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.

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Found 433 Events

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Moderate Paced Mountain Bike Ride – Gypsum Canyon

Mountain Biking
Moderate Paced Mountain Bike Ride - Gypsum Canyon

If you enjoy riding in scenic wilderness on uncrowded single/double track trails, then please join us on this docent led ride in Gypsum Canyon Wilderness Park. Gypsum is a new addition to OC Parks wilderness park offerings and while compact in size it has five new single-track trails that wander up to and around an overlook providing panoramic and interesting views of Gypsum Canyon and the surrounding lands.

Moderate Paced Mountain Bike Ride - Gypsum Canyon
Date:
Sun, 05/19/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
11 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/04/2024
More Information  

Looking for Native Animals in Your Backyard: Round Canyon

Interpretive
Looking for Native Animals in Your Backyard: Round Canyon

There are critters in your backyard: big ones, little ones, furry ones, ones with feathers, and ones with scales. They go about their business and pay little attention to you. In fact, they would rather not be bothered unless you were a tempting morsel of food. Round Canyon is teeming with wildlife, and waiting for you to experience the solitary bobcat, the elusive ring-tailed cat, the mighty great horned owl, and playful ground squirrels, among many others.

Looking for Native Animals in Your Backyard: Round Canyon
Date:
Sun, 05/19/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/04/2024
More Information  

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Trail Work
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Date:
Sun, 05/19/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
23 of 25
More Information  

Evening Family Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks

Mountain Biking
Evening Family Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks

For families and children ages 12 and up who would like to join IRC-certified volunteers in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on a longer, slow-paced, family-oriented ride through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route takes us to The Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon.” Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat, and hope to see some of our local native animals and raptors. The ride is an 8-9 miles with 400-800 feet of elevation gain that may require hike-a‐bike for some riders. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Evening Family Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks
Date:
Sun, 05/19/2024
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/04/2024
More Information  

Monday, May 20, 2024

Monday Morning Super Trek: Weir Canyon to the Overlook Trail

Hiking & Fitness
Monday Morning Super Trek: Weir Canyon to the Overlook Trail

Come start your week with us on our Super Treks in the Landmarks. Join us as we explore Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike up over Rifle Range and continue to the Overlook Trail where we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin, and Cleveland National Forest. We will return through a beautiful oak woodland. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Participants must be able to hike 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1800 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour.

Monday Morning Super Trek: Weir Canyon to the Overlook Trail
Date:
Mon, 05/20/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/05/2024
More Information  

Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon - Bird Walk

Birds are among the most colorful and entertaining forms of wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.

Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 05/20/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/05/2024
More Information  

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Mon, 05/20/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/05/2024
More Information  

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Agua Chinon Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub and enjoy wonderful vistas. Total round-trip distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks
Date:
Tue, 05/21/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/06/2024
More Information  

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 05/21/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/06/2024
More Information  

Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck

Stewardship
Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck

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 watering native shrubs and rebuilding berms. We will be using small shovels and other tools. No experience necessary.

Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck
Date:
Tue, 05/21/2024
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/06/2024
More Information  

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Date:
Tue, 05/21/2024
Time:
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/06/2024
More Information  

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 05/21/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/06/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

After Work Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon – East Loma

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon - East Loma

Leave the weekday chaos behind and dive into the peaceful beauty of OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon with our energizing after-work cardio hike. Forget about the day’s worries as we trek through stunning landscapes, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the scenic views. Come along for a journey through winding paths and picturesque vistas, where we can recharge and refresh ourselves in the tranquility of nature.

After Work Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon - East Loma
Date:
Wed, 05/22/2024
Time:
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/07/2024
More Information  

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 05/22/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/07/2024
More Information  

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in the remote Fremont Canyon. The hike is just under 6 miles and includes a steep hill. We will hike from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past a historic coal mine, to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying a spectacular view, we will hike back the same way to our starting point. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.

Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/23/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/08/2024
More Information  

Bommer Canyon Preserve Full Moon Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bommer Canyon Preserve Full Moon Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon Preserve under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Bommer Canyon Preserve Full Moon Hike
Date:
Thu, 05/23/2024
Time:
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/08/2024
More Information  

Parks After Dark

Interpretive
Parks After Dark

We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Registration is required for this program.

For questions, please contact Park Ranger II, Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Parks After Dark
Date:
Thu, 05/23/2024
Time:
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 04/23/2024
More Information  

Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.

Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 05/23/2024
Time:
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/08/2024
More Information  

Friday, May 24, 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, 05/24/2024
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 05/09/2024
More Information  

Trail Work Days at The Oaks

Trail Work
Trail Work Days at The Oaks

Lend a helping hand at maintaining the trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

Partner with an OC Parks volunteer as they guide you through the proper tool use to repair highly used and heavily washed out trails. Tools and a safety talk are provided by volunteers and/or park staff.

Gloves, water and sun protection are highly recommended. Be ready to work up a sweat as we mend our trails for all to enjoy! Prepare to hike several miles carrying hand tools over uneven terrain.

Program and parking are free. lease let the front entrance booth park attendant know you are registered for this program. Staging for this program will be outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Ranger Office.

Advance registration required.

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

Trail Work Days at The Oaks
Date:
Fri, 05/24/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 04/24/2024
More Information  
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