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
Monday, December 10, 2018
Santiago Oaks Stewardship
Leave your park better than you found it! Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff during monthly habitat stewardship activities at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, aimed at keeping the park’s habitat healthy. Identified in collaboration with the Park Rangers that patrol the trails everyday, stewardship projects can include planting to combat the effects of hiking, biking and riding off-trail, removing invasive plant species that threaten to crowd out the diversity of native plants, and more!
No previous experience is needed, however please note that we may be hiking up steep trails.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Tuesday, December 11, 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.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
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: 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, December 17, 2018
Acorn Planting to Restore Oak Woodlands in Upper Weir Canyon
Come 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 plant acorns to ensure the long-term health of this special habitat.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Quail Hill Habitat Restoration
Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we restore degraded habitat that was once covered in artichoke thistle to a unique native grassland meadow. Native grasslands are a sensitive habitat that supports specialized plants and animals, such as ground nesting birds. This is a habitat in need of your help!
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.
Thursday, December 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.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Dig in! Plant & Protect Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Then join us at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will help us plant new little plants into our growing fields and use various weeding tools to remove weeds so our new plants can grow up strong. Having more plants at the Farm means more seeds to harvest and use to restore wildland in Orange County.
Absolutely no experience required, and all equipment is provided!
Please note our Minors Policy as shown 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.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
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, January 9, 2019
Youth Action Team Stewardship at the Native Seed Farm
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 out at the Native Seed Farm! Stewardship activities can include harvesting native seed, weeding, and planting. 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.
Friday, January 11, 2019
IRC Farm Steward Workday
IRC Farm Stewards are invited to help out at this “openhouse style” workday!
Our tasks and actual location are TBD, and they will be based on accomplishing the Farm’s top priority work for each specific week. Depending on the time of year we might be at the Farm doing planting, weeding, doing nursery things, or at the Extension center cleaning Farm & wild seed , or something else entirely new!
(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!)
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.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Dig in! Plant & Protect Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Then join us at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will help us plant new little plants into our growing fields and use various weeding tools to remove weeds so our new plants can grow up strong. Having more plants at the Farm means more seeds to harvest and use to restore wildland in Orange County.
Absolutely no experience required, and all equipment is provided!
Please note our Minors Policy as shown 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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck
Please join us as we enhance habitat adjacent to the west viewing deck at the Sinks in Limestone Canyon. This area is characterized by beautiful geological formations that resemble a mini Grand Canyon. Volunteers will travel for approximately 20 minutes in an open air safari style truck to the project site. The morning will be spent weeding and watering native shrubs using small shovels and other tools, and will include a 30 minute hike.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
CANCELLED: Dig in! Plant & Protect Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Then join us at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will help us plant new little plants into our growing fields and use various weeding tools to remove weeds so our new plants can grow up strong. Having more plants at the Farm means more seeds to harvest and use to restore wildland in Orange County.
Absolutely no experience required, and all equipment is provided!
Please note our Minors Policy as shown 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 Bommer Canyon
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 morning helping to enhance Bommer Canyon! Stewardship activities can include planting native species to enhance the habitat, planting cactus to close social trails, watering newly planted natives, 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.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
CANCELLED: 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.
Friday, January 18, 2019
IRC Farm Steward Workday
IRC Farm Stewards are invited to help out at this “openhouse style” workday!
Our tasks and actual location are TBD, and they will be based on accomplishing the Farm’s top priority work for each specific week. Depending on the time of year we might be at the Farm doing planting, weeding, doing nursery things, or at the Extension center cleaning Farm & wild seed , or something else entirely new!
(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, January 19, 2019
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: 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: 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!
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Dig in! Plant & Protect Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Then join us at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will help us plant new little plants into our growing fields and use various weeding tools to remove weeds so our new plants can grow up strong. Having more plants at the Farm means more seeds to harvest and use to restore wildland in Orange County.
Absolutely no experience required, and all equipment is provided!
Please note our Minors Policy as shown 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.