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, March 30, 2023

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Pulling Together at Quail Hill

Stewardship
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Pulling Together at Quail Hill

North African Knapweed, Centaurea diluta, is a recently introduced invasive plant and we need your help to get rid of it! Invading weeds degrade habitat for wildlife, exacerbate wildfire risks, and reduce overall biodiversity. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding North African Knapweed from Quail Hill in Irvine.

This activity takes place on some uneven terrain, and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Training and tools will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

We will meet at the Quail Hill Trailhead parking lot, then walk 15-20 minutes on a bikeway adjacent to the 405 Freeway to the work site.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Pulling Together at Quail Hill
Date:
Thu, 03/30/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
6 of 6
More Information  

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Stewardship
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement

Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we enhance the Quail Hill Loop trail by watering native shrubs and cactus in degraded portions of the trail. Your work will help restore habitat that will benefit wildlife and make the trail enjoyable to explore.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Quail Hill Loop Trail Enhancement
Date:
Thu, 03/30/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
2 of 6
More Information  

Friday, March 31, 2023

03/31 – Ranger Reserve – Backcountry Patrol

Stewardship
Stewardship

Foot patrol park trails and report trail conditions.

03/31 - Ranger Reserve - Backcountry Patrol
Date:
Fri, 03/31/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Restoration Day – Watering and Weeding at Peters Canyon

Stewardship
Restoration Day - Watering and Weeding at Peters Canyon

Lend a helping hand to help improve native habitat in Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to seasonally appropriate restoration, such as planting native shrubs that will encourage the local wildlife to thrive, watering recently planted natives, or weeding restoration plots. Bring strong gardening gloves, trail snacks and water, and wear sun protection and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in.

Program and parking are free. Please see Check-In Booth for parking fee waiver. For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com at 714-973-6625.

Restoration Day - Watering and Weeding at Peters Canyon
Date:
Sun, 04/02/2023
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
13 of 25
More Information  

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Stewardship
Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day

Spend the morning watering and nurturing Tecate Cypress trees and Coast Live Oak seedlings at the Fremont Staging area.

Please be aware that you may be instructed to use tools for this activity such as; but not limited to, pliers, mallets, trowels and shovels.

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.

Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship Day
Date:
Tue, 04/04/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
2 of 4
More Information  

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Winter? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 04/08/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/31/2023
More Information  

Sunday, April 9, 2023

CANCELLED – Second Sunday Restoration at Upper Newport Bay

Stewardship
CANCELLED - Second Sunday Restoration at Upper Newport Bay

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, etc. Water and tools are provided.

CANCELLED - Second Sunday Restoration at Upper Newport Bay
Date:
Sun, 04/09/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Stewardship
Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon

Spend the morning in a beautiful oak woodland watering Coast Live Oak seedlings in Weir Canyon. To get to the planting site we will travel for 15 minutes in a safari style truck giving you majestic views of Weir Canyon. We may be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Nurturing Oaks in Weir Canyon
Date:
Tue, 04/11/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/03/2023
More Information  

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Stewardship
Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Please join IRC staff water milkweed and nectar plants for the Monarch butterfly in Bommer Canyon. With your help we will create islands of Milkweed and nectar plants that will help support the seasonal migration of Monach butterflies. We may be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer
Date:
Thu, 04/13/2023
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/05/2023
More Information  

Friday, April 14, 2023

Baker Meadow Oak Planting Stewardship

Stewardship
Baker Meadow Oak Planting Stewardship

Spend your morning planting Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland in Baker Canyon. We will be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Baker Meadow Oak Planting Stewardship
Date:
Fri, 04/14/2023
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/06/2023
More Information  

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Winter? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 04/15/2023
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/07/2023
More Information  
1 2 3 4 5