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 “https://lagunacanyon.org/event/keep-it-wild-laguna-coast-3-2023-12-09/2024-01-06/”>here. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Laguna Ridge.

Rendezvous location: Laguna Canyon Foundation headquarters – 10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

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 planting native shrubs. We will be using small shovels and other tools. No experience necessary.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

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!

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.

Spend your morning planting Coast Live Oak seedlings 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.

Please join IRC staff plant 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.

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.

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.

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 walk 15 minutes 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.

Treat invasive plants along HHR.

This stewardship will require some bending and kneeling. Some optional work may involve crossing and the sitting on relatively steep slopes. The total distance of the hike for this program is approximately 2 miles, but much of the terrain is difficult and good balance and fitness is needed.  All training and tools will be provided, although bringing a pair of personal gloves is recommended. We hope you can join us and continue the work to restore the habitat at this site.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Please join IRC staff plant 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.

Volunteer Stewardship: Invasive Removal Saharan Mustard/Tree Tobacco

Coordinated with IRC Staff, Isaac Ostmann

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.

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. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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, Camarillo Canyon trail

Rendezvous location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters – 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach CA

Link to location on Google Maps

Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Enjoy a walk through a prime example of coastal sage scrub habitat and help to protect the health of this habitat by locating and removing invasive Saharan Mustard. Loma Ridge is the first known location of Saharan Mustard on the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmarks. Through persistent intervention the population has steadily decreased and has been largely contained.

The site is located on Loma Ridge in the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. In addition to allowing one to experience a lovely habitat, the work area provides a beautiful 360 degree view from the San Gabriel Mountains to Santa Catalina Island.

This stewardship will require some bending, kneeling and walking across slopes and uneven terrain. The site is a short (100 yard) hike off of Loma Ridge Road. All training and tools will be provided, although bringing a pair of personal gloves is recommended. We hope you can join us!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Invasive Removal: Sahara Mustad and Tree Tobacco

Coordinated with IRC Staff Isaac Ostmann

Safari Vehicle #42 is assigned. Volunteers will drive along Gypsum Canyon Road from staging area, stopping at past infestation sites.