friday
Cell phones are everywhere. Chances are, you’re reading this program description on one right now. Why not put that phone to greater use by getting outside and using it to engage with our parks? If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about that camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.
The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are encouraged.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Walk-ins are welcome, registration is preferred.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Monday, June 17, 2024
Bright Birds of Spring in Agua Chinon – Bird Walk
It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Springtime Bird Walk
Spring is in the air and birds are rejoicing! Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
This walk begins at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Wee Wonder Walks: Daylight, Starlight
Hawks to owls, rabbits to opossums, butterflies to moths…daylight creatures have friends that match them at night! Hear a fun tale about diurnal and nocturnal critters and make a fun craft to take home.
This activity is perfect for wee little ones, 2-6 years of age. We will spend the first half of the morning enjoying our nature topic, then make a craft or listen to a story, and end by exploring the trails on an easy-paced walk that is suitable for little eager feet. Parents/guardians must register along with their child(ren).
Thursday, June 20, 2024
What’s Buzzing at the Native Seed Farm? Native Plants and their Pollinators!
Join us as we explore the native seed farm while learning about plants, pollination, and pollinators. We’ll focus on the native plants grown at the farm as we talk about, and identify, the pollinators we find on them. Closed-toe shoes and water are required for the walk. Hats and sunscreen highly recommended.
Summer Solstice Stroll
Experience the serenity of the summer equinox while enjoying Baker Canyon. Plants and animals bast in the longest daylight hours of the year, gearing up for the approaching summer heat. Celebrate the official first day of summer at 1:50 p.m. while on the trails.
Friday, June 21, 2024
Seasonal Science Series: Spring Social Butterfly Habitat Enhancement
Join us for a slow-paced interpretive hike related to current IRC projects focused on research, monitoring, and conservation. The series will rotate through the landscape based on the season and projects.
For this series, we will spend the spring morning hiking along beautiful Limestone Canyon where we will focus on the butterflies in Limestone Canyon, and the newly created butterfly habitat plots. These plots were seeded and planted with a variety of both host and nectar plants to aid the documented, declining population of butterflies in the canyon. We will hike through Limestone canyon plot by plot, and up to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face.