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 66 Events

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek
Date:
Wed, 05/29/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/14/2024
More Information  

Dripping Springs Trail Restoration

Stewardship
Dripping Springs Trail Restoration

Spend the morning watering and mulching Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland and then hike to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face. Your work on the trail will benefit the rare plants and animals that this unique feature supports!

Dripping Springs Trail Restoration
Date:
Wed, 05/29/2024
Time:
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/14/2024
More Information  

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

Please join IRC staff to 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.

Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/30/2024
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/15/2024
More Information  

Friday, May 31, 2024

Wildfire Awareness Series: Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Wildfire Awareness Series: Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

For Wildfire Awareness Month, spend the morning learning about fire dependency, resiliency and plant management as we work on the farm. Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Wildfire Awareness Series: Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 05/31/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/16/2024
More Information  

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

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.

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day
Date:
Tue, 06/04/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/20/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Agua Chinon

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Agua Chinon

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Agua Chinon
Date:
Wed, 06/05/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/21/2024
More Information  

Friday, June 7, 2024

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 06/07/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/23/2024
More Information  

Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Stewardship
Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we enhance the Quail Hill Loop trail by watering and weeding around native shrubs and milkweed along the loop. Your work will help restore habitat that will benefit wildlife and make the trail enjoyable to explore.

Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement
Date:
Fri, 06/07/2024
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/23/2024
More Information  

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Restoration Day: Weeding

Stewardship
Restoration Day: Weeding

Calling all weed warriors! Lend a helping hand to help improve native habitat in Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to weeding current and future restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. 

Strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended.

Program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in.  This program will begin outside the Peters Canyon Regional Park Ranger Station and then will proceed to the restoration site. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance to the restoration site with tools.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Restoration Day: Weeding
Date:
Sat, 06/08/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
15 of 15
More Information  

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 06/08/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/24/2024
More Information  

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. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
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.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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!

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

Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast
Date:
Sat, 06/08/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Stewardship
Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending Days 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. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email Marjorie Rhodes at marjorie@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
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.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: Volunteers will be meeting at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651) then shuttling to the restoration site with LCF staff.

Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

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

Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast
Date:
Sun, 06/09/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Silverado Creek

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Silverado Creek

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Silverado Creek
Date:
Tue, 06/11/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/27/2024
More Information  

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem! Join us at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Thu, 06/13/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:30am on 05/29/2024
More Information  

Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands

Stewardship
Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands

Spend your morning helping to water and weed within the new butterfly habitat islands in Limestone. With your help we will be able to maintain “islands” of host and nectar plants for butterflies in decline in Limestone Canyon. You will be transported from via a safari style truck from butterfly island to butterfly island through a beautiful oak woodland.

Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands
Date:
Thu, 06/13/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/29/2024
More Information  

Friday, June 14, 2024

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 06/14/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/30/2024
More Information  

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Day – Willow

Stewardship
Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Day – Willow

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
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.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). You must arrive by 8 am.

Parking: Free for nursery volunteers – a pass will be provided upon arrival. Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers.

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

Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Day – Willow
Date:
Sat, 06/15/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek
Date:
Tue, 06/18/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/03/2024
More Information  

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Spend the morning in a beautiful oak woodland weeding, watering and mulching 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.

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon
Date:
Tue, 06/18/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/03/2024
More Information  

Friday, June 21, 2024

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 06/21/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/06/2024
More Information  
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