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
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Friday, October 20, 2017
Starry, Starry Night
Come join us for an interactive evening under the stars. Immerse yourself in a scaled down version of our solar system. Test your imagination in naming the constellations. Reenact the struggle between Orion and the Scorpion. The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a high level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower paced hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Enjoy an early evening family hike in Agua Chinon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation of as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Nighttime Bugs: Augustine Staging Area
Join us for this evening program as we explore biodiversity at the local level with that most diverse group of organisms, the insects! Taking advantage of the fact that UV light is highly visible to most insects, we will attract them by using black-lights (low energy/low frequency UV lights). We can then examine them up close, record the different types (and their numbers). Don’t forget your camera as you’ll see creatures that are normally buzzing around, but not highly visible. You will be able to help us document what we find.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land.
Note: No hiking is involved with this program. We will remain in the staging area.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Naturalist Notebook-Native Grandeur: Art as Conservation with Jean Stern, Executive Director of the Irvine Museum Collection at UCI
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is proud to present the Naturalist Notebook Series, a monthly speaker series to enhance interpretive knowledge of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and surrounding Open Space. The Series is open to the public.
“Like few other places in the world, the natural landscapes of California invite celebration by the visual arts.” E.O. Wilson
Please join us for a very special evening in the Naturalist Notebook Series as we host Mr. Jean Stern, Executive Director of The Irvine Museum Collection at UCI for “Native Grandeur: Preserving California’s Vanishing Landscape.” Mr. Stern, an art historian and recognized authority on California Impressionism will share how the land inspires art, and art inspires people. “Native Grandeur” will explore more than a century of artistic interpretation of the California coast, including the unique properties and light that characterize The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
Plein Air artists work “in the open air” to capture and preserve their impressions of the land in a living natural setting. Mr. Stern’s presentation is filled with examples of how art shares common purpose with the diverse ways the Landmarks’ public programs connect people to the land.
A hardbound copy of the beautifully illustrated book NATIVE GRANDEUR will be raffled at the event.
Mr. Stern’s full bio is attached to your registration confirmation.
Volunteers, their guests, and the public are welcome. All Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers please register for this event as a trainee to earn continuing education volunteer hours. Please register early! Space is limited.
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
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 31, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Monday, November 13, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Intermediate Evening Mountain Bike Ride
Explore Limestone Canyon by night on this intermediate mountain bike night ride. We will ride out of Augustine, up Loma Ridge, down to The Sinks, and along Limestone Ridge or Limestone Valley, depending on the group. Please plan for a distance between 10-12 miles. Please arrive early as it will get dark quickly.
Trails include natural hazards such as sand, tree roots, exposed rocks, and ruts. Expect several steep climbs on this 12-mile ride with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet. This night ride is for experienced adult riders. Lights required.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Monday, November 20, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Family Hike: Round Canyon
Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike.
Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Monday, December 4, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Thursday, December 7, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Self-Paced Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening fitness hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at your own pace as a walk, jog, or run (speed range typically 2.5 to 3.5 mph), so is suitable for beginners who are just starting their fitness program as well as more experienced hikers who are looking for a workout. This out-and-back program travels the 3.5 mile route to scenic Loma Ridge (450′ elevation gain) and back down, with most participants completing the route in about 1.5 hours. The hike is family-friendly, but children must be closely supervised by an adult and able to hike with the group, or be safely carried by a strong adult or secured in a jogging stroller. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Family Hike: Black Star Canyon
Enjoy an early evening family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.