Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

A special opportunity for experienced Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers: join us to gain new trail skills as we construct a rock-armored drain on Old Emerald Trail. Rock armoring is one of the best ways to address erosion on steep trails. This work requires patience and precision. If you have volunteered for trail stewardship with LCF 5 or more times, and want to add to your skill set, this event is for you. We will also be addressing tread issues and completing naturalization. There will be a 30-minute lunch break (lunch provided). We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeod’s to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 3 miles while carrying tools.

We have limited space for this event. Please only register for either April 19th or May 17th.

To register, please email Trails Project Manager Craig Dicht at craig@lagunacanyon.org. Registration will close on Monday, May 5th, 2025.

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, East side of highway 133)

Parking: Free parking for Trail Stewardship volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Materials: Participants must bring at least 3 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you prefer!

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org, craig@lagunacanyon.org, and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.

Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Enjoy a 3+ mile hike and gentle yoga practice in nature. The hike through Baker Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, includes an elevation gain of approximately 500′ and will be a nice warm up for a gentle morning yoga flow under a shaded canopy. Please bring water, your own yoga mat and large beach towel. Mats will not be provided; we will drop mats at secure location while hiking. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen recommended for the hike.

Come out and enjoy this family-fun activity on the Mesa. We will start with an activity to make your own fossil, then we will take a 2–3-mile hike looking for fossils deposited here in Orange County millions of years ago when Orange County was a sea. A slight elevation gain (200 feet) to start the hike will give incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the red rock cliffs of Black Star Canyon. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and enjoy an early morning hike in this intriguing region.

Join OC Park and LCF Volunteers on this moderate 3-mile program with 300-foot elevation gain over uneven, steep and rocky terrain. Step back 25 million years in Orange County’s history to a time when the seas receded, and the San Andreas Fault was just starting to form. Discover the geologic processes going on today and how they affect the natural landscape!

Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Join us for a sensory journey into the world of native plant teas! We’ll explore the ecological roles of our Coastal Sage Scrub plants, their cultural significance, and their unique flavors. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own unique tea blend to taste. New flavors will be offered!

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 1/5  

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.  

Safety precautions and protocols: 

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org 
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. 
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill. 
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions. 

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event. 

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a dry creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.

You will enjoy a gorgeous sunset with panoramic views of Orange County while hiking in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike travels 6 miles, out and back crossing over Loma Ridge. This is the perfect activity for you to get your work-out in and view the sunset. The hike is conducted at an average pace of 3 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. 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.

For Wildfire Awareness Month, spend the evening learning about fire dependency, resiliency and plant management as we take time to observe our surrounding in our nature journals. Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for environmental observations, creating lasting memories, and making deeper connections with nature. Build upon your own sense of place to maximize mindfulness and relaxation. The session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy, and immersing your senses in the wonders of nature. A closer examination of recent fire impacts on the land and fire ecology will also be highlighted.

Join us for an energizing trail run at Bommer Canyon, a scenic open space in Irvine known for its rolling hills, rugged paths, and breathtaking views of Southern California’s coastal landscape. This 6-mile route, featuring elevation changes totaling 2,500 feet, offers a diverse mix of rocky trails, gentle slopes, and challenging inclines, making it an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced trail runners. We’ll aim for a moderate pace of around 10-12 minutes per mile, adjusting for terrain and taking advantage of flatter sections to push the pace a bit. With a blend of uphill challenges and smooth, runnable stretches, this run will be both a great fitness boost and a beautiful outdoor adventure. Remember to bring water, a hat, sturdy trail running shoes, and some snacks. Participants should be physically fit and have prior experience with trail running or fast-paced distance hiking.

Join us Sunday morning in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon. Hikers will enjoy wonderful views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. The hike starts at Hicks Haul Road staging area and will cover a distance of 8.5 miles, about 5 miles of the hike is on paved surface and rest on trails. Participants are expected to hike close to 3 miles per hour and come prepared with closed toe hiking boots or shoes, water, trail snacks, sunscreen, hat, day pack or fanny pack, and any other necessary equipment or supplies you might need to keep you safe on this hike.

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending days 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, hand watering, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)

Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Long sleeves are recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Do you want to unplug and relax in nature? Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers on a guided walk to experience the outdoors in a new way and allow your natural sense of wonder to take you to a mindful space outside.

We will walk less than 1 mile on relatively flat terrain and take stops along the way to engage in playful activities and mindfulness exercises to deepen our connection with the natural environment and ourselves. Our walk will end with a tea ceremony focused on reciprocity, a segue from the special, quiet space we share on our walk, back to the busy world.

Disclaimer: This program involves drinking tea made from sustainably sourced native plants. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please be sure to notify park staff upon arrival.

Age: 10 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. A yoga mat or portable chair is recommended. Sitting materials will be provided for those who need them. For the program, expect to quiet your cellphones.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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 a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.

Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon Preserve under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

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 – 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.

Ready for a challenging hike to tour the Crystal Cove State Park backcountry? Join a Crystal Cove State Park docent as we go from the “gills to the hills” on this strenuous but very scenic loop hike known as the “Perimeter of the Park.” Distance is around 9 miles; elevation/gain loss, around 1500’. The hike is done at a moderate pace with two to three short breaks.

Occasionally, we may vary our route to explore other backcountry trails within the park. 

Discover the hidden canyons and trails found in Round Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. These seldom hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, wildflowers, secluded oasis of oaks, and rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as bring proper sun protection and water.