Thursday, March 27, 2025
Thursday Morning Trek: Orchard Hills

Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure as we hike to the Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge. Hike distance is 6 miles and affords fantastic views along the way, spanning the Pacific coastline, San Gabriel peaks and the Santa Ana Mountains. Several very steep climbs and descents are part of this route. We’ll accumulate almost 1800 feet of climbing elevation along this route. Portions of the hike will take us around an avocado orchard that borders on the natural open space. Far-reaching views from the highest point reward your effort.
Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem!
IRC Volunteers are invited to help at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.
Fitness Hike – Ridge Park

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, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,100-ft. elevation gain.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Ridge Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.
Parking: Free neighborhood parking. Please park legally. 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.
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.
Little Explorers: Hike at Mason!

Join OC Park Naturalists for a Little Explorers hike! Bring your little ones (ages 3-6) on a 1-mile hike around Mason Regional Park! While hiking, we will explore the butterfly garden, the lake, and more! This hike is relatively flat on paved surfaces.
Age: 3-6 year-olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Mason Regional Park at 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).
Parking: $5/car at Mason Regional Park 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.
Moving with Nature in Mind – Spring 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, wear athletic clothing, and bring appropriate clothing layers and sun protection for the weather.
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.
Friday, March 28, 2025
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore beautiful Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.
Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-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. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.
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.
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!
Spring Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill

Celebrate Spring with a five mile out and back moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) before experiencing yoga outdoors at the Community Center. The hike is highlighted with a short but steep climb which provides great views of the Quail Hill neighborhood and beyond. 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 positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.
Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see some of the wildflowers that are native to our area. You will gain amazing views of the local canyons and Irvine Lake.
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 every Friday 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.
Nature Journaling: Exploring Biodiversity

Nature journaling can be practiced in almost any space and combines observations with insights, questions and connections with the environment around us. It allows us to pay attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and meditate on their forms and place within the natural world.
This program will begin with an introduction to the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your nature journal. We will start with a warm-up activity, then take a walk in the park to find a comfortable journaling space. Bring a sketch pad or journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks.
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
This program will begin at the Interpretive Center. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
Recommended for ages 7 and over. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a guardian.
This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Inclement weather may cancel the program.
Jr. Ranger Adventure: Santiago Oaks Regional Park

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
Explore the natural wonders of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we search for all the colors of the rainbow along the trails! This program will begin outside the nature center.
This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended. Strollers are not recommended.
The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.
For questions, please contact Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. 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 and should be able to hike steep hills.
Night Hike

We love the nightlife! Join OC Parks staff at Irvine Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!
This program will begin in front of the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center near parking lot T. Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian during the program.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Registration is required for this program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Birding Walk at Mile Square

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 approximately 2 mile walk will begin in Parking Lot H.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have a 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.
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!
Laguna Niguel Ranger Reserve Patrol
Patrol Laguna Niguel Regional Park for visitor service, handle shelter check-ins, ensure visitor safety, address fishing issues, and possibly respond to neighboring Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park for assistance.