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.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Flow Yoga in the Hills

Join us for a mid-day yoga session in Orchard Hills. This vinyasa-style yoga practice will have you continuously moving and flowing through different poses which will help keep you energized and your heart rate up. We will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga.
Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended. Dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen as there is very little shade in our practice area.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land.
Black Star Canyon Equestrian Ride

Riders should have trail riding experience and a fit and able horse. They must have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Full Moon Hike: Bommer Canyon

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Bommer Canyon. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
CANCELLED due to Fire: Intro Cardio Fitness: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included during the 5 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: OC MTB Fremont XC Race 17 miles

Come join us for a thrilling mountain bike race on a scenic and fun course. The 1 lap course is 17 miles on a fire-road. It is a fast and smooth course with steep inclines and descents. There is approximately 3805 feet of ascending and descending. This course is designed for the experienced mountain biker. Cash Purse for Expert entries and 1st in age group winners will receive an OC MTB cycling jersey! We take pride in giving you the best bang for your buck. Post-race refreshments, overall and age group awards, and a raffle!
Course Information:
The start/finish will be held out of Irvine Regional Park
Trail Description: fire roads & single track
Elevation gain and loss: 3805 ft
Aid at 6.8 miles and 11.2 miles
Cardio Hike: Limestone Canyon and The Sinks

Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this challenging fast-paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak, the Cleveland National Forest and the Sinks along the way.
Remember, this cardio hike is much faster than a walk, and features a 1,600-foot elevation change and up to 10 miles. Experienced cardio hikers, that can hike uphill at an average pace of 3.5-to-4 mph without stopping, are welcome. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land.
Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minutes walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.
Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Registration Booth prior to accessing the trail system. If you are found to be on the trails without a day use pass you will be immediately directed back to the staging area.
Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon, Equestrian

Discover the history found along the trails in beautiful Black Star and Baker Canyons from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking, and equestrian use, where you can reach several peeks to view the local canyon terrain or meander along single tracks through the thick chaparral brush. Riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy choosing routes from easy 30-minute walks to strenuous 7+ mile loops.
There is limited space for equestrian parking along Black Star Canyon Road, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration and early arrival is HIGHLY recommended. Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event. There are not typical equestrian amenities at the event such as hitching posts, steps to mount your horse or water troughs. Please be sure to time your arrival accordingly so you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails with your horse.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm

Do a good deed and get a dose of Nature! Come experience the cool mornings and the spicy aromas of a California autumn while working with us at our one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required.
You will be harvesting seeds from robust native fall wildflowers and bushes— things like California Buckwheat and our iconic Sagebrush.
Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.
CANCELLED Woodland Gardener at Santiago Oaks

Santiago Oaks Regional Park needs help in caring for its beautiful woodland gardens.
No experience is necessary. Training, tools and gloves will be provided. Duties and responsibilities will vary week to week and month to month.
Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Acorn Harvest Festival

Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! We reflect on different cultures and celebrations sometimes highlighted in a different language which will allow everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land.
Autumn is the harvest of the season. Animals and local Native American tribes, Acjachemen and Tongva, flourished on the mighty oak’s acorn. Come hear tales of the importance of the acorn as we hike through Round Canyon’s oak grove. There are many things to be thankful for after a long hot summer and cool approaching winter. Let’s enjoy our harvest season when we learn about foods that come from native plants
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Earthcache Hike to East Sinks

Come and hike with us to the East Sinks in Limestone Canyon, location of the Earthcache site — a special place people can visit to learn about unique aspects of the Earth — listed on www.geocaching.com. The cache is titled “The Sinks- Irvine Ranch Wildlands, GC1ZB6V.” This hike is open to existing geocachers, those curious about geocaching and non-geocachers alike. There will be as much time as needed spent at The Sinks so all geocachers can record their data and make their observations to confidently log their visit to this cache site.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Exploring Black Star: Debunking Its Haunted History

Ever wonder about the spooky stories surrounding Black Star Canyon? Join us for a 3 mile, with 750′ elevation gain, guided hike where an IRC volunteer will help separate fact from fiction along the beautiful Silmod loop trail. Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Please come prepared for the hike with close toed shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, and any medications that you will need to keep you safe on the trails.
After our talk, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon.
Wildlife Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Led by Sea and Sage Audubon in partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District, Wildlife Walks is a free monthly nature walk for all ages at the beautiful San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Bring your whole family to celebrate spring as you walk around the butterfly garden, deep ponds, and shallow ponds of the 300-acre freshwater San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Witness first-hand the interactions between plants and animals as you explore with all your senses under the guidance of our experienced naturalists. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and sun protection for a walk around water. Come prepared to touch, smell, and hear nature throughout the seasons! Please go to www.seaandsageaudubon.org for further information, or speak with the Audubon House volunteer at 949-261-7963. There is no registration required.
Kayak Tour

The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach every Sunday. This is one of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay by getting out on the water. Kayaking in the Newport Beach Back Bay is fun and easy. Tours leaves from the Newport Aquatic Center at 10:00 am. They are great for both novices and experiences paddlers alike.