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

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/26/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, May 27, 2022

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.

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.

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 05/27/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/02/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, June 3, 2022

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Fri, 06/03/2022
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Saturday, June 4, 2022

National Trails Day Restoration

Stewardship
Stewardship

Every year on the first Saturday in June, the American Hiking Society calls all public lands users together for a day of service in support of outdoor spaces we hold dear. This year, OC Parks will answer that call with a family friendly habitat restoration project at Upper Newport Bay. Activities will include watering native plants and removing invasive weeds.

Gloves, drinking water, and tools will be provided.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times.

Walk-in’s welcome, but space is limited so registration is suggested.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

National Trails Day Restoration
Date:
Sat, 06/04/2022
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Virtual Presentation by UCI MCRS Grad Students: Post-Fire Resiliency of Coastal Sage Scrub Communities

Interpretive
Irvine Ranch Conservancy Virtual Presentation by UCI MCRS Grad Students: Post-Fire Resiliency of Coastal Sage Scrub Communities

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is proud to host this Zoom presentation at which UCI MCRS (Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science) Graduate Students will present their findings on the effects of the recent Silverado Fire on restored vs. unrestored Coastal Sage Scrub communities. The study was on how restored CSS communities recovered compared to unrestored degraded and intact areas post-fire, whether physiological traits influence post-fire cover of CSS species, and how restored grassland changed over time in relation to temperature, precipitation, and fire.

Their study was done in collaboration with Irvine Ranch Conservancy and aimed at understanding the vegetation dynamics in IRC restoration sites (Bee Flat in Limestone Canyon) following fire.

The presentation will be made by:

Rubeen Khunkhun- Rubeen earned her B.S. in Environmental Resource Management with concentrations in Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) & Forestry from CSU Bakersfield. During her undergraduate studies, Rubeen worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resource Conservation Service to implement sustainable cultivation practices with a local farmer.

Michelle dela Cruz- Michelle dela Cruz is a graduating student in the UCI Master’s in Conservation in and Restoration Science program who excels at data management and visualization. She is also a communications and marketing assistant at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, where she manages publication data and creates infographic data visualizations.

Jessica Rath- Jessica Rath is a Los Angeles-based artist and educator who is originally from an organic cattle farm in the southern Missouri Ozarks. Restoration projects on family land inspired her entry in the Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science program at UCI in 2020. Over the past ten years she has created art/science collaborations with animal behaviorists and plant physiologists. Her focus during the MCRS program has been post-fire resiliency and fire severity research in coastal sage scrub plant communities.She works as a Professor at ArtCenter College of Design and holds a B.A. in Sociology (University of Missouri-Columbia) and a M.F.A. in Fine Art (California Institute of the Arts).

BryAnna Wertz- BryAnna received her undergraduate degree from Whittier College where she majored in Biology, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies. While at Whittier she had the opportunity to conduct research in South Africa and Hong Kong on invasive plant species and their impact on local ecosystems. After graduation she began working for Southern California Edison in their vegetation management department. Her main interests are in ecology, plant physiology, and conservation. After graduating from the MCRS program, she will be pursuing her PhD in plant biology at University of California, Riverside.

 

There will be a Q&A period after the presentation.

 

Please register on this website.  A Zoom link/webinar invite will be included in the confirmation email you will receive when you register.

 

Thank you for your support and interest in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

 

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Virtual Presentation by UCI MCRS Grad Students: Post-Fire Resiliency of Coastal Sage Scrub Communities
Date:
Tue, 06/07/2022
Time:
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Ranch Conservancy
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/09/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, June 10, 2022

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Fri, 06/10/2022
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Pulling Together at Quail Hill

Stewardship
Pulling Together at Quail Hill

North African Knapweed, Centaurea diluta, is a recently introduced invasive plant and we need your help to get rid of it! Invading weeds degrade habitat for wildlife, exacerbate wildfire risks, and reduce overall biodiversity. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding North African Knapweed from Quail Hill in Irvine.

This activity takes place on some uneven terrain, and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Training and tools will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

We will meet at the Quail Hill Trailhead parking lot, then walk 15-20 minutes on a bikeway adjacent to the 405 Freeway to the work site.

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

Pulling Together at Quail Hill
Date:
Thu, 06/16/2022
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/16/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, June 17, 2022

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Fri, 06/17/2022
Time:
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/23/2022
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/23/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, June 24, 2022

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.

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.

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 06/24/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Invasive Species Control

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/30/2022
Time:
6:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 06/30/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Yellow Star Thistle Pull at Gypsum Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Volunteer-Only Yellow Star thistle invasive removal.

Yellow Star Thistle Pull at Gypsum Canyon
Date:
Wed, 07/06/2022
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Gypsum Staging Areas for IRC Volunteer Activity
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Sat, 07/09/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, July 15, 2022

Puncture Vine Pull at Limestone Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Volunteer-Only Sahara mustard invasive removal.

Puncture Vine Pull at Limestone Canyon
Date:
Fri, 07/15/2022
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Sat, 07/30/2022
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  
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