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, March 31, 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.
Blue Moon Hike: Orchard Hills
If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Orchard Hills. 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. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring water and a flashlight (red tinting preferred).
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Irvine Ranch Conservancy Community Programs Support-April 2018
Volunteer Office Support for Community Programs
Monday, April 2, 2018
YAT: Restoring Oak Woodlands and Wildlife Monitoring in Upper Weir Canyon
Be a part of the effort to restore the oak woodlands in Weir Canyon that have been impacted by invasive wood-boring beetles and the recent Canyon 2 fire. This is a unique opportunity to see the impacts of the fire and beetle management and to contribute to IRC’s efforts to ensure long-term health of this special habitat.
Work will include removing grass from tree tubes and checking for acorn germination -or- assembling devices with PVC tubes to capture the tracks of small mammals followed by some low-impact hiking in Weir Canyon. All necessary field equipment and gloves will be provided. Meet at Lot 3 in Irvine Regional Park at least 15 minutes before the start time. Transportation will be provided to the work site (approximately a 20-minute drive). We will return to the parking lot no later than the end time indicated.
All participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water for themselves.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
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
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Could use a boost of living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?
Then 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 harvesting seeds from beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
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.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Restoring Oak Woodlands and Wildlife Monitoring in Upper Weir Canyon
Be a part of the effort to restore the oak woodlands in Weir Canyon that have been impacted by invasive wood-boring beetles and the recent Canyon 2 fire. This is a unique opportunity to see the impacts of the fire and beetle management and to contribute to IRC’s efforts to ensure long-term health of this special habitat.
Work will include removing grass from tree tubes and checking for acorn germination -or- assembling devices with PVC tubes to capture the tracks of small mammals followed by some low-impact hiking in Weir Canyon. All necessary field equipment and gloves will be provided. Meet at Lot 3 in Irvine Regional Park at least 15 minutes before the start time. Transportation will be provided to the work site (approximately a 20-minute drive). We will return to the parking lot no later than the end time indicated.
All participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water for themselves.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
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
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon
Please note:
Pre-Registration for this event is required.
Pre-Registration will open on March 7, 2018 and close on April 6, 2018 at 4PM.
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.
All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. The highly popular “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain and can take the majority of the designated event time.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Could use a boost of living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?
Then 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 harvesting seeds from beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
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.
Wildlife Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Led by Sea and Sage Audubon in partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District, Wildlife Walks is a free monthly nature walk for all ages at the beautiful San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Bring your whole family to celebrate spring as you walk around the butterfly garden, deep ponds, and shallow ponds of the 300-acre freshwater San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Witness first-hand the interactions between plants and animals as you explore with all your senses under the guidance of our experienced naturalists. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and sun protection for a walk around water. Come prepared to touch, smell, and hear nature throughout the seasons! Please go to www.seaandsageaudubon.org for further information, or speak with the Audubon House volunteer at 949-261-7963. There is no registration required.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Double Loop: Baker Canyon
Come explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in your backyard! This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and singletrack trails and around 1100’ of accumulated climbing elevation. Though challenging, the hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days you can see Catalina Island and even beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
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
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
IRC Bird Monitoring Program: Weir Canyon Point Count
This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into O.C. Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will be conducting a bird count.
Spaces are limited for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan at ngregory@irconservancy.org
Upper route: Group 2 – Diane Etchison,
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
IRC Bird Monitoring Program: Agua Chinon Point Count
This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into O.C. Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will be conducting a bird count.
Spaces are limited for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan at ngregory@irconservancy.org
Middle Route: Group 2 – Diane Etchison and Donna Bell
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon
This week in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in the remote Fremont Canyon. The hike is just under 6 miles and includes a steep hill. We will hike from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past a historic coal mine, to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying a spectacular view, we will hike back the same way to our starting point. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.
Participants must be able to hike 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1200 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry his/her own water and supplies.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
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
Friday, April 13, 2018
Weekday Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride – Highlights of Limestone Canyon
Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails and join us on this docent led mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon. We will first visit Dripping Springs which is a fern covered, year-round source of water for the local wildlife. The ride will then continue on past the Sinks to our turn-around point at the old ranch water tank on Mustard Road; this point offers panoramic views of the entire Sinks geological formation, the Agua Chinon watershed, Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Adopt-a-Canyon: Agua Chinon Stewardship
Are you a nature lover, hiker, gardener, or just need to get outside to refresh yourself? Does the idea of adopting a canyon interest you? Please come help Irvine Ranch Conservancy restore local habitat, native plants, and wildlife so they may thrive in the canyon of Agua Chinon. No experience is necessary other than a desire to explore and care for our open space. Participants may engage in plant identification, removal of invasive weeds, and planting native plants.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Could use a boost of living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?
Then 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 harvesting seeds from beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
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.