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.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
The Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a national citizen science initiative sponsored by the Audubon Society, which allows anyone of any age to make a meaningful contribution to bird conservation and protection.
For this family friendly event, we will gather at the Muth Center and learn how to submit bird count data and then hit the trail to count some birds!
OC Parks staff will teach guests how to identify our local bird species as we go and loaner binoculars will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Participants can expect to walk 2-3 miles over uneven terrain.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Rain will cancel the event.
Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is suggested.
For more information email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com or call 949-923-2277
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Volutaria Response Team

Volutaria tubuliflora otherwise known as Egyptian Knapweed is a recently introduced invasive plant to our area and we need your help to get rid of it! It is not yet widespread, and we have a chance to prevent it from taking over at Upper Newport Bay.
During the growing season, we will meet once a month to survey for this nasty pest and remove everything we find. No experience needed!
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Rain will cancel the event.
Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is suggested.
For more information email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com or call 949-923-2277
Community service hours are available for this event
Monday, February 21, 2022
Distance Hike: Fremont to Weir Canyon

Join us for an early morning distance hike from remote Fremont Canyon to the oak woodlands of Weir Canyon. Shortly after leaving Irvine Regional Park, this hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon and passes an abandoned coal mine. We continue through Upper Blind Canyon, up to a scenic overlook and then drop down to Weir Canyon as we wind our way back to Irvine Regional Park.
Distance is up to 14 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience.
Monday Morning Super Trek: Bommer Canyon and Crystal Cove

Come start your week with us on our Super Treks in the Landmarks. Join us as we explore Bommer Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park. After hiking up to Bommer Ridge, we drop down and loop through Crystal Cove State Park. Along the way, we will be rewarded with views of the ocean and spectacular canyons. There will be several steep ascents and descents.
Participants must be able to hike 11 miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. All participants must carry their own water! Please come prepared with a pack, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. 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-4 activity on the land.
Looking for Native Animals in Your Backyard: Round Canyon

There are critters in your backyard: big ones, little ones, furry ones, ones with feathers, and ones with scales. They go about their business and pay little attention to you. In fact, they would rather not be bothered unless you were a tempting morsel of food. Round Canyon is teeming with wildlife, and waiting for you to experience the solitary bobcat, the elusive ring-tailed cat, the mighty great horned owl, and playful ground squirrels, among many others.
Understanding the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, 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!
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Early Morning Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road: 6-miles

Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike is a 6-mile route as a group – which is conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour.
The group may spread out for social distance reasons but generally will remain together for the entire hike.
The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single-track trails normally found in Limestone Preserve but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices, and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great hike 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.
The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon and The Sinks: Equestrian Ride

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Wednesday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, 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.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill

This week in the Irvine Open Space, we’ll be in Quail Hill, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch. The hike is seven and a half miles with some climbing, but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking Laguna Canyon and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Get your boots out and register to hike the Quail Trail and Shady Canyon singletrack trails.
Quail Hill Loop Planting Day

Please join us at the Quail Hill native plant nursery to plant native shrubs and cactus along Quail Hill Loop. 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-2 activity on the land.
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Friday, February 25, 2022
Distance Hike: Limestone Canyon

Join us for a scenic, fast-paced, challenging, distance hike in the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. This 10–12 mile hike offers sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains as well as possible wildlife sightings. This hike may include a visit to The Sinks and/or Dripping Springs.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.