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 2397 Events

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Upper Newport Bay New Volunteer Training

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy in new volunteer orientation. Come learn about the opportunities for volunteering at the Upper Newport Bay such as kayak and outrigger tours, nature walks, Interpretive Center visitor services, habitat restoration (invasive plant removal & planting native species), leading tours with youth, judging science fairs, Earth Day, and other special events. Also we will explore the world of interpretation through customer service and how it relates to an open space setting.

This training is designed for adults (or teens 16 yrs+) who can commit to approximately 3 hours per month or 36 hours in their first 12 months of volunteering. This orientation/training event makes you eligible to volunteer in any OC Parks space, and is the site-specific training for the Upper Newport Bay.*

Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newport-bay-conservancy-oc-parks-volunteer-training-3318-tickets-42431443590?aff=es2

We are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment of our roughly 200+ active volunteers. We look forward to having you join us.

Feel free to familiarize yourself with our programs and events by going to www.newportbay.org and www.ocparks.com

(Can’t make it to this event but want to help out? Please email hilary.cunningham@newportbay.org to let our Volunteer Coordinator know you want to be notified when the next training date is available, which is about every 2 months).

* NOTE: Also, if you are considering attending NBC’s Naturalist Training Program from Sept-Dec, please note this class is a prerequisite prior to joining that training program.

Upper Newport Bay New Volunteer Training
Date:
Sat, 03/03/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Butterfly Garden Volunteer Day – First Sundays

Stewardship
Butterfly Garden Volunteer Day - First Sundays

Do you like to garden or just enjoy being outdoors?

Join us the first Sunday of every month for our Mason Butterfly Garden Volunteer Day. No gardening experience needed! Meet new friends, learn new gardening tips, and help create a beautiful butterfly sanctuary for you and park visitors to enjoy.

Please bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves (some will be available to use at the park), water, snack, comfortable clothes and covered shoes. All gardening tools and plants will be provided.

Once you enter the park turn right at the stop sign and park in parking lot A. We will meet at the Butterfly Habitat at 9am.

Event and parking are both FREE.
Rain will cancel event.

Butterfly Garden Volunteer Day - First Sundays
Date:
Sun, 03/04/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Mason Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill

Stewardship
Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill

Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. This month, help us plant native species . We will be working along the Quail Hill Loop off of the trailhead parking lot. Your work at the nursery will help to enhance the native habitat – directly benefiting the local wildlife!

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

Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Date:
Sun, 03/04/2018
Time:
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.

Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website:  All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.

Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.

Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Wed, 03/07/2018
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, March 8, 2018

IRC Farm Steward Workday

Stewardship
IRC Farm Steward Workday

IRC Farm Stewards are invited to help out at this “openhouse style” workday!

Our tasks and actual location are TBD, and they will be based on accomplishing the Farm’s top priority work for each specific week. Depending on the time of year we might be at the Farm doing planting, weeding, doing nursery things, or at the Extension center cleaning Farm & wild seed , or something else entirely new!

(Not a Farm Steward yet? To get started on becoming one, check out “Trainings” under the Activities category drop-down menu, and get signed up for the next quarterly Farm Intro Training!)

IRC Farm Steward Workday
Date:
Thu, 03/08/2018
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs

Stewardship
Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs

Connect with nature and give back to the land as we assist native plants and wildlife so they may flourish in an extremely sensitive area of Limestone Canyon Preserve. You will ride through the canyon in a safari-type vehicle to the Dripping Springs Trail where you may water or add native plants. In addition we will give existing native plants room to thrive as we weed out invasive plants. As a bonus we will hike approximately 2 miles round-trip to Dripping Springs; a fern-covered rock face dripping with life-giving water creating an essential watering hole for wildlife in the canyon. Your work along this trail will not only benefit the plants and animals, but you will be supporting its continued beautification and protection.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 3 activity. The hike is a Level 2 Difficulty Rating.

Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs
Date:
Thu, 03/08/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area

Stewardship
Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area

Please join us at the Native Plant Nursery located at the Augustine Staging Area. This is a unique opportunity to help plant coastal sage scrub plant species. All work at the nursery is community-driven, and the plants grown and planted will help to enhance native habitat within Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve! We will be working in close proximity to the parking area. 

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

Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area
Date:
Thu, 03/08/2018
Time:
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Native Plant Nursery

Stewardship
Native Plant Nursery

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/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers! Wear close toed shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. Bring water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers. Free parking passes will be provided for you at the nursery. Youth ages 16 and 17 are eligible to volunteer with parent permission. A form is required to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to starting the volunteer activities. Youth under the age of 16 are not eligible to volunteer unless accompanied by an adult or guardian. On line reservations required: lagunacanyon.org/activities Forms available on this webpage as well. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.

Native Plant Nursery
Date:
Sat, 03/10/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
15
More Information  

CANCELLED: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
CANCELLED: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.

Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website:  All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.

Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.

CANCELLED: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 03/10/2018
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Second Sundays Restoration Program

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s 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 hat, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Water and tools are provided.

  • Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
  • Minors ages 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
  • Rain or heat advisories cancel event.
Second Sundays Restoration Program
Date:
Sun, 03/11/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Cancelled – Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area

Stewardship
Cancelled - Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area

Please join us at the Native Plant Nursery located at the Augustine Staging Area. This is a unique opportunity to help plant coastal sage scrub plant species. All work at the nursery is community-driven, and the plants grown and planted will help to enhance native habitat within Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve! We will be working in close proximity to the parking area. 

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

Cancelled - Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area
Date:
Sun, 03/11/2018
Time:
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill

Stewardship
Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill

Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. This month, help us plant native species . We will be working along the Quail Hill Loop off of the trailhead parking lot. Your work at the nursery will help to enhance the native habitat – directly benefiting the local wildlife!

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

Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Date:
Tue, 03/13/2018
Time:
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm

Want to have fun while giving back to nature? Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. You will be working to help expand the Farm’s impact for restoration of Orange County’s wildlands by planting new plants into our growing fields, weeding to protect them while they grow, and harvesting seed, depending on the season. Tools and training will be provided. You do not need experience, nor a green thumb, just excitement to give back to the land.

Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website:  All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.

Participants are required to come prepared by reviewing the Stewardship Tips in their confirmation email. Under-prepared participants may be turned away.

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Dig in! Plant Wildflowers with the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Wed, 03/14/2018
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Youth Action Team Stewardship at Bommer Canyon

The Youth Action Team, an after school community-service based program throughout the City of Irvine regularly volunteers their time to steward the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This week, middle school students will spend their afternoon helping to enhance Bommer Canyon! Stewardship activities can include planting native species to enhance the habitat, planting cactus to close social trails, watering newly planted natives, and more. Please help lead this group and provide a wonderful experience they will never forget!

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

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 03/14/2018
Time:
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Thursday, March 15, 2018

CANCELLED: Pulling Together at Quail Hill

Stewardship
CANCELLED: Pulling Together at Quail Hill

Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place off-trail on uneven terrain and sturdy hiking boots and pants 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.

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

CANCELLED: Pulling Together at Quail Hill
Date:
Thu, 03/15/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, March 17, 2018

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Adopt-a-Canyon: Agua Chinon Stewardship

Stewardship
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Adopt-a-Canyon: Agua Chinon Stewardship

Are you a nature lover, hiker, gardener, or just need to get outside to refresh yourself? Does the idea of adopting a canyon interest you? Please come help Irvine Ranch Conservancy restore local habitat, native plants, and wildlife so they may thrive in the canyon of Agua Chinon. No experience is necessary other than a desire to explore and care for our open space. Participants may engage in plant identification, removal of invasive weeds, and planting native plants.

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

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Adopt-a-Canyon: Agua Chinon Stewardship
Date:
Sat, 03/17/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Keep it Wild – Big Bend

Stewardship
Keep it Wild - Big Bend

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. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and sun protection and bring water. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! Big Bend Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 1 miles south of El Toro Rd.). Youth ages 16 and 17 are eligible to volunteer with parent permission. A form is required to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to starting the volunteer activities. Youth under the age of 16 are not eligible to volunteer unless accompanied by an adult or guardian. On line reservations required: lagunacanyon.org/activities Forms available on this webpage as well. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

Keep it Wild - Big Bend
Date:
Sat, 03/17/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
15
More Information  

Monday, March 19, 2018

Science Summary: Invasive Species Control – Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Summary of Volunteer Only Hours for stewardship work performed.

Ken Kadlec: February 28, 2018 – 3.5 hours

Jeff Black: February 28, 2018 –  3.5 hours

 

Science Summary:  Invasive Species Control - Bommer Canyon
Date:
Mon, 03/19/2018
Time:
6:30 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Tecate Cypress Stewardship

Stewardship
Tecate Cypress Stewardship

The Tecate Cypress is a rare species found only in southern California and northern Baja California. Unfortunately, the northern most population in the Santa Ana Mountains is in severe decline due to too-frequent wildfires. In effort to protect this rare species, locally genetic trees have been planted in Fremont Canyon, in close proximity to the staging area. Join us as we deeply water and weed around the young trees. Your work will ensure the newly-planted Tecate has all they need to thrive, and will directly help the effort to ensure the persistence of this unique forest community here in Orange County!

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

Tecate Cypress Stewardship
Date:
Mon, 03/19/2018
Time:
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon

Stewardship
Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon

Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we plant native shrubs along the new Waterworks Trail in Fremont! Spend the afternoon working under an oak woodland and coastal sage habitat. Your work on the trail will help establish important habitat in Fremont for local wildlife.

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

Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Tue, 03/20/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  
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