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.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 463 Events

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Bommer Canyon Preserve

Interpretive
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Bommer Canyon Preserve

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at the Bommer Canyon Preserve, part of City of Irvine’s Irvine Ranch Open Space, where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate a relationship to our local wildlands.  

This hike will either take us up Ridge Route or East Fork trail, not the entire loop. This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended.

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Bommer Canyon Preserve
Date:
Tue, 12/17/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/02/2024
More Information  

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
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. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 12/17/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/02/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Winter Bird Watching

Winter Bird Watching

Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds.

Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center. 

Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Winter Bird Watching
Date:
Wed, 12/18/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 12/01/2024
More Information  

Limestone Canyon Distance Hike: Panoramic Sinks View from the Water Tank

Hiking & Fitness
Limestone Canyon Distance Hike: Panoramic Sinks View from the Water Tank

Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this challenging distance hike to the “water tank” beyond the East Sinks viewing area. 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. In addition to providing sweeping views, the trail passes through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. This hike moves between 3 and 3.5 mph with multiple sustained climbs.

Limestone Canyon Distance Hike: Panoramic Sinks View from the Water Tank
Date:
Wed, 12/18/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
12.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/03/2024
More Information  

Seasonal Science Series: Oak Woodlands and the Invasive Threat They Face

Interpretive
Seasonal Science Series: Oak Woodlands and the Invasive Threat They Face

Spend the morning learning about our local Native Oak, the Coast Live Oak and the invasive beetle that poses a very real threat to our oak woodland’s health and survival.   We will take a slow-paced interpretive hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. As we travel through the majestic oak woodland, we will discuss oak woodland health and current issues that they face, such as the Gold Spotted Oak Borer.

Seasonal Science Series: Oak Woodlands and the Invasive Threat They Face
Date:
Wed, 12/18/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/03/2024
More Information  

Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch

Hiking & Fitness
Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch

Take pleasure in a midweek hike, spanning 3.5 to 4 miles, through the urban wilderness of OC Parks’ Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. The hike features an easy to moderate pace with a slight elevation gain of just over 300 feet. Along the way, we’ll discuss the native plants and the diverse wildlife that depends on them. Remember to wear comfortable footwear and carry water.

Hump Day Afternoon Hike at Whiting Ranch
Date:
Wed, 12/18/2024
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Where:
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/03/2024
More Information  

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space 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 an average of 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.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 12/18/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/03/2024
More Information  

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon

This week in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, we’ll be in Bommer Canyon, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch where corrals and ranch equipment still stand. The hike is a seven-mile loop with some climbing but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking the ocean and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, a hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Get your boots out and register to hike the loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and back to Cattle Camp.

Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/04/2024
More Information  

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem!

IRC Volunteers are invited to help at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/04/2024
More Information  

Fitness Hike – Dilley

Hiking & Fitness
Fitness Hike - Dilley

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 650-ft. elevation gain.

Age: 16 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: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking 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.

Fitness Hike - Dilley
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands

Stewardship
Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands

Spend your morning helping to plant and weed within the new butterfly habitat islands in Limestone. With your help we will be able to maintain “islands” of host and nectar plants for butterflies in decline in Limestone Canyon. You will be transported from via a safari style truck from butterfly island to butterfly island through a beautiful oak woodland.

Butterfly Series: Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/04/2024
More Information  

Moving with Nature in Mind – Yoga at the Farm

Hiking & Fitness
Moving with Nature in Mind - Yoga at the Farm

Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.

Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, wear athletic clothing, and bring appropriate clothing layers for the temperature.

Moving with Nature in Mind - Yoga at the Farm
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/04/2024
More Information  

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
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. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 12/19/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/04/2024
More Information  

Friday, December 20, 2024

Winter Solstice Hike to Mini Moab: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Winter Solstice Hike to Mini Moab: Fremont Canyon

Join us on this epic hike to celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice. We’ll hike from the bottom of Fremont Canyon to the bold, sandstone outcrops marking the ridgeline locally known as “Mini Moab.” This extremely challenging out-and-back hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. We climb steeply along ranch roads past an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station, remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress, and Lizard Rock. Less than a mile after entering the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve, we reach our destination. The view from Mini Moab is nothing short of spectacular! After a break for snacks and to enjoy the view, we’ll retrace our steps back to the Fremont Staging Area.

Winter Solstice Hike to Mini Moab: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Fri, 12/20/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 1:30 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/05/2024
More Information  

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp

Hiking & Fitness
Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp

Join us for a five-mile moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) with rolling hills before experiencing yoga the Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor stage is perfect for yoga. The hike is highlighted with beautiful views of the canyon and the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never been to the Cattle Camp before you will be surprised how connected you feel to the cowboys that worked on this land. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp
Date:
Fri, 12/20/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/05/2024
More Information  

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

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! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 12/20/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/05/2024
More Information  

Third Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
Third Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.

This activity takes place on sloped 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.

Third Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 12/20/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/05/2024
More Information  

Nature Creativity: Wood Cookie Ornament

Interpretive
Nature Creativity: Wood Cookie Ornament

Nature can inspire creativity in all of us! Join OC Parks Naturalists as we explore the majesty of trees! We will be painting our own wood ‘cookie’! We will hike about 2 miles with moderate elevation gain.

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: 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.

Nature Creativity: Wood Cookie Ornament
Date:
Fri, 12/20/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this moderate paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands where deer and bobcats are frequently observed. Multiple steep climbs and descents, and sweeping views, are included throughout this 6-mile hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Even though this is a slower cardio hike, it is faster than a walk. You must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour the entire time without stopping.

Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sat, 12/21/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/06/2024
More Information  

Portola to The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Portola to The Sinks

Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has got its reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come out and join us on a hike from the Portola staging area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Portola to The Sinks
Date:
Sat, 12/21/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/06/2024
More Information  
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