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.

Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.

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

Search & Filter Activities

Found 120 Events

Friday, July 11, 2025

Crystal Cove State Park Full Moon Hike

Interpretive
Crystal Cove State Park Full Moon Hike

Explore the Park After Dark, on a guided interpretive 2-hour, 4-mile Full Moon Hike at Crystal Cove State Park. A park naturalist will lead hikers on this moderate to difficult loop trail with uneven terrain and a steep uphill climb, elevation gain of 600 ft. This hike is suitable for ages 10 and up. Hikers must wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and insect repellent. Please bring a red flashlight, if you don’t have one, we will have some to share. Meet at the Ranger Station (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow the signs to the Ranger Station). $15 day use fee.

Crystal Cove State Park Full Moon Hike
Date:
Fri, 07/11/2025
Time:
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where:
Crystal Cove State Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Animal Signs and Tracks in Round Canyon

Interpretive
Animal Signs and Tracks in Round Canyon

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. 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.

Animal Signs and Tracks in Round Canyon
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Upper Newport Bay

Interpretive
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Upper Newport Bay

*This program takes place at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Upper Newport Bay
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
7
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Woodland Wellness Walk

Interpretive
Interpretive

Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” this walk invites you to take a break and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Throughout the program you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using all your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin at parking lot Q. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration is required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Woodland Wellness Walk
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm

Join us for a leisurely walk through the Native Seed Farm to see our wildflower plots in bloom. We’ll stick to the hard-pack roads around the fields – bring your camera to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn about the plants we grow and why we grow them, and see pollinators in action. We’ll finish the activity with a walk around the other fields at the farm so that you can see our grasses, woody plants and perennial forbs up close.

Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Family Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Interpretive
Family Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a dry creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.

Family Hike at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
5
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Bats: Heroes of the Night

Interpretive
Bats: Heroes of the Night

As the day starts to settle into the night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out towards a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 a mile. Dress warmly as it may be a chilly evening. A camping chair is welcome as we will have a short introductory presentation in the staging area before the walk.

Bats: Heroes of the Night
Date:
Sat, 07/12/2025
Time:
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
5
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Nature Meditation Walk

Interpretive
Nature Meditation Walk

Do you want to unplug and relax in nature? Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers on a guided walk to experience the outdoors in a new way and allow your natural sense of wonder to take you to a mindful space outside.

We will walk less than 1 mile on relatively flat terrain and take stops along the way to engage in playful activities and mindfulness exercises to deepen our connection with the natural environment and ourselves. Our walk will end with a tea ceremony focused on reciprocity, a segue from the special, quiet space we share on our walk, back to the busy world.

Disclaimer: This program involves making and drinking tea made from sustainably sourced native plants. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please be sure to notify park staff upon arrival.

Age: 10 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. A yoga mat or portable chair is recommended. Sitting materials will be provided for those who need them. For the program, expect to quiet your cellphones.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
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.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Nature Meditation Walk
Date:
Sun, 07/13/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
10
More Information  

Hoofprints and Horizons: a Gentle Family Hike with a Horse

Interpretive
Hoofprints and Horizons: a Gentle Family Hike with a Horse

Escape into the stunning landscapes of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with a one of kind family hiking experience. Our guided walk features a friendly horse, offering a special opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals while exploring the natural beauty of Southern California. This walk is perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s a chance to create long-lasting memories and foster a love for both horses and nature.

Please note: This hiking activity is for educational purposes. Participants should not bring their own horses as this is not an equestrian ride.

Hoofprints and Horizons: a Gentle Family Hike with a Horse
Date:
Sun, 07/13/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
5
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Summer Birdwatching

Interpretive
Interpretive

Summer is here and so is nesting season! Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer as you stroll through Peters Canyon Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the shrubs for bouncing birds.

Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins next to the Peters Canyon Park Office.

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, 07/16/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
10 of 25
More Information  

OUTREACH: Field Trip for Sea & Sage Audubon Bird Camp

Engagement
OUTREACH: Field Trip for Sea & Sage Audubon Bird Camp

IRC Volunteer support is needed to assist in a fun field trip for about 20 campers from Sea & Sage Audubon Bird Camp (ages 13 – 16) to explore Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. An educational hike, nature journaling session, restoration work, and other fun activities will round out the outdoor experience for these kids. Campers arrive about 8:30 a.m., lunch 12 – 12:30 p.m., departure by 2:30 p.m.

Support is needed to help work gates, assist as a sweep, and aid in group management.

 

OUTREACH: Field Trip for Sea & Sage Audubon Bird Camp
Date:
Wed, 07/16/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  

Critter Investigation: Outstanding Opossums

Interpretive
Critter Investigation: Outstanding Opossums

Bring your little ones (ages 2 to 5) to learn more about opossums! This fun and engaging program includes story time, an age-appropriate hike and themed craft.

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 recommended. Please register all adults and children.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Critter Investigation: Outstanding Opossums
Date:
Wed, 07/16/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Thursday, July 17, 2025

What’s Buzzing at the Native Seed Farm? Native Plants and their Pollinators!

Interpretive
What's Buzzing at the Native Seed Farm? Native Plants and their Pollinators!

Join us as we explore the native seed farm while learning about plants, pollination, and pollinators. We’ll focus on the native plants grown at the farm as we talk about, and identify, the pollinators we find on them. Closed-toe shoes and water are required for the walk. Hats and sunscreen highly recommended.

What's Buzzing at the Native Seed Farm? Native Plants and their Pollinators!
Date:
Thu, 07/17/2025
Time:
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
11 of 15
More Information  

Friday, July 18, 2025

Phone Photo Friday

Interpretive
Interpretive

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 Peters Canyon Regional Park ranger station. 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.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Phone Photo Friday
Date:
Fri, 07/18/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
12 of 15
More Information  

Nature Creativity: Plant Dye Bandanas

Interpretive
Nature Creativity: Plant Dye Bandanas

Step into the vibrant world of natural color! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the colors hidden all around us. Participants will begin with a short, guided walk to observe and reflect on the colors found in the landscape. Then, we’ll create our own unique bandanas using live plants and hammering techniques. Come ready to experiment, get creative, and take home a wearable piece of nature!

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
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.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Nature Creativity: Plant Dye Bandanas
Date:
Fri, 07/18/2025
Time:
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Mindful Nature Walk

Interpretive
Mindful Nature Walk

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a sitting material if you wish (i.e. tarp, seating pad, small chair, etc.). The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Mindful Nature Walk
Date:
Fri, 07/18/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
14 of 15
More Information  

Wild Tales

Interpretive
Wild Tales

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 Wild Tales 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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the hiking portion of the program occurs on a non-stroller friendly trail.

Advance registration is REQUIRED. In an effort to keep our program size manageable and engaging for participants, this program no longer accepts walk ups. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Wild Tales
Date:
Fri, 07/18/2025
Time:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park

Interpretive
Interpretive

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Mile Square Regional Park.

We will become mapping experts and create our own Memory Map while we explore the Mile Square Nature Area. We will meet in Parking Lot H at the entrance to the Nature Area.

This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park
Date:
Sat, 07/19/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
7
Spaces Left:
6 of 25
More Information  

Local Native Plants: Exploring Your Garden

Interpretive
Local Native Plants: Exploring Your Garden

Visitors to Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by the Demonstration Garden, filled with lush shrubs, bushes, and flowers. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem! Join us as we provide inspiration and guidance for creating a regionally suitable plant garden for your own home.

Local Native Plants: Exploring Your Garden
Date:
Sat, 07/19/2025
Time:
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
20 of 20
More Information  

Family Hike: Agua Chinon

Interpretive
Family Hike: Agua Chinon

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.

Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Date:
Sat, 07/19/2025
Time:
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
5
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
6 of 20
More Information  
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