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.
Search & Filter Activities
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Bird Walk
Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (up to 100-ft elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary!
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
The program is free. Online reservations required at lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here.
For ages 12 and up. Minors aged 18 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars and water.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Location: James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or I-405 to 133 south to stop light at 73 toll road; make a U-turn and go 1/2 block. Dilley is on the right). We will meet in the parking lot.
Parking: $3
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Trail Stewardship – Little Sycamore
If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.
Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
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:
Rendezvous location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach CA
Link to location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/99a7qjPekDtkKm5C8
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Family Hike
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
The program is free. Online reservations required at lagunacanyon.org/events. Register here.
For all ages; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
Parking: $3
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Adaptation Spotlight: Butterfly Wings
Join OC Park Naturalists as we learn about butterflies! We will go for a short hike to look for butterflies and take an up-close look at the wings of butterflies!
This program is for ages 7 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants- including children. Learn more and register here..
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. This program will begin at the James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or I-405 to 133 south to stop light at 73 toll road; make a U-turn and go 1/2 block. Dilley is on the right). We will meet in the parking lot.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Please note: Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
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. No walk-ups.
Each participant must register individually. Register here. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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 Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.
Parking: Free.
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Sounds of the Evening
Join OC Park Naturalist on an evening walk where we will enjoy the sounds of nature. The sounds of an area can tell us a lot about its ecology, if we listen closely enough. So come enjoy a stroll along Mary’s Trail as we listen to what nature has to say.
This a flat walk at a slow pace. Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants including children. Learn more and register here..
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. We will meet at the Nix Nature Center amphitheater near the bathrooms.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Please note: Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our habitat restoration stewardship events 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, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: The Nix Nature Center (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651).
Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Native Plant Hike
Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this enjoyable 2.5 mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email volunteer@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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
Parking: $3
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Fitness Hike – Willow
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 strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (750-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at Willow Staging Area, west side of Laguna Canyon Rd., just south of El Toro Rd.
Parking: $3/vehicle
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Little Explorers: Rocks
Join OC Park Naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore the Willow Staging Area in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Our theme of the month is rocks! We will explore how rocks come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors!
This program will begin at the Willow Staging Area. Willow Canyon Staging area is located along the 133, south of El Toro Road, and across the street from Anneliese School: 20062 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. We will meet in the parking lot.
This program is for ages 3 to 6. Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants including children. Learn more and register here..
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Please note: Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Trail Stewardship – Lizard
If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.
Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Lizard trail
Rendezvous location: Cul-de-sac by Pacific Ridge Trailhead at the end of Ridge Park Rd in Newport Beach
Link to location on Google Maps
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast
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, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email Marjorie Rhodes at marjorie@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: Volunteers will be meeting at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651) then shuttling to the restoration site with LCF staff.
Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Friday, May 17, 2024
Nature Creativity: Resin Flower Coaster
Nature can inspire the creativity in all of us. In this program you will learn how to identify wildflowers, learn why scientist press flowers, and make your own pressed flower coaster out of resin to take home with you!
This program is for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water. We will be hiking about 1 mile with moderate elevation gain.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants- including children as supplies are limited. Learn more and register here.
This program is free and all materials will be provided. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Please meet at the Nix Nature Center amphitheater near the bathrooms.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.
Please note: Rain and wet or muddy conditions will cancel this program.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Day – Willow
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). You must arrive by 8 am.
Parking: Free for nursery volunteers – a pass will be provided upon arrival. Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers.
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Fitness Hike – Dilley
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 strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve (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/vehicle.
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Bird Walk
Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (up to 50-ft elevation gain) to Barbara’s Lake and back through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.
No experience necessary! For ages 12 and up (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Please wear hiking or walking shoes and bring water. You are welcome to bring your binoculars as well!
Online reservations required. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Parking: $3/vehicle
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Family Hike
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
The program is free. Online reservations required. Register here.
For all ages; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
Parking: $3
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Fitness Hike – Nix/Little Sycamore
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, 7.2-mile hike (1050 -ft. elevation gain) over 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. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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: Nix Nature Center 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
Parking: $3/vehicle
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Stories Carved in Stone
The rocks of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park tell a story that dates back millions of years. Join OC Park and LCF volunteers as they take you on a journey through history. You will discover volcanic intrusions, explore rock formations 40 million years old, and experience the only naturally occurring lake in Orange County. This program starts at the Nix Nature Center where we will discuss the rock formations of Orange County. Then we will head out on trail, where we will be hiking and exploring about 1 mile up Little Sycamore Trail. The program will end with an easy walk to Barbara’s Lake.
This program is for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants. Learn more and register here.
This program is free, and all materials will be provided. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Please meet at the Nix Nature Center amphitheater near the bathrooms.
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel this program.
Thursday, June 6, 2024
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. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
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.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
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 Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.
Parking: Free.
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.