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.

    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.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Agua Chinon Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub and enjoy wonderful vistas. Total round-trip distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. 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-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks
Date:
Tue, 11/07/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/30/2023
More Information  

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Autumn Afternoon Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills

Hiking & Fitness
Autumn Afternoon Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills

Join us for an Autumn afternoon event that includes a short two mile hike to warm up your legs before experiencing a gentle flow yoga practice in nature. The trail leads us along an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve with beautiful views of Irvine. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, slower in pace and gentle in practice. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level 2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Autumn Afternoon Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills
Date:
Wed, 11/08/2023
Time:
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/31/2023
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 OCParks’ 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 11/08/2023
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 10/31/2023
More Information  

Thursday, November 9, 2023

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 Winter? 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! 

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2023
More Information  

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Come out and join us on a breathtaking hike from the Irvine Open Space Preserve into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This week’s docent-led hike begins in the Agua Chinon wash, continues to The Sinks, and may include a side trip to Box Springs, a natural year-round source of fresh water.

Maximum distance is just short of 8 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 and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2023
More Information  

Fitness Hike – Ridge Park

Hiking & Fitness
Fitness Hike - Ridge Park

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous, and fast-paced, 6.6-mile hike (1,100-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

– Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. Please register here. No walk-ups.
– Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email derek@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
– Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
– Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
– Minimum age of 16 years old accompanied by a parent/guardian. If under 18 years old, a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian, provided at the start of the event.
– Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
– In an effort 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.

Location: Ridge Park, Laguna Coast Wildnerness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.

Parking: Free.

Fitness Hike - Ridge Park
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Restoration in Big Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Around 25,000 plants have been installed at our Big Canyon restoration site, and we would love your help protecting the new plantings from invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a huge threat to displacing native plant communities and wildlife at the Bay, second only to habitat loss. By removing invasive weeds, we will ensure the Big Canyon project site thrives with native plants for years to come. No prior plant ID/weeding experience necessary.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: RestoreBigCanyon.eventbrite.com

Interested in bringing out a large group of 15 or more? Please contact Alys Arenas at alys.arenas@newportbay.org for more information on how to sign up.

Time & Location
We will meet at 9am at the project site entrance. A map with directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the project site is a short 5-minute walk into the canyon. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Bring/Wear
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We also recommend wearing breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Hand tools, shovels, and gloves will be provided. All volunteers not yet fully vaccinated must wear a face mask while on the project site. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated volunteers.

Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Equestrian Trail Ride: Fremont to Weir Canyon

Equestrian
Equestrian Trail Ride: Fremont to Weir Canyon

Experience the wonders of two preserve areas located on OCParks’ beautiful Irvine Ranch Open Space, Fremont and Weir Canyons. We begin our equestrian ride atop the Waterworks trail, an old filled-in V ditch that served to water the vast acres of the old Irvine Ranch of Orange County. We parallel Santiago Creek and enter the mouth of Fremont Canyon where native flora and fauna abound and find refuge from the sprawling urban environment. We turn and head toward Weir Canyon along the MWD trail and find ourselves gaining elevation and on little hills. As we head into the canyons we find hawks overhead and the coastal sage scrub turn into chaparral. We may find wildflowers or native grasses sprouting and certainly, we will hear sounds from Irvine Park. Serenity will be found as we enter the quietness of Weir Canyon where Oaks abound and restoration continues where Ox carts once traversed. After travelling back in time, we make our way back to the park and toward our original starting point going through Lower Weir Canyon and back into the park.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Equestrian Trail Ride: Fremont to Weir Canyon
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
10 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2023
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. This hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve 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.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 11/09/2023
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2023
More Information  

Friday, November 10, 2023

Sow and Grow Fridays

Stewardship
Stewardship

Join us Friday mornings in our native plant nursery for 3 hours of hands-on volunteer driven fun! Bring a friend and help us grow native plants for restoration projects around the Upper Newport Bay. Each week, you will have the opportunity to assist in seasonal activities like seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding, and maintaining nursery space.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

This volunteer work will take place outdoors at the Back Bay Science Center. Although most of the work will be conducted under shade, volunteers should be prepared to stand and be exposed to changing weather for various lengths of time. Please bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, hiking or outdoor working attire, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a hat. Free parking and public restrooms are available on site. No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided.

To register, go to: SowandGrowFridays.eventbrite.com

Sow and Grow Fridays
Date:
Fri, 11/10/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Wild Tales

Interpretive
Wild Tales

Join OC Parks staff for Wild Tales, offered every Friday. Each session will include a kid friendly hike, story time and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

All minors under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Being that our easy hikes are on dirt trails, wearing clothes and shoes fit for such trail conditions are recommended.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Wild Tales
Date:
Fri, 11/10/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
38 of 45
More Information  

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine

Hiking & Fitness
Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine

Come enjoy a scenic evening cardio hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine, up to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying the view, we’ll turnaround and hike back the same way to our starting point.

This challenging hike involves steep climbs and a 1200’ elevation gain but the rewards are sweeping views of Fremont at sunset. Please arrive 15 minutes early and come prepared with a sturdy pack, water, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine
Date:
Fri, 11/10/2023
Time:
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/02/2023
More Information  

Saturday, November 11, 2023

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

Mountain Biking
FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

Join us in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape. Climb challenging State Spur to Cathedral Rock, and then descend into Fremont Canyon while passing some of Orange County’s most spectacular geological formations. The ride continues out to Mini-Moab and then over to Sierra Peak, passing the Tecate Cypress forest, then past Sierra Peak, and over to the last descent down through historic Black Star Canyon.

Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2023
Time:
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
25 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/03/2023
More Information  

Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration

Special Events
Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration

Please note: Preregistration is required due to limited parking capacity.

Start your weekend off by exploring the Agua Chinon wash and the Sinks through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to a strenuous 9.5-mile trek. Whether traveling by feet or on two wheels, this exploration day is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike. Visitors to the Open Space during this activity are able to hike or bike to the West and East Sinks viewing areas.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for this challenging hiking and biking opportunity.

Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/11/2023
More Information  

Bird Walk

Hiking & Fitness
Bird Walk

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile walk through a landscaped suburban parkland setting at Mason Regional Park. No experience necessary! for ages 12 and up (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars. William R. Mason Regional Park – 18712 University Drive, Irvine (Exit I-405 at Culver Drive south, turn right (west/south) on University Drive, left at San Joaquin/park entrance – meet at the western end of Parking Lot A). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here. For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon.-Fri. or 949-923-2235 Sat./Sun. Parking: $5/vehicle

Bird Walk
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Mason Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
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.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/03/2023
More Information  

Saddleback Wilderness Access

Hiking & Fitness
Saddleback Wilderness Access

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 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

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

Saddleback Wilderness Access
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  
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