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
Saturday, January 30, 2016
CANCELLED: Ancient Volcanoes Hike
Join a park volunteer on an Ancient Volcanoes Hike in the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park and explore several of the parks volcanic features on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn about the land/seascape setting 10 million to 11 million years ago, and then head out to observe some volcanic sites in the park. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park.) $15 day-use fee.
Sahara Mustard Buster Training At Orchard Hills
Sahara mustard is a nasty exotic that has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California, can swamp out native wildflowers and shrubs and is just beginning to encroach upon the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Now is the time to act! Over the last five years volunteers have helped keep this plant at bay at Orchard Hills within the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve-North. Lead Land Steward Henry DiRocco will train YOU to correctly identify and search for and destroy Sahara mustard over the course of a lovely afternoon hike along Orchard Hills Loop Trail. This training will provide you with crucial information needed to search for and remove new mustard plants that have come up from seed so that we can keep this weed from infesting our wild lands! Sahara mustard busting veterans are also very welcome! This event will include bending, kneeling and walking over some uneven terrain. All training and tools will be provided. We hope you can join us!
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’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. 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. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the 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.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Birding Adventure
Led by Newport Bay Conservancy on behalf of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists lead a walk starting at Shellmaker Island along Back Bay Drive. There are great opportunities to view shorebirds, waterfowl, and other birds while learning about this important estuary. Please call 949 923-2269 for reservations which are encouraged, and directions. Bring sun protection and binoculars if you have them.
CANCELLED: Zumba
Are you ready to try a new exercise that is fun and energetic while enjoying the great outdoors? Come dance to the fantastic aerobic workout, ZUMBA!! Join us as we take on a variety of Latin flavor moves through dancing the Salsa, Maringa, Flamenco and more! Different dance routines feature interval moves from fast to slow rhythms, adding in resistance training to tone and sculpt your body while burning calories. You don’t need to be a professional dancer, just have the drive to try! It’s high energy, it’s zesty…it’s ZUMBA! Please wear comfortable workout clothes, closed toed shoes, bring plenty of water, and be ready to move!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Community Day at the Back Bay Science Center
Come visit the Office of Natural Resources, Recreation and Senior Services Department at the City of Newport Beach at the Back Bay Science Center (located at 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660) every Sunday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM to experience the beauty of Upper Newport Bay while browsing a research and education facility! Explore tidepool touch tanks, observe coastal bay and estuary birds, or examine some biofacts in the Teaching Lab. No reservations are required for this free event and it is open to all ages. For any questions, please contact marineeducation@
Kayak Tour
The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach every Sunday. This is one of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay by getting out on the water. Kayaking in the Newport Beach Back Bay is fun and easy. Tours leaves from the Newport Aquatic Center at 10:00 am. They are great for both novices and experiences paddlers alike.
Beachside Ranger Chat
Learn about some of the fun and interesting animals that live at Crystal Cove State Park on Sunday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Historic District Education Commons where Park Naturalist Alex will host a Beachside Chat. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk through the tunnel or take the shuttle.) Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).