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.

    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.

Monday, November 23, 2015

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Hiking & Fitness

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Mon, 11/23/2015
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 has closed.
More Information  

Orchard Hills Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
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.

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-3 activity on the land.

Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Date:
Mon, 11/23/2015
Time:
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks

Mountain Biking
Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks

This slow-paced adult only mountain bike ride in Limestone Canyon will take you through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route goes all the way 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. For mountain bikers with minimum of six months of trail experience who would like to join IRC volunteers on a 8 – 9 mile ride with 400 – 800 feet of elevation gain.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks
Date:
Tue, 11/24/2015
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

CANCELLED: 4th Tuesday Habitat Restoration at Quail Hill

Stewardship
CANCELLED: 4th Tuesday Habitat Restoration at Quail Hill

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants and sowing native seeds can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact! All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Note that this activity is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Please review the Difficulty Ratings before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

 

CANCELLED: 4th Tuesday Habitat Restoration at Quail Hill
Date:
Tue, 11/24/2015
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
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 walk on the paved Hicks Haul Road. 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.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3/4 activity on the land.

The road is paved and the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty!  We will have two fairly steep hill ascents and descents. 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.

Walkers should be confident in their ability to hike 3, 6, or 8 miles at a steady pace. Ages 16 and up. Low interpretation.

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 11/24/2015
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Full Moon Hike: Bommer Canyon

Interpretive
Full Moon Hike: Bommer Canyon

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Bommer Canyon. 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.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

 

Full Moon Hike: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Tue, 11/24/2015
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Mid Week Hike: Bommer Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Mid Week Hike: Bommer Canyon

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon. This area was historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.

This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 2200+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking distance is 10-12 miles.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Mid Week Hike: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 11/25/2015
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
12 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon

Join us for this relaxing combination of hiking and yoga in Bommer Canyon. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, as the canyon slowly warms up for the day.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended, in addition to two towels for yoga positioning assistance. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 11/25/2015
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sea Glass Jewelry

Interpretive
Interpretive

Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (Park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.)  Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation.  Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15)

No pre-registration is required.

Sea Glass Jewelry
Date:
Wed, 11/25/2015
Time:
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:
Crystal Cove State Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Hiking & Fitness

Join us every Wednesday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 11/25/2015
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 has closed.
More Information  

Full Moon Hike – Orchard Hills

Hiking & Fitness
Full Moon Hike - Orchard Hills

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Orchard Hills. 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. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring water and a flashlight (red tinting preferred).

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-3 activity on the land.

Full Moon Hike - Orchard Hills
Date:
Wed, 11/25/2015
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, November 27, 2015

Thanksgiving Wobble Walk

Interpretive
Interpretive

Led by OC Parks in partnership with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner on this slow-paced, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and LCF volunteers. Ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required. Sign-up online at http://www.eventbrite.com/o/laguna-canyon-foundation-1000954979. For questions call: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

Thanksgiving Wobble Walk
Date:
Fri, 11/27/2015
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation.  Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included throughout this 6 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Cardio Hike: Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
Cardio Hike: Quail Hill

Come along for a fast-paced hike (3.75-4 miles per hour) along the Quail Hill and Shady Canyon trails. The hike winds through the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve with breathtaking views of the city of Irvine and, on clear days, views of the ocean and Catalina.

The hike will travel at a very fast pace for a total of 10-12 miles, and includes steep climbs and descents with significant elevation gain (2700 ft. plus). Those in very good physical shape will enjoy this cardio fitness opportunity. Remember to wear appropriate shoes, a hat, sunglasses and bring plenty of water. Hiking poles are welcome as well. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land.

Cardio Hike: Quail Hill
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
12 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Let’s Go Hiking

Hiking & Fitness
Hiking & Fitness

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation, but questions welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven. Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack, and wear proper hiking shoes. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (I-5/405 to 133/Laguna Canyon Rd. S, past El Toro Road intersection, on right-hand side). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

Let’s Go Hiking
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
15
More Information  

Our Magnificent Oaks Interpretive Walk

Interpretive
Our Magnificent Oaks Interpretive Walk

Do the majestic oak trees that reside in our local wild lands fascinate you? Would you like to know more about them, their survival techniques and the relationships they have with the wildlife around them? Then come out on this easy walk while we observe and learn about the wonderful oaks in our ecosystem. This will be an easy, highly interpretive program. 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-2 activity on the land.

Our Magnificent Oaks Interpretive Walk
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Family Hike: Agua Chinon

Interpretive
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.

Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Crystal Cove Full Moon Hike

Interpretive
Interpretive

Crystal Cove State Park docents will lead a guided interpretive 2-hour, 4-mile full moon hike on Saturday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m.  Terrain will be uneven and steep with a 700 foot elevation gain/loss in some areas on this moderate night hike.  Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground.) Wear sturdy shoes, bring water & a flashlight, and dress in layers.

Crystal Cove Full Moon Hike
Date:
Sat, 11/28/2015
Time:
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Crystal Cove State Park
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  

Sunday, November 29, 2015

EOM Mason November 2015

Stewardship
Stewardship
EOM Mason November 2015
Date:
Sun, 11/29/2015
Time:
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Where:
Mason Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  
1 2