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 827 Events

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Group Stewardship in Baker Meadow

Stewardship
Group Stewardship in Baker Meadow

Spend your morning working alongside volunteers from Dell EMC Company in a beautiful oak woodland in Baker Canyon. We will be watering, weeding and mulching newly planted trees and native shrubs. No experience necessary.

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

Group Stewardship in Baker Meadow
Date:
Sat, 06/24/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
15
More Information  

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Seed Processing Workday: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Seed Processing Workday: Native Seed Farm

IRC Volunteer & Farm Stewards are invited to help process seed at this farm workday! Our specific tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be working on cleaning, prepping, and bagging seeds for IRC’s restoration work.

Processing the seed that we collect out in the wild or grow out at the farm is a necessary part of the Native Seed Farm’s goal to provide a reliable source of quality seeds for restoration project. Seed collected in the farm and field often is not pure – with a variety of excess plant material, dirt, and other substances that are not desirable. By processing the seed using a variety of different methods – hand sorting, sifting, crushing, etc. – we are able to ensure that our restoration team has pure seed for their projects!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, as well as long periods of sitting, standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Seed Processing Workday: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Tue, 06/27/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Limestone Butterfly Islands Stewardship

Stewardship
Limestone Butterfly Islands Stewardship

Spend your morning helping IRC monitor and weed the new Butterfly Islands in Limestone. With your help we will be able to create “islands” of host and nectar plants for butterflies in decline in Limestone Canyon.

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

Limestone Butterfly Islands Stewardship
Date:
Thu, 06/29/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

CANCELLED: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Stewardship
CANCELLED: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Please join IRC staff water milkweed and nectar plants for the Monarch butterfly in Bommer Canyon. With your help we will create islands of Milkweed and nectar plants that will help support the seasonal migration of Monach butterflies. We may be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

CANCELLED: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer
Date:
Wed, 07/05/2023
Time:
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Friday, July 14, 2023

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

IRC Volunteer Stewards are invited to help at this all-purpose Farm workday! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering,– whatever it takes!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 07/14/2023
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Friday, July 28, 2023

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 or removing non-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, 07/28/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast

Stewardship
Keep It Wild - Laguna Coast

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, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Please register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email derek_b@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Minimum age of 16 years old accompanied by a parent/guardian. If under 18 years old, a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian, provided at the start of the event.
Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
In an effort to protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.

Location: The Nix Nature Center (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651).

Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

Keep It Wild - Laguna Coast
Date:
Sat, 08/05/2023
Time:
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Stewardship
Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Spend the morning watering and nurturing Tecate Cypress trees and Coast Live Oak seedlings at the Fremont Staging area.

Please be aware that you may be instructed to use tools for this activity such as; but not limited to, pliers, mallets, trowels and shovels.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day
Date:
Tue, 08/08/2023
Time:
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Friday, August 11, 2023

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

IRC Volunteer Stewards are invited to help at this all-purpose Farm workday! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering,– whatever it takes!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Late arrivals and early exits are permitted with prior communication with the event lead.

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 08/11/2023
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Spend the morning in a beautiful oak woodland watering Coast Live Oak seedlings in Weir Canyon. To get to the planting site we will travel for 15 minutes in a safari style truck giving you majestic views of Weir Canyon. We may be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 stewardship activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon
Date:
Tue, 08/15/2023
Time:
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, August 25, 2023

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 or removing non-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, 08/25/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Augustine Nursery Stewardship

Stewardship
Augustine Nursery Stewardship

Please join us at the Augustine native plant nursery to transplant seedlings into larger containers for various habitat restoration and enhancement projects.  We will be in close proximity to the parking area at the Augustine staging area in Limestone Canyon. 

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Augustine Nursery Stewardship
Date:
Tue, 08/29/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 08/30/2023
Time:
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Friday, September 1, 2023

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

IRC Volunteer Stewards are invited to help at this all-purpose Farm workday! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering,– whatever it takes!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Late arrivals and early exits are permitted with prior communication with the event lead.

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 09/01/2023
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Stewardship
Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Spend the morning watering and nurturing Tecate Cypress trees and Coast Live Oak seedlings at the Fremont Staging area.

Please be aware that you may be instructed to use tools for this activity such as; but not limited to, pliers, mallets, trowels and shovels.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day
Date:
Tue, 09/05/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Biking the Bay

Interpretive
Interpretive

Join Newport Bay Conservancy volunteers at the beautiful Upper Newport Bay for a naturalist-led bike ride. Participants will be introduced to the Bay and the work of the Conservancy while enjoying natural scenery and moderate physical exertion on a safe and guided bike ride along the trail. Learn about major points of interest and recreational, educational, and/or stewardship opportunities around the Bay.

This ride is appropriate for moderately experienced riders with their own bike capable of traversing 10 miles in 2 hours over paved bike trails with frequent interpretation breaks. We begin at the parking lot of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, head out to the Back Bay Science Center, then return to the Muth Center, with stops at Jamboree Bridge, Big Canyon, and Vista Point along the way.

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Change: 155 feet

Minors must have parent/guardian present at all times.

A small donation is requested to secure your registration.

For full details and to register, go to: BikingTheBay.eventbrite.com

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

  • Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
  • Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail.
  • Sign a liability waiver before beginning the activity. A link to the waiver will be sent to registered participants in advance of the event.

You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Please note that adverse weather conditions may cancel the event. The direction of travel on the bike route is subject to change at the naturalist lead’s discretion.

Biking the Bay
Date:
Wed, 09/06/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
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 time 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.

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 09/13/2023
Time:
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Friday, September 15, 2023

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm

IRC Volunteer Stewards are invited to help at this all-purpose Farm workday! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering,– whatever it takes!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Late arrivals and early exits are permitted with prior communication with the event lead.

IRC Volunteer Workday: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 09/15/2023
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Augustine

Stewardship
Youth Action Team Stewardship at Augustine

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 to enhance Limestone Canyon! Stewardship activities can include planting native species and weeding at the Augustine Staging Area, nursery work, watering 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.

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Augustine
Date:
Wed, 09/20/2023
Time:
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Friday, September 22, 2023

CANCELLED: Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
CANCELLED: Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-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. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

CANCELLED: Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 09/22/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  
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