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
Saturday, September 6, 2025
BioBlitz!

Come and learn how to be a scientist by joining OC Parks Naturalists in a BioBlitz! Did you know California is a biodiversity hotspot! Help scientists and OC Parks Staff with documenting the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist. Then you will go out and hike on your own while documenting the species you find along the way!
Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program! You will choose the trail you want to hike, whether that be easy, medium, or hard.
Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve 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. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program!
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.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Let’s Go Hiking!

Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation is provided, but questions are welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven.
Age: 12 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: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles 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 with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Little Explorers: Leaves!

Join OC Park naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore leaves!
Age: 3-6 year-olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve 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.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Nature Meditation Walk

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 making and 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.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Nature Creativity: Lessons from Nature

Slow down and discover what the natural world can teach us. On a guided walk, we’ll explore how trees, rocks, and animals offer quiet lessons about resilience, patience, and change. Then, we’ll create a personal nature token—a small, handmade reminder of the insight that spoke to you most.
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: 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 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.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Santiago Oaks Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.
This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.
The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Create in the Park: Drawing Buildings in Perspective

Join OC Parks at Irvine Ranch Historic Park for Create in the Park! Professional artist, Dawn Buckingham, will guide you through understanding simple perspective when drawing or painting buildings, fences, and roads. A demonstration of drawing one of the historic buildings onsite will be included. Oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor or drawing media are welcome. This program welcomes all who are interested in the arts.
This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Materials are not provided, only art instruction. A list of recommended materials will be made available to all registered participants in advance of the program. Sun protection, water and snacks are recommended.
This program is free with free parking, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site. To RSVP, visit OCParks.com for more information or contact the park office at 714-973-6865.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Irvine Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
Participants will explore Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.
This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.
The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Friday, November 28, 2025
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
Participants will explore Peters Canyon Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.
This program will begin at the southern entrance to the the park located at the end of Peters Canyon Rd. near Peters Canyon Elementary School.
This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.
The program is free and parking in the lot is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Santiago Oaks Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.
This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.
The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Tuesday, March 28, 2028
Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic 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 and should be able to hike steep hills.