Activities

Found 385 Events

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Stewardship

Stewardship Activity: Invasive removal of Tree Tobacco, Castro Bean and Artichoke Thistle

Area: Ridge Route and adjacent area

Staging Area: Bommer Cattle Camp

In coordination with IRC Staff Isaac Ostmann

Invasive Control: Bommer Canyon
Date:
Wed, 10/30/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
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California Native Oak Day Nature Hike in Weir Canyon

Interpretive
California Native Oak Day Nature Hike in Weir Canyon

For California Native Oak Day, spend the morning learning about our local Native Oak, the Coast Live Oak as we take a slow-paced interpretive hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. As we travel through the majestic oak woodland, we will admire and appreciate the crunch of duff, the shade of a sprawling canopy, and the natural beauty of our native Coast Live Oak.

California Native Oak Day Nature Hike in Weir Canyon
Date:
Wed, 10/30/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
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Adaptation Spotlight: Owl Pellets

Interpretive
Adaptation Spotlight: Owl Pellets

Join OC Park Naturalists as we learn about owl pellets! We will go for a short hike to look for evidence of owls. Then, we will be dissecting an owl pellet and learning how to identify the bones we find inside!

Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Adaptation Spotlight: Owl Pellets
Date:
Wed, 10/30/2024
Time:
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
7
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After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 10/30/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill

This week in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, we’ll be in Quail Hill, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch. The hike is seven and a half miles with some climbing, but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking Laguna Canyon and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Get your boots out and register to hike the Quail Trail and Shady Canyon singletrack trails.

Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
5 of 20
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Halloween Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp

Hiking & Fitness
Halloween Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp

Treat yourself to a five-mile moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) with rolling hills before experiencing yoga the Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor stage is perfect for yoga. The hike is highlighted with beautiful views of the canyon and the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never been to the Cattle Camp before you will be surprised how connected you feel to the cowboys that worked on this land. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Halloween Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
1 of 20
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Fitness Hike – Willow

Hiking & Fitness
Fitness Hike - Willow

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 750-ft. elevation gain.

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Fitness Hike - Willow
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

Stewardship
Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon

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.

Butterfly Series: Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer Canyon
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Full
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Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness

Interpretive
Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a (spooky) hike at Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, to look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species and learn how different plants impact our ecosystem. Learning to identify plants is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!

Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
6 of 15
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Moving with Nature in Mind – Yoga at the Farm

Hiking & Fitness
Moving with Nature in Mind - Yoga at the Farm

Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.

Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, sun protection, and wear athletic clothing.

Moving with Nature in Mind - Yoga at the Farm
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
3 of 18
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Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
8 of 25
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Friday, November 1, 2024

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 Spring? 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! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
11 of 15
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Little Explorers: Hike!

Interpretive
Little Explorers: Hike!

Join OC Park Naturalists for a Little Explorers hike! Bring your little ones (ages 3-6) on a 1.5-mile hike to Barbara’s Lake. While hiking, we will explore and search for interesting bugs, plants, tracks, and more! This hike is relatively flat on sandy soil.

Age: 3-6 year-olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Little Explorers: Hike!
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
3
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  

Relax, Rewind, and Recharge: a guided nature therapy walk

Interpretive
Interpretive

Deeper your connection with nature on this gentle and meditative walk through Mile Square Regional Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” you will discover the healing power of nature for yourself.

This slow-paced walk will begin with a guided meditation to help you tune in with your senses, followed by a series of invitations focusing on sense-based explorations. Throughout the program, will be encouraged to deepen your connection with nature, a proven process to help reduce stress and leave you feeling recharged.

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please note this program involves drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

We will meet at the entrance to the Nature Area near parking lot H.

Advance registration required.

This program is recommended for ages 16 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Relax, Rewind, and Recharge: a guided nature therapy walk
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Mile Square Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
21 of 25
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Wild Tales

Interpretive
Wild Tales

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered select Fridays from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Wild Tales
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
41 of 50
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Nature Journaling: Skulls

Interpretive
Nature Journaling: Skulls

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including basic art principles and journal anatomy. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature.

Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

This program is geared for ages 12 and up. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary!

We will begin outside of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Rain or adverse weather will cancel the program.

Nature Journaling: Skulls
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
11 of 20
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Arts at the Oaks: Sugar(free) Skulls

Interpretive
Arts at the Oaks: Sugar(free) Skulls

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with Arts at the Oaks! Learn a brief history of the holiday and tradition of making and decorating sugar skulls, all while creating your own. Traditionally made from sugar paste and confectionary, we will be painting sugar-free ceramic versions to take home and enjoy for years to come!

Arts at the Oaks is a monthly program exploring the cultural and natural history of Orange County and beyond through hands-on creative expression. Each month features a new artistic medium and topic to discover. Absolutely no previous art experience is necessary, all are welcome to join and try something new!

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The program will utilize acrylic paint, wearing clothes you don’t mind getting paint on is recommended. The program will be held below the Santiago Oaks nature center.

Due to limited availability, registration is required for this program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Arts at the Oaks: Sugar(free) Skulls
Date:
Fri, 11/01/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
4 of 15
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Saturday, November 2, 2024

Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Fremont Loop Distance Hike
Date:
Sat, 11/02/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
4 of 20
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Limestone Canyon – Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Limestone Canyon - Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks

Join us on this moderate-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will enjoy short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms before hiking back through the canyon. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000.

Limestone Canyon - Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks
Date:
Sat, 11/02/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this moderate paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands where deer and bobcats are frequently observed. Multiple steep climbs and descents, and sweeping views, are included throughout this 6-mile hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Even though this is a slower cardio hike, it is faster than a walk. You must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour the entire time without stopping.

Moderate Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sat, 11/02/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 10:00 am
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
22 of 25
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