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.
Search & Filter Activities
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Parks After Dark
We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks 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!
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 parent/guardian during the program.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Registration is required for this program.
For questions, please contact Park Ranger II, Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Full Moon 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. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.
Friday, May 24, 2024
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!
Trail Work Days at The Oaks
Lend a helping hand at maintaining the trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
Partner with an OC Parks volunteer as they guide you through the proper tool use to repair highly used and heavily washed out trails. Tools and a safety talk are provided by volunteers and/or park staff.
Gloves, water and sun protection are highly recommended. Be ready to work up a sweat as we mend our trails for all to enjoy! Prepare to hike several miles carrying hand tools over uneven terrain.
Program and parking are free. Please let the front entrance booth park attendant know you are registered for this program. Staging for this program will be outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Ranger Office.
Advance registration required.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Wildfire Awareness Series: The Resiliency of the Coast Live Oak
For Wildfire Awareness Month, spend the morning learning about fire dependency, resiliency and plant management 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 discuss how the mighty Coast Live Oak has evolved adaptations to be resilient to wildfire. We will also discuss how anthropogenic fires have increased and how the Coast Live Oak is affected by the change of fire frequency.
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.
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. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon
Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, moderately paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike. The hike may include a few short rest stops along the way and will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space. Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Animal Signs and Tracks in Agua Chinon
Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.
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.
Saddleback Wilderness Access
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Create in the Park
This historic park is filled with buildings, vintage homes and even a park with a gazebo. Join professional artist Dawn Buckingham as she guides you through Urban Sketching Techniques with pen and watercolor. Oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, or drawing media are also welcome – just bring your materials and enjoy a morning of plein air (creating outside).
Upon registration, a recommended list of materials is available for you to bring to this free program. No materials are provided, only art instruction. A tour of the property and background of Irvine Ranch is highlighted.
This program welcomes all who are interested and love the arts, from beginning to advanced artists. Come experience an OC Park in a new way.
Family Hike: Round Canyon
Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon
Come enjoy an early morning hike in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine up to the Fremont Weather Station where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph. After enjoying the view, we’ll hike back the same way to our starting point. This hike involves steep hills and a 1200’ elevation change but the rewards are panoramic views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding areas as well as possible wildlife sightings.
Mountain Bike Clinic: Terrain Skills
If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you just want to hone your existing skills developing terrain-influenced bike handling over several types of man-made features, this is the clinic for you! The class begins with a brief overview of rider fundamentals starting with platform position and weight transfer then covering equipment basics & setup, braking, gearing and a brief bike maintenance Q&A session followed by a series of exercises demonstrating terrain-influenced bike handling over a variety of man-made features including log piles, rock step-ups, A-frames and many more. These riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance.
No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Agua Chinon Equestrian Ride
Join us on an equestrian ride up Agua Chinon Canyon in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will make our way to see the wonders of the Sinks, Orange County’s mini Grand Canyon and take in the beauty around us at the Sinks Viewing Deck. Then we will finish our ride back to the staging area.
Family Hike
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
The program is free. Online reservations required. Register here.
For all ages; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
Parking: $3
Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Monday, May 27, 2024
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Come explore the newly opened 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.
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. 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 about 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.