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.

Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 19 Events

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Join us for a leisurely walk through the Native Seed Farm to see our wildflower plots in bloom. We’ll stick to the hard-pack roads around the fields – bring your camera to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn about the plants we grow and why we grow them, and see pollinators in action. We’ll finish the activity with a walk around the other fields at the farm so that you can see our grasses, woody plants and perennial forbs up close.

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 06/21/2025
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
14 of 15
More Information  

Monday, June 23, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Mon, 06/23/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Friday, June 27, 2025

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore beautiful Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 06/27/2025
Time:
6:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
15 of 20
More Information  

Monday, June 30, 2025

Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers in Bloom

Interpretive
Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers in Bloom

Join us for a slow-paced hike in Irvine Ranch Open Space, specifically Limestone Canyon. Our pace will be around 2.5 MPH for this 5.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. We will be able to see, smell and hear the sounds of the Open Space! If you enjoy recording your sightings of wildflowers, please download the App called SEEK (INaturalist) prior to reaching the Augustine Staging area. We will use SEEK to identify native and non-native wildflowers. Our hike will take us along Limestone Canyon and then over to Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs is a year-round spring where we will encounter water that is expressed through the side of a vertical rock face. Due to shade and moisture, we will find that the plants in Dripping Springs are very different from the plants and flowers found in the meadow area of Limestone Canyon.

Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers in Bloom
Date:
Mon, 06/30/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
9 of 20
More Information  

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Wed, 07/02/2025
Time:
6:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
20 of 20
More Information  

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Interpretive
Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
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.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Native Plant and Wildflower Hike
Date:
Sun, 07/06/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Friday, July 11, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Fri, 07/11/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/25/2025
More Information  

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Join us for a leisurely walk through the Native Seed Farm to see our wildflower plots in bloom. We’ll stick to the hard-pack roads around the fields – bring your camera to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn about the plants we grow and why we grow them, and see pollinators in action. We’ll finish the activity with a walk around the other fields at the farm so that you can see our grasses, woody plants and perennial forbs up close.

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/27/2025
More Information  

Friday, July 25, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Fri, 07/25/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 07/10/2025
More Information  

Monday, July 28, 2025

Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers

Interpretive
Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers

Join us for a slow-paced hike in Limestone Canyon. Our pace will be around 2.5 MPH for this 5.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. We will be able to see, smell and hear the sounds of the Open Space! If you enjoy recording your sightings of wildflowers, please download the App called SEEK (INaturalist) prior to reaching the Augustine Staging area. We will use SEEK to identify native and non-native wildflowers. Our hike will take us along Limestone Canyon and then over to Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs is a year-round spring where we will encounter water that is expressed through the side of a vertical rock face. Due to shade and moisture, we will find that the plants in Dripping Springs are very different from the plants and flowers found in the meadow area of Limestone Canyon.

Slow Paced Hike Exploring Summer Wildflowers
Date:
Mon, 07/28/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 07/13/2025
More Information  

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Interpretive
Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
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.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Native Plant and Wildflower Hike
Date:
Sun, 08/10/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Friday, August 15, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Fri, 08/15/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 07/31/2025
More Information  

Friday, August 29, 2025

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.

Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 08/29/2025
Time:
6:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/14/2025
More Information  

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Art on the Landmarks: Painting at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Art on the Landmarks: Painting at the Native Seed Farm
Dive into the amazing array of flourishing flowers of the Native Seed Farm on this outdoor Art on the Landmarks program. This session will focus on watercolor painting, offering you a chance to explore the expressive nature of the medium while surrounded by vibrant seasonal color. The Native Seed Farm grows 50 species of native plants, many of which will be revealing their summer blooms, offering endless inspiration for your creativity. Bring sketch pads, easel, paints, pens, pencils, and capture the beautiful scenery around you.
Begin with a guided walk through our wildflower plots and demonstration garden, gathering ideas and inspiration. Then, settle in the staging area to bring your artistic vision to life!
We’re thrilled to welcome Shane McClatchey (shanemcclatchey.com) as our special guest for this event. A Laguna Beach-based painter with an MFA in Painting from the Laguna College of Art and Design, Shane’s work is represented by Kennedy Contemporary in Newport Beach, California. Feel free to follow along as he paints or dive right into your own creation!
Art supplies are not included so please come with your own materials and your keen eye for creativity!
Art on the Landmarks: Painting at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 08/30/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/15/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Join us for a leisurely walk through the Native Seed Farm to see our wildflower plots in bloom. We’ll stick to the hard-pack roads around the fields – bring your camera to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn about the plants we grow and why we grow them, and see pollinators in action. We’ll finish the activity with a walk around the other fields at the farm so that you can see our grasses, woody plants and perennial forbs up close.

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 09/06/2025
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/22/2025
More Information  

Friday, September 12, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Fri, 09/12/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/27/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Join us for a leisurely walk through the Native Seed Farm to see our wildflower plots in bloom. We’ll stick to the hard-pack roads around the fields – bring your camera to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn about the plants we grow and why we grow them, and see pollinators in action. We’ll finish the activity with a walk around the other fields at the farm so that you can see our grasses, woody plants and perennial forbs up close.

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 09/20/2025
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/05/2025
More Information  

Monday, September 22, 2025

Early Morning Hike Fall Equinox Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike Fall Equinox Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.

Early Morning Hike Fall Equinox Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Mon, 09/22/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/07/2025
More Information  

Friday, September 26, 2025

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Equestrian
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area.  You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.

Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area
Date:
Fri, 09/26/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
11
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/10/2025
More Information