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
Friday, September 22, 2023
Baker Meadow Stewardship
Spend your morning watering Coast Live Oak seedlings and Tecate Cypress Trees within a beautiful oak woodland in Baker Canyon. 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.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Biking the Bay
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.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Youth Action Team Stewardship: Quail Hill
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. High School students will spend their afternoon helping out in Quail Hill. Stewardship activities can include planting, weeding and trail maintenance. 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, October 5, 2023
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. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
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! The Nix Nature Center (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651). Ages 16 and up. Ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
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.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Trail Stewardship – Stagecoach South
If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.
Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
– Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. Please register here. No walk-ups.
– Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@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.
Rendezvous Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation headquarters
10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
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 projects. 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.
Late arrivals and early exits are permitted with prior communication with the event lead.
Friday, October 27, 2023
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.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
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! The Nix Nature Center (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651). Ages 16 and up. Ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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.
Friday, November 17, 2023
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Third 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.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Trail Stewardship – Laguna Ridge
If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.
Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
– Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. Please registerhere. No walk-ups.
– Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@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: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Laguna Ridge.
Rendezvous location: Laguna Canyon Foundation headquarters – 10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
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 be driven by the IRC staff lead 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.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Group Stewardship at the Native Seed Farm
AASCSC Corporate at the Native Seed Farm
Looking for a way to give back to Nature this summer? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority. This morning please help IRC staff and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC) by harvesting, clearing, cutting, digging, watering,– whatever it takes! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.
The plants grown at the Native Seed Farm provide seed used for habitat restoration within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These plants were specially selected to support local wildlife and promote resilience in the ecosystem.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Limestone Butterfly Islands Stewardship
Spend your morning helping IRC plant and seed 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. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Augustine Staging Area Stewardship
Please join us at Augustine Staging Area in Limestone Canyon to plant native plants and enhance native habitat at the staging area. We will be working 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-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
CANCELLED: 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 be driven by the IRC staff lead 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.
Friday, December 15, 2023
Baker Meadow Stewardship
Spend your morning watering Coast Live Oak seedlings and Tecate Cypress Trees within a beautiful oak woodland in Baker Canyon. 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.
Third 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.