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
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon
Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we plant native shrubs along the new Waterworks Trail in Fremont! Spend the afternoon working under an oak woodland and coastal sage habitat. Your work on the trail will help establish important habitat in Fremont for local wildlife.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.
Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.
Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.
Youth Action Team Stewardship at Augustine
The Youth Action Team, an after school community-service based program throughout the City of Irvine regularly volunteers their time to steward the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This week, middle school students will spend their afternoon helping to enhance Limestone Canyon! Stewardship activities can include planting native species and weeding at the Augustine Staging Area, nursery work, watering and more. Please help lead this group and provide a wonderful experience they will never forget!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.
Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.
Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.
CANCELLED-Staff Santiago Oaks Nature Center
Allow Park Rangers to keep the beautiful Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center open for public enjoyment. Volunteers will monitor visitors and keep attendance. Building is climate controlled. No experience is necessary.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon
Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we plant native shrubs along the new Waterworks Trail in Fremont! Spend the afternoon working under an oak woodland and coastal sage habitat. Your work on the trail will help establish important habitat in Fremont for local wildlife.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
CANCELLED-Staff Santiago Oaks Nature Center
Allow Park Rangers to keep the beautiful Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center open for public enjoyment. Volunteers will monitor visitors and keep attendance. Building is climate controlled. No experience is necessary.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Restoration Stewardship – Big Bend
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our habitat restoration stewardship events in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and sun protection and bring water. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! Big Bend Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 1 miles south of El Toro Rd.). Youth ages 16 and 17 are eligible to volunteer with parent permission. A form is required to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to starting the volunteer activities. Youth under the age of 16 are not eligible to volunteer unless accompanied by an adult or guardian. On line reservations required: lagunacanyon.org/activitiesForms available on this webpage as well.
For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Watering the Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Watering the Native Plant Nursery at the Quail Hill Trailhead, inside the gated yard off the parking lot. Germinating seeds under the black shade cloth: water under the mist setting to moisten soil and cover back with shade cloth. All other grass plugs and 4″ pots not covered: water under the shower setting once. The larger, gallon sized pots do not need to be watered unless noted prior to your shift. Watering can occur at any time during your said available days.
**No need to water during rainy days.
Watering-Tecate Cypress Trees in Fremont Canyon
Help to water the rare Tecate Cypress Trees in Fremont Canyon. Your help will encourage these wonderful trees to grow, and provide the land with a Tecate Cypress Tree seed-bank. Also, help monitor the growth of the trees by frequently changing the fencing around the trees as they grow.
Watering-Waterworks Trail in Fremont Canyon
Help to water the newly planted shrubs along the Waterworks trail Fremont Canyon. Your help will encourage shrubs to grow to help restore native habitat after the recent fires in Fremont.
Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.
Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.
Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.
Watering Native Shrubs at Augustine Nursery
IRC volunteers will help to water and maintain the native shrubs at the Augustine Nursery to enhance the Augustine Staging area and Dipping Springs Trail. Thank you!
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Sahara Mustard Pull at Loma Ridge
Sahara mustard is a nasty exotic that has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California 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 been successfully keeping this plant at bay at Loma Ridge within the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Your help is 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! This event will include bending, kneeling and walking across slopes and uneven terrain. All training and tools will be provided. We hope you can join us!
Science Summary: GSOB Monitoring- Wier (O.C. Parks)
Summary of Volunteer Hours for stewardship work performed.
Friday, March 2, 2018
First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like removing weeds 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-4 activity on the land.