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, September 29, 2023
Restorative Birdwatching

Many studies show that bird watching can have a very positive impact on our mental health and state of mind. This slow paced and accessible bird walk will encourage bird watching practices designed to emphasize these benefits by connecting to nature, guided observation, building community, sharing stories, encouraging creativity, and practicing mindfulness.
No prior birdwatching experience is required and loaner binoculars will be available on a first come, first serve, basis. Sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended.
Space is limited and advance registration is required.
The event and parking are free.
Questions? Email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com
Monday, October 16, 2023
Cool Birds of Fall in Agua Chinon – Bird Walk

It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
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.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Bird Walk in Santiago Oaks

Stroll through the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet song and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. Program is geared for all levels, though is focused for beginner-intermediate level birder. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle. Rain may cancel the program. For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com at 714-973-6625.
Friday, October 20, 2023
Restorative Birdwatching

Many studies show that bird watching can have a very positive impact on our mental health and state of mind. This slow paced and accessible bird walk will encourage bird watching practices designed to emphasize these benefits by connecting to nature, guided observation, building community, sharing stories, encouraging creativity, and practicing mindfulness.
No prior birdwatching experience is required and loaner binoculars will be available on a first come, first serve, basis. Sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended.
Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the event.
The event and parking are free.
Questions? Email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Fall Bird Walk

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks Volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.
Water, closed toe shoes and sun protection are recommended. This approx. 2 mile walk will begin in Parking Lot H.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Space is limited and advance registration is Required.
The event is free, but parking is $5.
Rain will cancel the event.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Bird Walk

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (up to 100-ft elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary! for ages 12 and up (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or I-405 to 133 south to stop light at 73 toll road; make a U-turn and go 1/2 block. Dilley is on the right). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here. For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon.-Fri. or 949-923-2235 Sat./Sun. Parking: $3/vehicle
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Fall Bird Walk

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks Volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.
Water, closed toe shoes and sun protection are recommended. This approx. 2 mile walk will begin in Parking Lot H.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Space is limited and advance registration is Required.
The event is free, but parking is $5.
Rain will cancel the event.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Bird Walk

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile walk through a landscaped suburban parkland setting at Mason Regional Park. No experience necessary! for ages 12 and up (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars. William R. Mason Regional Park – 18712 University Drive, Irvine (Exit I-405 at Culver Drive south, turn right (west/south) on University Drive, left at San Joaquin/park entrance – meet at the western end of Parking Lot A). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here. For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon.-Fri. or 949-923-2235 Sat./Sun. Parking: $5/vehicle
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Bird Walk in Irvine Regional Park

Stroll through the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet song and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. Program is geared for all levels, though is focused for beginner-intermediate level birder. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle. Rain may cancel the program. For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com at 714-973-6625.
Monday, November 20, 2023
Cool Birds of Fall at Red Rocks – Bird Walk

It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
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.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Fall Bird Walk

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks Volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.
Water, closed toe shoes and sun protection are recommended. This approx. 2 mile walk will begin in Parking Lot H.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Space is limited and advance registration is Required.
The event is free, but parking is $5.
Rain will cancel the event.
Monday, December 18, 2023
Cool Birds of Fall at Fremont Canyon – Bird Walk

It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
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.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Bird Walk in Peters Canyon

Stroll through the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet song and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. Program is geared for all levels, though is focused for beginner-intermediate level birder. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle. Rain may cancel the program. For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com at 714-973-6625.