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.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. If you are susceptible to poison oak, please plan accordingly.

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

 

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Date:
Sat, 05/13/2017
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, June 2, 2017

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like collecting seed from native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

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

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 06/02/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Be inspired by both the natural beauty and recent history of Buck Gully as we explore the public reserve and the collaboration that made it possible. Buck Gully is a natural coastal canyon that opened to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to provide safe public access. The bridges allow exploration of the entire Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream that runs through the gully year-round. Our guided program starts with a short walk from the Oasis Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, with a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. We’ll cross two bridges on the first section of our walk, and then enter the canopied singletrack portion of the trail as we pass by the third bridge. At the fourth and last bridge, we will pause to enjoy the shaded beauty of this hidden refuge, and then retrace our route back to the Oasis.

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

Bridges of Buck Gully Hike
Date:
Sat, 06/10/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, July 7, 2017

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like collecting seed from native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

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

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 07/07/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Buck Gully Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Loop Hike

Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. Beginning from the Oasis Senior Center, we’ll hike up through the almost 3-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for a bit, stopping at Canyon Watch Park where we will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. Please bring water, a light trail snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system.

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

Buck Gully Loop Hike
Date:
Sat, 07/08/2017
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. If you are susceptible to poison oak, please plan accordingly.

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

 

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Date:
Sat, 08/12/2017
Time:
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Be inspired by both the natural beauty and recent history of Buck Gully as we explore the public reserve and the collaboration that made it possible. Buck Gully is a natural coastal canyon that opened to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to provide safe public access. The bridges allow exploration of the entire Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream that runs through the gully year-round. Our guided program starts with a short walk from the Oasis Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, with a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. We’ll cross two bridges on the first section of our walk, and then enter the canopied singletrack portion of the trail as we pass by the third bridge. At the fourth and last bridge, we will pause to enjoy the shaded beauty of this hidden refuge, and then retrace our route back to the Oasis.

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

Bridges of Buck Gully Hike
Date:
Sat, 09/09/2017
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Buck Gully Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Loop Hike

Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. Beginning from the Oasis Senior Center, we’ll hike up through the almost 3-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for a bit, stopping at Canyon Watch Park where we will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. Please bring water, a light trail snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system.

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

Buck Gully Loop Hike
Date:
Sat, 10/14/2017
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Monday, October 16, 2017

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully

Interpretive
Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully

Explore the magnificent diversity of native flora and fauna in the Buck Gully Reserve on this interpretive walk. This will be a slow paced hike, traversing the lower half of Buck Gully. The route will be out and back on the Buck Gully Trail with a few short, steep sections. We’ll cross the stream several times and be under the canopy of a beautiful and diverse riparian community. Suggested are sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and binoculars if you have them.

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

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully
Date:
Mon, 10/16/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. If you are susceptible to poison oak, please plan accordingly.

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

 

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Date:
Sat, 11/11/2017
Time:
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, November 17, 2017

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route

Interpretive
Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route

Explore the magnificent diversity of native flora and fauna in the Buck Gully Reserve on this interpretive walk. This will be a slow paced hike, traversing Buck Gully from top to bottom. We will be shuttled to Canyon Watch Park from the Oasis Senior Center and hike from the park east along San Joaquin Hills Road and then down the Buck Gully trail back to the Oasis center. The route will be mostly downhill, with a few short, uphill sections. Suggested are sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and binoculars if you have them. The OASIS Shuttle Service will transport participants to Canyon Watch Park where they will hike from the park back to the center.

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

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route
Date:
Fri, 11/17/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, December 1, 2017

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

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

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 12/01/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, December 9, 2017

CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Hiking & Fitness
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Bridges of Buck Gully Hike

Be inspired by both the natural beauty and recent history of Buck Gully as we explore the public reserve and the collaboration that made it possible. Buck Gully is a natural coastal canyon that opened to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to provide safe public access. The bridges allow exploration of the entire Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream that runs through the gully year-round. Our guided program starts with a short walk from the Oasis Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, with a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. We’ll cross two bridges on the first section of our walk, and then enter the canopied singletrack portion of the trail as we pass by the third bridge. At the fourth and last bridge, we will pause to enjoy the shaded beauty of this hidden refuge, and then retrace our route back to the Oasis.

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 Fire Weather: Bridges of Buck Gully Hike
Date:
Sat, 12/09/2017
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, December 15, 2017

California Holly and Other Winter Flora of Buck Gully – Oasis Shuttle Service Route

Interpretive
California Holly and Other Winter Flora of Buck Gully - Oasis Shuttle Service Route

The California holly is special this time of year! We will explore the holly and other neighboring flora thriving in Buck Gully during the cooler, wetter wintertime. This is a slow paced hike on a fairly flat trail which traverses the lower half of Buck Gully.  We will be shuttled to Canyon Watch Park from the Oasis Senior Center and hike from the park back to the Oasis center. The route will be mostly downhill, with a few short, steep sections. Suggested are sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water and binoculars if you have them. The OASIS Shuttle Service will transport participants to the Canyon Watch Park where they will hike from the park back to the center.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. If you are susceptible to poison oak, please plan accordingly.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the brown banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

California Holly and Other Winter Flora of Buck Gully - Oasis Shuttle Service Route
Date:
Fri, 12/15/2017
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Buck Gully Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Loop Hike

Come and explore the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. Beginning from the Oasis Senior Center, we’ll hike up through the almost 3-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for a bit, stopping at Canyon Watch Park where we will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. Please bring water, a light trail snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system.

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

Buck Gully Loop Hike
Date:
Sat, 01/13/2018
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, February 2, 2018

CANCELLED: First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
CANCELLED: First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like removing weeds can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

CANCELLED: First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 02/02/2018
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system. If you are susceptible to poison oak, please plan accordingly.

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

 

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Date:
Sat, 02/10/2018
Time:
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, February 16, 2018

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route

Interpretive
Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route

Explore the magnificent diversity of native flora and fauna in the Buck Gully Reserve on this interpretive walk. This will be a slow paced hike, traversing Buck Gully from top to bottom. We will be shuttled to Canyon Watch Park from the Oasis Senior Center and hike from the park east along San Joaquin Hills Road and then down the Buck Gully trail back to the Oasis center. The route will be mostly downhill, with a few short, uphill sections. Suggested are sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and binoculars if you have them. The OASIS Shuttle Service will transport participants to Canyon Watch Park where they will hike from the park back to the center.

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

Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully- OASIS Shuttle Service Route
Date:
Fri, 02/16/2018
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Friday, March 2, 2018

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Stewardship
First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like removing weeds can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully
Date:
Fri, 03/02/2018
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  
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