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.

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Found 11440 Events

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Mountain Bike Clinic – Terrain Skills

Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Clinic - Terrain Skills

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you just want to hone your existing skills developing terrain-influenced bike handling over several types of man-made features, this is the clinic for you!

Class begins with a brief overview of rider fundamentals starting with platform position and weight transfer then covering equipment basics & setup, braking, gearing and a brief bike maintenance Q&A session followed by a series of exercises demonstrating terrain-influenced bike handling over a variety of man-made features including log piles, rock step-ups, A-frames and many more. 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.

Mountain Bike Clinic - Terrain Skills
Date:
Sun, 04/29/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Baker Canyon (Art on the Landmarks for Blizzard Group)

Hiking & Fitness
Hiking & Fitness
Baker Canyon (Art on the Landmarks for Blizzard Group)
Date:
Sun, 04/29/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Earthcache Hike to Dripping Springs: Limestone Canyon

Interpretive
Earthcache Hike to Dripping Springs: Limestone Canyon

Come and hike with us to Dripping Springs, location of the Earthcache site listed on www.geocaching.com. The cache is titled, “Dripping Springs Aquifer- Irvine Ranch Wildlands, GC1ZC04.” This hike is open to existing geocachers, those curious about geocaching and non-geocachers alike. There will be as much time as is needed spent at Dripping Springs so all cachers can record their data and make their observations to confidently log their visit to this cache site. Dripping Springs is a natural spring and fern grotto found in the heart of Limestone Canyon. This hike will follow Limestone Canyon and then up the Sandtrap trail and down to Dripping Springs and back through Limestone Canyon for an approximate 7 mile loop. Total climbing elevation is around 1300 feet. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Earthcache Hike to Dripping Springs: Limestone Canyon
Date:
Sun, 04/29/2018
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Crafty Kids Sundays

Interpretive
Interpretive

Come join us for a fun themed craft project anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.!

Crafty Kids Sunday features FREE craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom.

All ages are welcome, recommended for ages 2 to 10 years old. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Crafty Kids Sundays
Date:
Sun, 04/29/2018
Time:
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
2
More Information  

Full Moon Hike: Hicks Haul Road

Interpretive
Full Moon Hike: Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy the trails under the full moon’s light! We will hike along the paved Hicks Haul Road, traveling through coastal sage scrub in this dark canyon’s interior. The hike will cover about 3 miles round trip at a moderate pace as we hike along our trail discussing the night sky.  Wear warm layers (as the canyon gets chilly at night) and sturdy shoes. Please bring water and a red tinted flashlight for the hike. This program is for those that are interested in experiencing the trails after sunset and taking in the night sounds and smells along with the full moon’s glow!

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: Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Sun, 04/29/2018
Time:
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Monday, April 30, 2018

EOM NOCO April 2018

Stewardship
Stewardship
EOM NOCO April 2018
Date:
Mon, 04/30/2018
Time:
1:00 am - 1:00 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Watering the Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill

Stewardship
Stewardship

Watering the Native Plant Nursery at the Quail Hill Trailhead, inside the gated yard off the parking lot. Germinating seeds under the black shade cloth: water under the mist setting to moisten soil and cover back with shade cloth. All other grass plugs and 4″ pots not covered: water under the shower setting once. The larger, gallon sized pots do not need to be watered unless noted prior to your shift. Watering can occur at any time during your said available days.

 

**No need to water during rainy days.

Watering the Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill
Date:
Mon, 04/30/2018
Time:
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Watering Native Shrubs at Augustine Nursery

Stewardship
Watering Native Shrubs at Augustine Nursery

IRC volunteers will help to water and maintain the native shrubs at the Augustine Nursery  to enhance the Augustine Staging area and Dipping Springs Trail. Thank you!

Watering Native Shrubs at Augustine Nursery
Date:
Mon, 04/30/2018
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
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.

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

Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Date:
Mon, 04/30/2018
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, May 1, 2018

Ranger Reserve Interview Coordination

Stewardship
Stewardship
Ranger Reserve Interview Coordination
Date:
Tue, 05/01/2018
Time:
12:00 am - 12:00 am
Where:
Irvine Ranch Historical Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring – Limestone, Hicks Haul Road

Stewardship
Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring - Limestone, Hicks Haul Road

Monitoring our raptor nest in Agua Chinon onTuesday, May 1.

Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring - Limestone, Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 05/01/2018
Time:
7:45 am - 10:45 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Bommer Canyon Train and Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bommer Canyon Train and Hike

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.

Bommer Canyon Train and Hike
Date:
Tue, 05/01/2018
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring- Cooper’s Hawk

Stewardship
Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring- Cooper's Hawk

Ted Edgell; 4.0 hours

COH – OR – 176 (NOT ACTIVE WITH A Coopers Hawk nest

BNO – OR – 116

RTH – OR – 244

Citizen Science: Raptor Nest Monitoring- Cooper's Hawk
Date:
Wed, 05/02/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
21.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
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.

It's Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Wed, 05/02/2018
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  

CANCELLED: Meditative Yoga and Meadow Walk

Hiking & Fitness
CANCELLED: Meditative Yoga and Meadow Walk

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.

CANCELLED: Meditative Yoga and Meadow Walk
Date:
Wed, 05/02/2018
Time:
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
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 trails.

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

Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill
Date:
Thu, 05/03/2018
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Creekside Academy/YAT Stewardship at Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Creekside Academy/YAT Stewardship at Bommer Canyon

Creekside Academy/YAT, 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, High 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.

Creekside Academy/YAT Stewardship at Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/03/2018
Time:
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Cardio Hike: Baker Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Cardio Hike: Baker Canyon

Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, afternoon cardio hike starting in Baker Canyon. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.
This is a 4 mile cardio hike, completed in 1.5 hours and includes a 450+ 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 4 mile cardio hike, and the average 3-3.5 mile per hour fast-pace can be 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-4 activity on the land.

Cardio Hike: Baker Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/03/2018
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
18
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.

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

Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Date:
Thu, 05/03/2018
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  

Friday, May 4, 2018

Citizens Science: Santiago Creek/ Weir – Sahara Mustard Pull

Stewardship
Citizens Science: Santiago Creek/ Weir - Sahara Mustard Pull

Sahara mustard is a nasty exotic that has invaded thousands of acres across Southern California and is just beginning to encroach upon the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Now is the time to act!  Your help is needed to search for and remove new mustard plants that have come up from seed so that we can keep this weed from infesting our wild lands! This event will include bending, kneeling and walking across slopes and uneven terrain. All training and tools will be provided. We hope you can join us!

Citizens Science: Santiago Creek/ Weir - Sahara Mustard Pull
Date:
Fri, 05/04/2018
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  
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