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.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 8 Events

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Nature Journaling: Landscapes

Interpretive
Nature Journaling: Landscapes

Nature journaling is a 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 “Landscapes.”

The program will begin outside 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.

Advance registration required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Nature Journaling: Landscapes
Date:
Sat, 08/03/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
5 of 10
More Information  

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Summer Birdwatching

Interpretive
Summer Birdwatching

Summer is here and so is nesting season!  Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Santiago Oaks 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 Santiago Oaks 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.

Summer Birdwatching
Date:
Wed, 08/28/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 07/28/2024
More Information  

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Nature Journaling: Birds

Interpretive
Nature Journaling: Birds

Nature journaling is a 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. In honor of International Vulture Awareness Day, this month’s journaling theme is “Birds.”

The program will begin outside 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.

Advance registration required. 

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Nature Journaling: Birds
Date:
Sat, 09/07/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/07/2024
More Information  

Friday, September 20, 2024

Phone Photo Friday

Interpretive
Phone Photo Friday

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, that camera is also their cellphone!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

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 encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Phone Photo Friday
Date:
Fri, 09/20/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 08/20/2024
More Information  

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Hiking Through History

Interpretive
Hiking Through History

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park Dams, the Historic Orange Grove, the Nature Center and more.

The walk will begin in front of the Nature Center located near the parking lot and travel approximately 3 miles with little 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, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $5 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.

Hiking Through History
Date:
Sat, 09/21/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 09/07/2024
More Information  

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Hiking Through History

Interpretive
Hiking Through History

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park Dams, the Historic Orange Grove, the Nature Center and more.

The walk will begin in front of the Nature Center located near the parking lot and travel approximately 3 miles with little 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, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $5 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.

Hiking Through History
Date:
Sat, 10/19/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 10/05/2024
More Information  

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Hiking Through History

Interpretive
Hiking Through History

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park Dams, the Historic Orange Grove, the Nature Center and more.

The walk will begin in front of the Nature Center located near the parking lot and travel approximately 3 miles with little 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, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $5 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.

Hiking Through History
Date:
Sat, 11/16/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 11/02/2024
More Information  

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Hiking Through History

Interpretive
Hiking Through History

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park Dams, the Historic Orange Grove, the Nature Center and more.

The walk will begin in front of the Nature Center located near the parking lot and travel approximately 3 miles with little 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, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $5 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.

Hiking Through History
Date:
Sat, 12/21/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 12/07/2024
More Information