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.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

CANCELLED: 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 Zachery Flores at zachery.flores@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.

CANCELLED: Restoration in Big Canyon
Date:
Thu, 09/28/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, September 29, 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, 09/29/2023
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, 09/29/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
30 of 45
More Information  

Thursday, October 5, 2023

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, 10/05/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, October 6, 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, 10/06/2023
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, 10/06/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
37 of 45
More Information  

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Second Sunday Restoration

Stewardship
Second Sunday Restoration

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, refillable water bottle, etc. Water and tools are provided.

Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.

Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited, so please register to reserve your space (especially for groups.) Walk-ins are welcome but will be accepted based on availability.

Questions?  Call 949-923-2293 or email ellen.loftin@ocparks.com

Second Sunday Restoration
Date:
Sun, 10/08/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
65 of 75
More Information  

Thursday, October 12, 2023

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, 10/12/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, October 13, 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, 10/13/2023
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, 10/13/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
30 of 45
More Information  

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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, 10/19/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, October 20, 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, 10/20/2023
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, 10/20/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
37 of 45
More Information  

Thursday, October 26, 2023

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, 10/26/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, October 27, 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, 10/27/2023
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, 10/27/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
34 of 45
More Information  

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party

Interpretive
Interpretive

Join us at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a fun family Halloween party featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts, weird science experiments, bizarre animals, and hair-raising games.

All children who attend in costume will receive ghoulish door prizes. The event will also feature booths and exhibits from partners including the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, the Environmental Nature Center, and the OC Parks Archeology and Paleontology department.

The event and parking are free.

Rain or fowl weather will cause the event to be canceled.

Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party
Date:
Sat, 10/28/2023
Time:
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
More Information  

Thursday, November 2, 2023

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, 11/02/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Friday, November 3, 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, 11/03/2023
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, 11/03/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
39 of 45
More Information  
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