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 Activites

Monday, March 18, 2024

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Mon, 03/18/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Spring Equinox Hike in Weir Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Spring Equinox Hike in Weir Canyon

This hike location has changed to Weir Canyon due to impassable trails in Fremont.

Join us on this early morning hike enjoying beautiful Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Starting in Irvine Regional Park, we pass through Lower and Upper Weir Canyon to a scenic overlook. Then wind our way back to our starting point.  This hike is around 9.5 miles with one significant climb and descent.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Spring Equinox Hike in Weir Canyon
Date:
Tue, 03/19/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3/4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 03/19/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Buck Gully Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Buck Gully Loop Hike

Come and explore Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve trail system. Beginning from the Oasis Senior Center, we’ll hike up through the almost 3-mile length of the canyon, then along San Joaquin Hills Road for a bit, stopping at Canyon Watch Park where we will take in the panoramic view of the reserve and the Pacific coastline before descending back into the canyon along the Bobcat Trail. Please bring water, a light trail snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Buck Gully Loop Hike
Date:
Tue, 03/19/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

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. This hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

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.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 03/19/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Wednesday, March 20, 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, 03/20/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
4 of 15
More Information  

Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail

Hiking & Fitness
Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail

Join us as we explore Weir Canyon. We will hike up over Rifle Range and continue to the Overlook Trail where we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin, and Cleveland National Forest. We will return through a beautiful oak woodland. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. A red-tinted flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Participants must be able to hike 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1800 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail
Date:
Wed, 03/20/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
16 of 20
More Information  

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 Winter? 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! 

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Wed, 03/20/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
12 of 15
More Information  

Critter Investigation: Tidy Turkey Vultures

Interpretive
Critter Investigation: Tidy Turkey Vultures

OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about a special member of nature’s clean-up crew: the tidy turkey vulture. Join us for a fun program to learn more about these amazing creatures and how they obtained their nickname!

This program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.

Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Critter Investigation: Tidy Turkey Vultures
Date:
Wed, 03/20/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

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 OCParks’ 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 03/20/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
10 of 25
More Information  

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks

Come out and join us on a breathtaking hike from the Irvine Open Space Preserve into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This week’s docent-led hike begins in the Agua Chinon wash, continues to The Sinks, and may include a side trip to Box Springs, a natural year-round source of fresh water.

Maximum distance is just short of 8 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks
Date:
Thu, 03/21/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub and enjoy wonderful vistas. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs
Date:
Thu, 03/21/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
16 of 20
More Information  

Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Stewardship
Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer

Please join IRC staff plant 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.

Monarch Butterfly Stewardship in Bommer
Date:
Thu, 03/21/2024
Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
0.5 miles
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

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. This hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

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.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 03/21/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Friday, March 22, 2024

Distance Hike: Fremont to Weir Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Distance Hike: Fremont to Weir Canyon

Join us for an early morning distance hike from remote Fremont Canyon to the oak woodlands of Weir Canyon. Shortly after leaving Irvine Regional Park, this hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon and passes an abandoned coal mine. We continue through Upper Blind Canyon, up to a scenic overlook and then drop down to Weir Canyon as we wind our way back to Irvine Regional Park.

Distance is up to 14 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Distance Hike: Fremont to Weir Canyon
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
8 of 15
More Information  

Trail Assessment: Orchard Hills to Hangman’s/241

Trail Work
Trail Work

Volunteer Stewardship: Invasive Removal Saharan Mustard/Tree Tobacco

Coordinated with IRC Staff, Isaac Ostmann

Trail Assessment: Orchard Hills to Hangman's/241
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Better Birding Basics: Birds of Round Canyon

Interpretive
Better Birding Basics: Birds of Round Canyon

Round Canyon is a gentle trail through mixed habitat of coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands. There is enough shade that it is a pleasant walk throughout the whole year. Join a group of birders as we look for birds typically found in this area and consider the special needs of birds that are adapted to each habitat.

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.

Better Birding Basics: Birds of Round Canyon
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
16 of 20
More Information  

Winter Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp

Hiking & Fitness
Winter Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp

Join us at Bommer Canyon for a moderate five mile hike before experiencing a gentle yoga practice at the Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor dance floor 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, slower in pace and gentle in practice. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking (no cowboy boots please).

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level 3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Winter Morning Yoga Hike at Bommer Cattle Camp
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Seasonal Science Series: Western Spadefoot Toad Habitat Enhancement

Interpretive
Seasonal Science Series:  Western Spadefoot Toad Habitat Enhancement

Join us for a slow-paced interpretive hike related to current IRC projects focused on research, monitoring, and conservation.  The series will rotate through the landscape based on the season and project.

The Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii) success depends on IRC’s project to protect, restore, and enhance its breeding habitat. In collaboration with United States Geological Survey, IRC staff and volunteers have been monitoring vernal pools located at Shoestring.  Although these areas are sensitive habitat, we feel it’s important to highlight some of our ongoing projects that benefit some of our rarer and at-risk species.  Want to learn more?  Perfect! This hike will be approximately 3.5 miles out and back from the Augustine staging area along Shoestring single track up to the ponds where we will discuss the project in depth.

 

Seasonal Science Series:  Western Spadefoot Toad Habitat Enhancement
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Bayview Restoration Day at the Upper Newport Bay

Stewardship
Stewardship

Come help us remove non native plant species from our Bayview Drainage restoration site within the Upper Newport Bay!

The Bayview Drainage project was completed in 2019 and restored a heavily eroded hillside within the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Native plants have been installed to increase biodiversity and a drainage basin was created to reduce sediments and pollutants from entering the bay.

We need your help to remove a variety of non-native plant species growing within this restoration area. Newport Bay Conservancy staff will teach you proper weeding techniques, no experience necessary. All tools and supplies will be provided.

Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.

To register, go to: Bayview-Restoration.eventbrite.com

Parking & Meetup Location
We will meet at 9am at the restoration site. Parking location and directions will be included in your confirmation email following registration. From the parking location, the restoration site is a short 5-minute walk. NOTE: There are no restrooms at this location.

What to Wear/Bring
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed toe shoes. Breathable long sleeves, pants, a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen are recommended.

Bayview Restoration Day at the Upper Newport Bay
Date:
Fri, 03/22/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
13
More Information  
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