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.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 317 Events

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area

Stewardship
Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area

Sahara mustard is a plant that threatens to take over native habitat and has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California. This new invasive mustard has encroached upon the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This season is the perfect time for you to act and join us out on the land!

Over the last six years volunteers have been successfully keeping this plant at bay 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 wildlands! This event may include bending, kneeling, and walking across slopes and uneven terrain. All the information you will need and tools will be provided. If you have your own sturdy gardening gloves, please bring them. We hope you can join us!

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

Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Sat, 02/08/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Volutaria Response Team

Stewardship
Volutaria Response Team

Volutaria tubuliflora otherwise known as Egyptian Knapweed is a recently introduced invasive plant to our area and we need your help to get rid of it! It is not yet widespread, and we have a chance to prevent it from taking over at Upper Newport Bay.

During the growing season, we will meet on the second Saturday of every month to survey for this nasty pest and remove everything we find. No experience needed!

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Registration required.

For more information call (949) 923-2250 or email unbic@ocparks.com

Volutaria Response Team
Date:
Sat, 02/08/2020
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Sahara Mustard Pull at Loma Ridge

Stewardship
Sahara Mustard Pull at Loma Ridge

Sahara mustard is a nasty non-native plant that has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California and has encroached at spots on the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmarks. Now is the time to act to keep this highly invasive plant at bay! Loma Ridge was the initial encroachment and this population has been contained and steadily reduced over the last six years through hard work performed largely by volunteers. Your help is needed to search for and remove any new mustard plants that have come up from seed. 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!

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

Sahara Mustard Pull at Loma Ridge
Date:
Thu, 02/13/2020
Time:
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Parks staff and other volunteers in enhancing habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park! Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.

• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water container, and any tools you may have.

Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event
Date:
Sun, 02/16/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

 

 

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 02/20/2020
Time:
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Weir Canyon Sahara Mustard Survey

Stewardship
Weir Canyon Sahara Mustard Survey

Are you an adventurous land steward that aggressive, invasive plants don’t sit well with? Do you want to step up your game in the fight against invasive plants? Then this program is for you. We will be looking for Sahara Mustard and other early sprouting invasive plants in the Weir Canyon Nature Preserve and assessing the need for follow-up programs to treat any large populations. Sahara Mustard has been found in the Weir Creek, its tributary creeks and on steep hillsides below Ox Rock. Program participants will be expected to scamper into and out of the creek beds and on steep hillsides and will be rewarded with the opportunity to visit the less traveled parts of the Nature Preserve.

All tools will be provided, bring water and snacks to last four hours in the wild. Wear clothes and footwear suitable for walking in stream beds and on steep hillsides.

Weir Canyon Sahara Mustard Survey
Date:
Wed, 02/26/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area

Stewardship
Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area

Sahara mustard is a plant that threatens to take over native habitat and has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California. This new invasive mustard has encroached upon the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This season is the perfect time for you to act and join us out on the land!

Over the last six years volunteers have been successfully keeping this plant at bay 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 wildlands! This event may include bending, kneeling, and walking across slopes and uneven terrain. All the information you will need and tools will be provided. If you have your own sturdy gardening gloves, please bring them. We hope you can join us!

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

Sahara Mustard Pull Together: Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Thu, 02/27/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Harding Nature Trail Restoration

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Habitats and other volunteers in restoring the Harding Nature Trail at Irvine Regional Park. Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.
• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools and gloves will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves (if you have them), and water

Harding Nature Trail Restoration
Date:
Sun, 03/01/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, March 8, 2020

CANCELLED: Harding Nature Trail Restoration

Stewardship
Stewardship

Come Join OC Habitats and other volunteers in restoring the Harding Nature Trail at Irvine Regional Park. Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.

• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves, and water

CANCELLED: Harding Nature Trail Restoration
Date:
Sun, 03/08/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Saturday, March 14, 2020

CANCELLED: Volutaria Response Team

Stewardship
CANCELLED: Volutaria Response Team

Volutaria tubuliflora otherwise known as Egyptian Knapweed is a recently introduced invasive plant to our area and we need your help to get rid of it! It is not yet widespread, and we have a chance to prevent it from taking over at Upper Newport Bay.

During the growing season, we will meet on the second Saturday of every month to survey for this nasty pest and remove everything we find. No experience needed!

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Registration required.

For more information call (949) 923-2250 or email unbic@ocparks.com

CANCELLED: Volutaria Response Team
Date:
Sat, 03/14/2020
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, March 15, 2020

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Parks staff and other volunteers in enhancing habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park! Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.

• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water container, and any tools you may have.

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event
Date:
Sun, 03/15/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

CANCELLED: Wildflowers of Upper Newport Bay

Interpretive
Interpretive

The saying goes “April showers bring May flowers” but in our case it really should be “January showers lead to flowers in February, March and April.” Come explore the bluffs above Upper Newport Bay and learn about all the different wildflowers which grow there. Participants will also learn how to identify some of the invasive weeds that can be found there. They may have pretty flowers, but the can cause major problems.

Participants can expect to walk 2-3 miles over uneven terrain.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Registration required. For more information call (949) 923-2250 or email unbic@ocparks.com

CANCELLED: Wildflowers of Upper Newport Bay
Date:
Sun, 03/15/2020
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, June 6, 2020

CANCELLED: National Trails Day at Upper Newport Bay

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join outdoor enthusiasts all of the country and participate in a National Trails Day event on June 6th 2020. At Upper Newport Bay we will recognize this annual event coordinated by the American Hiking Society with a variety of service opportunities. Projects will include clearing trails, habitat restoration, pulling invasive weeds, and picking up trash. Whether you need volunteer service hours or just love the Bay, join us to give back and help protect and preserve one of Orange County’s greatest natural resources.

Children must be 8 years old or older to participate in this event.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.

Walk-ins are welcome, however space is limited, so registration is suggested.

For more information call (949) 923-2250 or email unbic@ocparks.com

CANCELLED: National Trails Day at Upper Newport Bay
Date:
Sat, 06/06/2020
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
8
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Invasive Control: Black Star

Stewardship
Stewardship

 

 

Invasive Control: Black Star
Date:
Wed, 06/17/2020
Time:
6:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Sunday, June 21, 2020

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Parks staff and other volunteers in enhancing habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park! Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.

• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water container, and any tools you may have.

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event
Date:
Sun, 06/21/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Invasive Control: Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

 

 

Invasive Control: Weir Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/25/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Monday, July 13, 2020

Invasive Control: Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

 

 

Invasive Control: Weir Canyon
Date:
Mon, 07/13/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Sunday, July 19, 2020

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Parks staff and other volunteers in enhancing habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park! Activities may include watering, removing invasive plants, planting native plants, mulching, or weeding.

• No experience is necessary.
• Water will be provided.
• Tools will be available.
• Minors aged 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories will cancel the event.

Please Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat.
Please Bring: sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water container, and any tools you may have.

CANCELLED: Peters Canyon Habitat Restoration Event
Date:
Sun, 07/19/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Volunteer Only Invasive Removal: Limestone Canyon

Stewardship
Volunteer Only Invasive Removal: Limestone Canyon

One of the most problematic weed species in Orange County aggressively competes with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Therefore, removal of Sahara Mustard helps suppress new invasions and creates opportunities for native species to thrive. This activity will involve removing mustard using long hand-held tools. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Bring your own gloves.  Please note that participants must wear long sleeves and long pants, as well as sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. A hat and sunscreen is highly recommended. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

 

  • Before leaving your home to report for volunteer work, conduct a self-assessment by
    responding to the following questions (current as of May 31, 2020, from the CDC).
    1. Are you experiencing any of the following?
    a. Fever or chills
    b. Cough
    c. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    d. Fatigue
    e. Muscle or body aches
    f. Headache
    g. New loss of taste or smell
    h. Sore throat
    i. Congestion or runny nose
    j. Nausea or vomiting
    k. Diarrhea
    2. Have you had contact with anyone within the last 14 days who has been
    sick?
    If you answered YES to any item above, stay HOME. And stay HOME if you are
    not feeling well, even if your symptoms are not on the list above. Please contact
    the volunteer management team at activityoperations@irconservancy.org or (714)
    508-4760 (call, do not text). Seek medical attention by contacting your doctor or
    medical provider.
  • Seek emergency medical care immediately if you are experiencing any of the
  • following (current as of May 31, 2020, from the CDC):
  • Trouble breathing, Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, New confusion, Inability to wake or stay awake, Bluish lips or face.

● Pre-fill your personal water containers at home and bring them with you. If you need
to eat during your work shift, bring that with you. IRC is not providing food or beverages.
Do not bring food or beverages to share with others.
● Wear your approved IRC volunteer uniform while on duty, including your IRC
volunteer ID badge. Carry your provided CPR/first aid kit in case you are injured.

If tools or other equipment or supplies are required, you must make arrangements in
advance.

  • Employees will provide sanitized tools and equipment for you to use and will maintain
    an inventory of the items provided to you.
    ● Ideally, you will keep the items in your possession for future use to avoid the need for
    sanitizing after each use.
    ● If you are not able to keep the items in your possession, then you must sanitize all items
    upon returning to the IRC bin or a storage site. Your employee contact will arrange
    sanitation supplies at IRC or the storage site for your use.
    You are not to share any tools, equipment, or other items with any other person, including
    other volunteers.

While Working in the Field
● Face coverings may be required. According to the OC Health Officer’s order of May
28, 2020: “All Orange County residents and visitors shall wear a cloth face-covering
outside their home when they are not able to maintain at least 6 feet of physical
distance from another person who is not a family/household member or does not reside
in the same living unit.”
● Tools and equipment are not to be shared. Volunteers who are working in small
groups should use only the tools and equipment they brought with them. Under no
circumstances should any tools or equipment be shared.
● There will be a limited supply of hand sanitizer. If available, please use it to clean your
hands after touching commonly handled surfaces and fixtures like gates, locks, portable
restrooms, etc. If hand sanitizer is not available, a cleaning solution and paper towels
should be used.
● Wash hands frequently, including before eating. Some field sites may have running
water; if liquid soap and paper towels are available, please use them. If not, completely
cover your hands with hand sanitizer and rub vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds.
● Transportation. All volunteers must be able to drive or otherwise transport themselves
to a staging area, trailhead, or entry point. Transportation of other people is prohibited.
All worksites must be reachable on foot or bike, as there are no IRC vehicles available
for volunteers.
● Do not share food or beverages.
● Maintain six-foot physical distancing at all times.

After Working in the Field
● Wash your hands. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum
of 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer.
● Clean all tools. If returning tools to the IRC bin or a storage area, wearing disposable
gloves, and using spray or wipes, clean tools and equipment. See instructions above.

 

 

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

 

 

Volunteer Only Invasive Removal: Limestone Canyon
Date:
Sat, 07/25/2020
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Invasive Control: Gypsum Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

 

 

Invasive Control: Gypsum Canyon
Date:
Wed, 07/29/2020
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  
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