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
Friday, March 29, 2024
Toddler Treks
Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-10:45am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.
The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset
Join us in the back-country wilderness for a journey filled with beautiful sights that are photographic and artistic sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon. We will be deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia, in the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon.
You will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it. We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes, and answer questions. Stops will include short walks with views of The Sinks, a trip up Cactus and Markel Spur, with optional, single track, one-mile hike into Box Springs or a 1.5 mile Markel Spur to East Sinks loop hike. Both the Box Springs and Markel Spur hikes provide the visitor a true back-country experience. An alternative, but similar, hiking trail may be used.
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.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Limestone Canyon Truck Tour for Alzheimer’s of OC
Join us on a backcountry wilderness driving tour filled with great sightseeing opportunities. Our journey begins at the Augustine Staging Area, where you will board the back of an open-air, ten-seat, 4-wheel drive vehicle for a tour of Limestone Canyon. We will stop occasionally for 10-15 minutes or so to admire the views, take photos and answer questions.
Native Happenings at The Farm; Mushrooms
Explore the wonders of nature in our captivating new nature series at The Native Seed Farm! Each topic will be different; from the importance of pollinators to the resilience of native plants, each discussion unveils the beauty of the connections we make with nature. Come spark an interest at The Native Seed Farm for your next adventure!
Friday, April 5, 2024
Morning Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
Explore Saddleback Wilderness and hike some of OC Parks’ newest trails.
Learn about native plants and animals that call the area home and experience some of the best views the canyons have to offer. Wildflowers in this area are generally in full swing during March-April hikes. This moderate hike on unpaved dirt trails will be approximately 2.5 miles round trip with 200 feet of elevation gain. Highlights will include Saddleback Park racetrack and the habitat’s remarkable recovery since its closure almost 40 years ago.
Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Rain will cancel the program. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Advance registration required.
Toddler Treks
Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.
The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Wildflower Hike
The heavy rains of winter have lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a moderate yet slow-paced climb along the Pacifica and Windes Nature Trails and be rewarded with scenic views of Santiago Oaks and the surrounding city. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of some of our favorite blooms currently sprouting this spring season along with some of the year-round favorites.
The hike will begin at the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center and travel approximately 1 mile with moderate elevation gain.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are strongly encouraged.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Nature Journaling: Signs of Spring
Nature journaling is wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories, and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy, and maximizing your senses. This month’s journaling theme is “signs of spring.”
The program will begin outside of the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water, and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Registration is required for this program.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Family Hike: Mesa
Enjoy nature with friends and family on the Mesa. We start our program by climbing a small hill at an easy pace to reach the top. Once up on the mesa, we will hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.
Monday, April 8, 2024
Wildflowers Hike in Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Hiking in spring and early summer is a treasure hunt of color as wildflowers are abloom in the Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Get away from everyday life as you breathe in the crisp morning air and enjoy the invigorating rolling hills of Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Your heart healthy adventure will inspire awe as you witness the beautiful wildflowers and the stunning Santiago Oaks vistas. We will make periodic stops to identify some of our local wildflowers and plants. The trail is uneven in places so wear sturdy shoes.
Bright Birds of Spring in Agua Chinon – Bird Walk
It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Buck Gully
Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve 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 knowledge about local flora and fauna!
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 as there is no shade along this route.
Critter Investigation: Clever Cottontails
OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about one of our most common mammals: the clever cottontail rabbit. Join us for a fun program to learn more about these amazing creatures and how their populations thrive in our parks!
This program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.
Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Wildflower Walk For All
The heavy rains of winter have lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a casual stroll as we follow the flow of Santiago Creek through Irvine Park. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of some of our favorite blooms currently sprouting this spring season along with some of the year-round favorites.
The walk will begin at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center and travel approximately 2 miles along paved walkways. This program is accessible for those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are permitted. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are strongly encouraged.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Toddler Treks
Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.
The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon
Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in nature. 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.
Family Hike: Round Canyon
Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon
Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon. The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat. We will cross the dry Silverado Creek and examine its effects on the local geology. Then, we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss its formation and its future. Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be. This hike is geared towards families with curious minds.
Monday, April 15, 2024
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Orchard Hills
Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Orchard Hills, part of the 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 knowledge about local flora and fauna!
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 as there is no shade along this route.
Bright Birds of Spring in Limestone Canyon – Bird Walk
Birds are among the most colorful and entertaining forms of wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.