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.

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

Search & Filter Activities

Found 10 Events

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Bird Walk

Hiking & Fitness
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!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

The program is free. Online reservations required at lagunacanyon.org/events. Please register here.
For ages 12 and up. Minors aged 18 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars and water.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Location: 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). We will meet in the parking lot.

Parking: $3

Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.

Bird Walk
Date:
Sat, 04/27/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Monday, May 13, 2024

Bright Birds of Spring at Red Rocks – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring 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 OC Parks’ 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.

Bright Birds of Spring at Red Rocks - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 05/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/28/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Springtime Bird Walk

Interpretive
Springtime Bird Walk

Spring is in the air and birds are rejoicing! Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins at the Santiago Oaks Nature Center. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Parking is $3 per vehicle.

Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Springtime Bird Walk
Date:
Wed, 05/15/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
2 of 15
More Information  

Monday, May 20, 2024

Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon - Bird Walk

Birds are among the most colorful and entertaining forms of wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, 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.

Bright Birds of Spring in Gypsum Canyon - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 05/20/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/05/2024
More Information  

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Bird Walk

Hiking & Fitness
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 50-ft elevation gain) to Barbara’s Lake and back 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).
Please wear hiking or walking shoes and bring water. You are welcome to bring your binoculars as well!
Online reservations required. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Parking: $3/vehicle
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Bird Walk
Date:
Sat, 05/25/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Monday, June 10, 2024

Bright Birds of Spring at Fremont Canyon – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring 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 OC Parks’ 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.

Bright Birds of Spring at Fremont Canyon - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 06/10/2024
Time:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/26/2024
More Information  

Friday, June 14, 2024

Summer Bird Walk

Interpretive
Interpretive

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by OC Parks staff will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.

Participants should be prepared to walk on paved and dirt trails for up to 3 miles and bring water, sun protection, and snacks.

The program begins begins in the overflow parking area, which is located in the gravel lot next to the Archery Range.

Walk ins are welcome, but space is limited so advance registration is encouraged.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the program.

The event is free and parking is $3.

Questions? Contact Interpretive Programs Curator Nathan Taxel at nathan.taxel@ocparks.com or 714-972-6665.

Summer Bird Walk
Date:
Fri, 06/14/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 05/14/2024
More Information  

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Bird Walk

Interpretive
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).
Please wear hiking or walking shoes and bring water. You are welcome to bring your binoculars as well!
Online reservations required. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Parking: $5/vehicle
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.

Bird Walk
Date:
Sat, 06/15/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Mason Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
More Information  

Monday, June 17, 2024

Bright Birds of Spring in Agua Chinon – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring 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 OC Parks’ 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.

Bright Birds of Spring in Agua Chinon - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 06/17/2024
Time:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/02/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Springtime Bird Walk

Interpretive
Springtime Bird Walk

Spring is in the air and birds are rejoicing! Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Parking is $3 per vehicle.

Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Springtime Bird Walk
Date:
Wed, 06/19/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information