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.
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
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Trail Stewardship

If you enjoy using the wilderness park and aren’t afraid of a little hard work, this is your opportunity to give back by improving the trails. You’ll also learn to see your favorite trails in a new way! Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks for a morning of trail maintenance. We’ll be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels and McLeods to clear brush out of trails, restore features that protect the trails and/or build new features to improve trail sustainability. Ages 17 and up (must have waiver signed by parent). Lunch and refreshments served. Trail to be determined closer to event and notification will be sent to those signed up (sign up required). www.lagunacanyon.org.activities. For questions call 949-497-8324
Second Sundays Restoration Program

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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
IRC Bird Monitoring Program: Weir Canyon Point Count

This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into O.C. Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will be conducting a bird count.
Spaces are limited for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan at ngregory@irconservancy.org
Upper route: Group 2 – Diane Etchison,
Science Summary: GSOB Monitoring- Wier (O.C. Parks)

Summary of Volunteer Hours for stewardship work performed.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
IRC Bird Monitoring Program: Agua Chinon Point Count

This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into O.C. Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will be conducting a bird count.
Spaces are limited for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan at ngregory@irconservancy.org
Middle Route: Group 2 – Diane Etchison and Donna Bell
Saturday, April 14, 2018
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.
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.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm

Could use a boost of living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?
Then sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
3rd Sunday Restoration Day at Peters Canyon Regional Park

Help improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park by removing non-native invasive plants, which steal light, water and nutrients from native species. Please bring sunscreen, drinking water, light snacks, and gloves, and wear a hat and closed-toe shoes.
Monday, April 16, 2018
CANCELLED: Youth Action Team Stewardship at Quail Hill

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 Quail Hill! Stewardship activities can include planting native species and weeding off of the Quail Hill loop trail, nursery work, watering 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.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
IRC Bird Monitoring Program: Agua Chinon Point Count

This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into O.C. Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will be conducting a bird count.
Spaces are limited for Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan at ngregory@irconservancy.org
Upper route: Group 3 – Marian Alter and Judy Bright
Restoration Stewardship – 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 volunteers!
Youth Action Team Stewardship at the Native Seed Farm

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 out at the Native Seed Farm! Stewardship activities can include harvesting native seed, weeding, and planting. 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.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
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 on uneven 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.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
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.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting 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. 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.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Keep it Wild – Little Sycamore

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, sun protection and bring water. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). 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!
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm

Could use a boost of living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?
Then sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
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.