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 85 Events

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to nature this Summer? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm! In this evening activity, attendees will learn about one to two (1-2) target species before assisting staff in weeding efforts around our native plant crops. 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!

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Tue, 08/19/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/04/2025
More Information  

Thursday, August 21, 2025

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!

IRC Volunteers are invited to help 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, 08/21/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/06/2025
More Information  

Friday, August 22, 2025

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

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.

Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 08/22/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/07/2025
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 Summer? 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, 08/22/2025
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 08/07/2025
More Information  

Saturday, August 23, 2025

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 Summer? 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, 08/23/2025
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 08/08/2025
More Information  

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

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 Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow 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, 08/24/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 07/25/2025
More Information  

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

Please join IRC staff 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, 08/28/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 10:30 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 08/19/2025
More Information  

Friday, August 29, 2025

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 Summer? 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, 08/29/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/14/2025
More Information  

Sunday, August 31, 2025

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!

IRC Volunteers are invited to help 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:
Sun, 08/31/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/16/2025
More Information  

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to nature this Summer? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm! In this evening activity, attendees will learn about one to two (1-2) target species before assisting staff in weeding efforts around our native plant crops. 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!

Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Tue, 09/02/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/18/2025
More Information  

Friday, September 5, 2025

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 Summer? 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, 09/05/2025
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 08/21/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 6, 2025

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 Summer? 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, 09/06/2025
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 08/22/2025
More Information  

Keep It Wild – Native Plant Nursery at LCF Headquarters

Stewardship
Keep It Wild - Native Plant Nursery at LCF Headquarters

Join us at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters’ 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 generally help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)

Parking: Free for Native Plant Nursery volunteers! Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided.

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 or dulce@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

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

Keep It Wild - Native Plant Nursery at LCF Headquarters
Date:
Sat, 09/06/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Stewardship
Stewardship

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 Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow 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, 09/07/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/08/2025
More Information  

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Spend the morning in a beautiful oak woodland watering Coast Live Oak seedlings and native plants 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, 09/09/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
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 08/25/2025
More Information  

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

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:
Wed, 09/10/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 08/25/2025
More Information  

Friday, September 12, 2025

Butterfly Garden Site Prep

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join us at Santiago Oaks Regional Park to lend a hand by helping OC Parks staff prepare for a new butterfly garden! We will be removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species.

The new butterfly garden site is located next to the Santiago Oaks Nature Center. General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended. Tools and gloves will be available on-site.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. Please notify the park attendant you are volunteering when you arrive. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Nature Center.

This is a Level 2 difficulty rating for habitat restoration.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Butterfly Garden Site Prep
Date:
Fri, 09/12/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/28/2025
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 Summer? 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, 09/12/2025
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 08/28/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Restoration Day

Stewardship
Stewardship

Lend a helping hand to improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to caring for restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. Be prepared for weeding, watering or planting as needed.

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

The program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in. The program will begin in the parking lot and will proceed to the restoration site. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance with tools.

Advance registration required.

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

Restoration Day
Date:
Sat, 09/13/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/30/2025
More Information  

Land Tending – Berns Canyon Preserve

Stewardship
Land Tending - Berns Canyon Preserve

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation at one of our Land Tending days in Berns Canyon Preserve 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, hand watering, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)

Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Long sleeves 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 or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

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

Land Tending - Berns Canyon Preserve
Date:
Sat, 09/13/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  
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