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, September 11, 2018
Science Summary: GIS Volunteer
Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.
Sasha Cheechov: 6.0 hours
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Science Summary: Camera Trapping Data Entry
Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs
Connect with nature and give back to the land as we assist native plants and wildlife flourish in an extremely sensitive area of Limestone Canyon Preserve. You will ride through the canyon in a safari-type vehicle to the Dripping Springs Trail where you may water or add native plants. In addition we will give existing native plants room to thrive as we weed out invasive plants. As a bonus we will hike approximately 2 miles round-trip to Dripping Springs; a fern-covered rock face dripping with life-giving water creating an essential watering hole for wildlife in the canyon. Your work along this trail will not only benefit the plants and animals, but you will be supporting its continued beautification and protection.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 3 activity. The hike is a Level 2 Difficulty Rating.
Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill (Waterworks Trail Project)
Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. Help us to prepare native plants for future planting on the land alongside the new Waterworks Trail in Fremont Canyon. This stewardship activity may involve planting seeds, watering and weeding or potentially working with cacti. Your work at the nursery will help to enhance the native habitat and directly benefit the local wildlife!
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Pulling Together at Quail Hill
Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place on uneven 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.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area
Please join us at the Native Plant Nursery located at the Augustine Staging Area. This is a unique opportunity to help seed native shrubs in small pots. Your help will help to enhance native habitat within Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve! We will be working in close proximity to the parking area.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Science Summary: Camera Trapping Data Entry
Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
COI/ Bommer Canyon – Invasive Removal
Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.
Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. Help us to water native shrubs, as well as to seed native plants and plant cactus into 1 gallons pots. Your work at the nursery will help enhance the native habitat and directly benefit the local wildlife!
Friday, October 5, 2018
First 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. 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.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Bommer Canyon Habitat Restoration
Come get your hands dirty and learn about the restoration process. Please join IRC staff and volunteers in helping restore degraded habitat to pristine habitat in Bommer Canyon, once home to a working cattle ranch. Habitat restoration is important for returning native wildlife and plant species to an area as well as improving ecosystem processes. Just think of the pride you will enjoy when you see the thriving natives over the coming years…. that you directly helped!
No previous experience is needed. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and preferably wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Participants must also bring their own water as well as wear sunscreen and hats. Thank you for your continued support of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
COI/ Bommer Canyon – Invasive Removal
Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.
Keep it Wild – 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: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Forms 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!
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Trail Stewardship
If you enjoy using the wilderness park and aren’t afraid of a little hard work, this is your opportunity to give back by improving the trails. You’ll also learn to see your favorite trails in a new way! Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks for a morning of trail maintenance. We’ll be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels and McLeods to clear brush out of trails, restore features that protect the trails and/or build new features to improve trail sustainability. Ages 17 and up (must have waiver signed by parent). Refreshments served. Trail to be determined closer to event and notification will be sent to those signed up (sign up required). www.lagunacanyon.org.activities. For questions call 949-497-8324
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. Help us to water native shrubs, as well as to seed native plants and plant cactus into 1 gallons pots. Your work at the nursery will help enhance the native habitat and directly benefit the local wildlife!
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Pulling Together at Quail Hill
Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place on uneven 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.
Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs
Connect with nature and give back to the land as we assist native plants and wildlife flourish in an extremely sensitive area of Limestone Canyon Preserve. You will ride through the canyon in a safari-type vehicle to the Dripping Springs Trail where you may water or add native plants. In addition we will give existing native plants room to thrive as we weed out invasive plants. As a bonus we will hike approximately 2 miles round-trip to Dripping Springs; a fern-covered rock face dripping with life-giving water creating an essential watering hole for wildlife in the canyon. Your work along this trail will not only benefit the plants and animals, but you will be supporting its continued beautification and protection.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 3 activity. The hike is a Level 2 Difficulty Rating.
Friday, October 19, 2018
IRC Farm Steward Workday, Seed Mix preparation- correction day
IRC Farm Stewards are invited to help out at this “openhouse style” workday!
We will be at the Lab in the Office pulling out bags and weighing out the seed that will be used this year on the restoration sites!
(Not a Farm Steward yet? To get started on becoming one, check out “Trainings” under the Activities category drop-down menu, and get signed up for the next quarterly Farm Intro Training!)
Saturday, October 20, 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!
Monday, October 29, 2018
Santiago Creek: Invasive Removal
Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place on uneven 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.
Today, Jeff Black worked 3 hours and Theresa Lane worked 4 hours.
Tree Tobacco, castor bean and fennel removal