Office Assistance for Community Programs

Weir Canyon

Michael Mavrovouniotis : 2/24/2016 – 5.0 hours;2/29/2016 6.0 hours;  Total Hours: 11.0

Gretchen Mavrovouniotis: 2/24/2016 – 5.0 hours; 2/29/2016 – 6.0 hours;  Total Hours: 11.0

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness walk on the paved Hicks Haul Road. 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.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3/4 activity on the land.

The road is paved and the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty!  We will have two fairly steep hill ascents and descents. 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.

Walkers should be confident in their ability to hike 3, 6, or 8 miles at a steady pace. Ages 16 and up. Low interpretation.

Explore Limestone Canyon by night on this intermediate mountain bike night ride. We will ride out of Augustine, up Loma Ridge, down to The Sinks, and along Limestone Ridge or Limestone Valley, depending on the group. Please plan for a distance between 10 and 15 miles. Hopefully we will see some wildlife, but we certainly will have an adventure!

Trails include natural hazards such as sand, tree roots, exposed rocks, and ruts.  Expect several steep climbs on this 12-15 mile ride with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet.  This night ride is for experienced adult riders.  Lights required.

Understanding the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Want to have fun while giving back to Nature? Like to play in the dirt?

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 working to helping us expand the Farm’s impact by planting new plants into our growing fields, and weeding to protect them while they grow. Tools, knee pads and training will be provided. No experience needed!

Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (Park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.)  Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation.  Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15)

No pre-registration is required.

Join us every Wednesday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Goldspotted Oak Borer Survey – Weir Canyon

Michael Mavrovouniotis: 2/4/2016 – 3.0 hours; Total Hours: 3.0

Gretchen Mavrovouniotis: 2/4/2016 – 3.0 hours; Total Hours: 3.0

Come enjoy a leisurely paced, 2-3 mph, hike in the Irvine Open Space. Get to know the nature around you as we explore the Orchard Hills loop. We will walk around an avocado orchard that borders on the natural open space. Far-reaching views from the highest point reward your effort.

The Orchard Hills route is 3 miles and includes several significant climbs. Please be prepared with water and closed toe sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen and all other necessary elements to keep you healthy on the trail.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.

The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting and sowing seed of native plants and weeding and can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Allow Park Rangers to keep the beautiful and historical Irvine Regional Park Nature Center open for public enjoyment. This training will prepare Volunteers to assist with staffing the Nature Center on weekdays and weekends. No previous experience is necessary. If you have any questions about this training, please contact the park office at 714-973-6835.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in a classroom and outdoor setting to learn about outdoor hiking skills. The class will be followed by an easy 2-mile hike on level terrain. We will cover boots, day packs, poles, clothing and the ten most essential items to have in your pack. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks.
Explore the beauty and diversity of Willow Canyon, Bommer Ridge, and Emerald Canyon in the backcountry of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This will be a strenuous, 7.2-mile hike (650-ft. elevation gain) over rocky, steep, and uneven terrain. We will hike through sycamore and oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and along ridges with beautiful vistas. Participants should be fit and able to hike long distances. For your safety and comfort bring 2-3 liters of water, a hat, a hearty snack and proper hiking shoes. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8325.). Parking: $3.

Start your weekend off by exploring the endless opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by feet, hooves or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers alike.

Come experience Limestone Canyon’s beauty from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided access hiking, biking, and equestrian use during Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon. Equestrian riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy the historic ranch roads of days gone by. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas from the mighty ridge tops and drink in the cool canyon shade through the oak grove.

Want to have fun while giving back to Nature? Like to play in the dirt?

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 working to helping us expand the Farm’s impact by planting new plants into our growing fields, and weeding to protect them while they grow. Tools, knee pads and training will be provided. No experience needed!

Join an introductory hike through the beautiful Limestone Canyon Canyon Nature Preserve. This month on the guided walk, we will offer an 8-mile distance hike to The Sinks, an iconic geological formation often compared to a mini-Grand Canyon for Orange County. Chat with your naturalist as you enjoy this out-and-back flat trail as it meanders through the bottom of the oak woodland canyon, taking in the sights of hugging canyon walls, soaring hawks and possible hidden deer.

Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.