Join us for this evening program as we explore biodiversity at the local level with that most diverse group of organisms, the insects! Taking advantage of the fact that UV light is highly visible to most insects, we will attract them by using black-lights (low energy/low frequency UV lights). We can then examine them up close, record the different types (and their numbers). Don’t forget your camera as you’ll see creatures that are normally buzzing around, but not highly visible. You will be able to help us document what we find.

Note: No hiking is involved with this program. We will remain in the staging area.

Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this serene Sunday morning hike to Dripping Springs and the west viewing deck of The Sinks. This distance hike rewards hikers with panoramic unobstructed views of The Sinks, an ancient and dramatic formation of exposed sandstone cliffs. Limestone Canyon is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the county, featuring the ancient geologic formation known as The Sinks, as well as a year-round spring. Dripping Springs is an extremely sensitive area and an essential watering hole for wildlife.

The hike passes through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands, and includes sweeping views from Limestone Ridge and both viewing platforms. This 9.5-mile hike moves between 3 and 3.5 mph with an elevation change of 800 feet.

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

This is a moderate-paced ride designed for the intermediate rider who has experience and skills, but sometimes needs to move slower in more technical areas with steep descents/ascents. This program is for very physically fit riders in excellent cardio condition. The ride starts at the Augustine staging area and travels along the Hick’s Haul paved road, continuing to Shoestring, Augustine, The Sinks, Raptor, and the adjacent oak woodlands. We will climb approximately 1600 feet over an 11 to 14 mile journey in this 2.5-hour program.

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

Participants must wear a helmet and carry at least 100 ounces of water, snacks, and spare tubes and tools (in case of flats). Your bike must be trail worthy, with at least a front suspension, and in good working condition. We do NOT ride on bike paths, but rather on hazardous rocky, rutted, sandy fire roads and some singletrack. This is for adult riders only. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you just want to hone your existing bike skills developing rider-influenced techniques to navigate your bike over common trail features and obstacles, this is the clinic for you!

Class begins with a brief overview of rider fundamentals starting with platform position and weight transfer followed by a series of exercises demonstrating rider-influenced bike maneuvers such as front & rear wheel lifts, bunny hops, drop-offs, late & emergency braking and cornering techniques over pavement, loose dirt, rocks, logs, ruts & potholes. These riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area and towards the end of the morning, participants will enjoy a short ride into Round Canyon to put their new skills to use then wrap up by discussing trail etiquette for bikes.

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-3 activity on the land.

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.

Ride from Portola staging area through a riparian setting, and then climb a gentle slope up to the Sinks – Orange County’s own mini “Grand Canyon.” Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding county and hills. The descent is a gentle downward slope.

You will need to transport your own fit horse to the staging area. Equestrians with trail riding experience, a fit and able horse, and the ability to trailer to the staging area are welcome to join the ride. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing may include areas of gravel and pavement.

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-2 activity on the land.

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.

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

Skip the gym and join us outside for a total body and cardio workout while enjoying fresh air and panoramic views in beautiful serene Bommer Canyon. Instructor led training exercises will use a combination of body weight and resistance bands in an outdoor setting, followed by a 3 mile fast-paced hike. The hike has 700 feet of total climbing elevation to get your heart pumping. Several steep climbs in the first half of the hike will get participants to the rewarding panoramic views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains.

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is proud to introduce the Naturalist Notebook Series, which will offer a variety  topics to enhance your knowledge of the Landmarks  and Open Space. As well, it is an opportunity to provide interpretive engagement for the public.

Join us this month to hear Dr. Jennifer Burnaford, Associate Professor for the Department of Biological Science at Cal State Fullerton, presents on the Causes and Consequences of Shifting Abundance of Intertidal Kelps

Canopy-forming seaweeds play an extremely important role in determining the structure and function of communities in the intertidal zone (the area covered by seawater at high tide and exposed to air at low tide). As photosynthetic organisms at the base of the food web, seaweeds are a food source for many intertidal animals (e.g. snails, limpets, chitons, and crabs).  Yet the cool, dark, and moist conditions underneath the canopy of large seaweeds can provide a critical refuge from stressful environmental conditions for these same animals during low tide.  Kelps (seaweeds in the Order Laminariales) form extensive canopies in the low intertidal zone on rocky shores along the North American Pacific coast.  My work is focused on determining the factors that control the abundance of canopy-forming kelps and on evaluating the consequences of changes in abundance for the rest of the ecological community.

The Santa Ana River Watershed is the largest in Orange County, covering 210.47 square miles. The river begins almost 75 miles away in the San Bernardino Mountains, crossing central Orange County before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The river serves as the main tributary to the watershed with Santiago Creek being the largest tributary within Orange County. The Landmarks is part of this watershed and messaging about what ends up at the ocean and how it affects the food sources of the intertidal animals is vital to connecting participants to the land.

Registration is required. We welcome volunteers, their guests, and the public.

All Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers please register for this event as a trainee to earn continuing education volunteer hours.  Space is limited.

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.

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 volunteers!

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, under the canopy of sycamores. Our yoga practice will be gentle in nature, moving and flowing with ease.

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.

Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure as we hike to the Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge. Hike distance is 6 miles and affords fantastic views along the way, spanning the Pacific coastline, San Gabriel peaks and the Santa Ana Mountains. Several very steep climbs and descents are part of this route. We’ll accumulate almost 1800 feet of climbing elevation along this route. Portions of the hike will take us around an avocado orchard that borders on the natural open space. Far-reaching views from the highest point reward your effort.

Please be prepared with plenty of water and closed toe sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen and all other necessary elements to keep you healthy on the trail. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Fitness Hike; pace is approximately a 19 minute mile. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Ages 18 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). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3/vehicle.

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.

Calling all Homeschool parents and students!  Here at the ENC we believe that nature makes the best classroom.  Right on the heels of Earth Day and Arbor Day, we’re having an afternoon of inspiring, conservation-oriented learning at the ENC.  Rotate through stations where you’ll learn about why it’s important to protect our natural resources and what you can do to help.  Before you leave you’ll get to work on a service learning project that you can take home with you. Join us for a series of programs at the nature center that have been exclusively designed with your needs in mind. AGE RANGE: 3rd-5th grade. COST:  $5 for members, $8.50 for nonmembers.

For more information and to register, please visit Environmental Nature Center’s website: http://encenter.org/visit-us/upcoming-events/

Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, afternoon cardio hike starting in Limestone Canyon. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.
This is a 8 mile cardio hike, completed in 2.5 hours and includes a 1750+ foot elevation change. This hike is for experienced, physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents.

There are no rest stops on this approximately 8 mile cardio hike, and the average 3.5-4 mile per hour fast-pace can be extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.

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