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 86 Events

Friday, March 29, 2024

Toddler Treks

Interpretive
Toddler Treks

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 Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-10:45am 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.

Toddler Treks
Date:
Fri, 03/29/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

Interpretive
Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

Join us in the back-country wilderness for a journey filled with beautiful sights that are photographic and artistic sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon. We will be deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia, in the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon.
You will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it. We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes, and answer questions. Stops will include short walks with views of The Sinks, a trip up Cactus and Markel Spur, with optional, single track, one-mile hike into Box Springs or a 1.5 mile Markel Spur to East Sinks loop hike. Both the Box Springs and Markel Spur hikes provide the visitor a true back-country experience. An alternative, but similar, hiking trail may be used.

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.

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset
Date:
Sat, 03/30/2024
Time:
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Limestone Canyon Truck Tour for Alzheimer’s of OC

Interpretive
Limestone Canyon Truck Tour for Alzheimer's of OC

Join us on a backcountry wilderness driving tour filled with great sightseeing opportunities. Our journey begins at the Augustine Staging Area, where you will board the back of an open-air, ten-seat, 4-wheel drive vehicle for a tour of Limestone Canyon.
 We will stop occasionally for 10-15 minutes or so to admire the views, take photos and answer questions.

Limestone Canyon Truck Tour for Alzheimer's of OC
Date:
Wed, 04/03/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
18
More Information  

Native Happenings at The Farm; Mushrooms

Interpretive
Native Happenings at The Farm; Mushrooms

Explore the wonders of nature in our captivating new nature series at The Native Seed Farm! Each topic will be different; from the importance of pollinators to the resilience of native plants, each discussion unveils the beauty of the connections we make with nature. Come spark an interest at The Native Seed Farm for your next adventure!

Native Happenings at The Farm; Mushrooms
Date:
Wed, 04/03/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
16 of 20
More Information  

Friday, April 5, 2024

Morning Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Interpretive
Morning Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Explore Saddleback Wilderness and hike some of OC Parks’ newest trails.

Learn about native plants and animals that call the area home and experience some of the best views the canyons have to offer. Wildflowers in this area are generally in full swing during March-April hikes. This moderate hike on unpaved dirt trails will be approximately 2.5 miles round trip with 200 feet of elevation gain. Highlights will include Saddleback Park racetrack and the habitat’s remarkable recovery since its closure almost 40 years ago.

Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Rain will cancel the program. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Advance registration required.

Morning Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 04/05/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
6 of 15
More Information  

Toddler Treks

Interpretive
Toddler Treks

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 Toddler Treks 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.

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

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

Toddler Treks
Date:
Fri, 04/05/2024
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  

Wildflower Hike

Interpretive
Wildflower Hike

The heavy rains of winter have lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers.  Join us for a moderate yet slow-paced climb along the Pacifica and Windes Nature Trails and be rewarded with scenic views of Santiago Oaks and the surrounding city.  Along the way, we will peruse the petals of some of our favorite blooms currently sprouting this spring season along with some of the year-round favorites.

The hike will begin at the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center and travel approximately 1 mile with moderate elevation gain.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended. 

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended.  Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Wildflower Hike
Date:
Fri, 04/05/2024
Time:
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
3 of 15
More Information  

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Nature Journaling: Signs of Spring

Interpretive
Nature Journaling: Signs of Spring

Nature journaling is wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories, and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy, and maximizing your senses. This month’s journaling theme is “signs of spring.”

The program will begin outside of the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center. 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.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Registration is required for this program.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Nature Journaling: Signs of Spring
Date:
Sat, 04/06/2024
Time:
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Family Hike: Mesa

Interpretive
Family Hike: Mesa

Enjoy nature with friends and family on the Mesa. We start our program by climbing a small hill at an easy pace to reach the top. Once up on the mesa, we will hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  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 hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.

Family Hike: Mesa
Date:
Sat, 04/06/2024
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
7 of 20
More Information  

Monday, April 8, 2024

Wildflowers Hike in Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Interpretive
Wildflowers Hike in Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Hiking in spring and early summer is a treasure hunt of color as wildflowers are abloom in the Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Get away from everyday life as you breathe in the crisp morning air and enjoy the invigorating rolling hills of Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Your heart healthy adventure will inspire awe as you witness the beautiful wildflowers and the stunning Santiago Oaks vistas. We will make periodic stops to identify some of our local wildflowers and plants. The trail is uneven in places so wear sturdy shoes.

Wildflowers Hike in Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Date:
Mon, 04/08/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
1 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
10 of 15
More Information  

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, 04/08/2024
Time:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
17 of 20
More Information  

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Buck Gully

Interpretive
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Buck Gully

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!

This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route.

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Buck Gully
Date:
Wed, 04/10/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Buck Gully Reserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
11 of 15
More Information  

Critter Investigation: Clever Cottontails

Interpretive
Critter Investigation: Clever Cottontails

OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about one of our most common mammals: the clever cottontail rabbit. Join us for a fun program to learn more about these amazing creatures and how their populations thrive in our parks!

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.

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.

Critter Investigation: Clever Cottontails
Date:
Wed, 04/10/2024
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  

Friday, April 12, 2024

Wildflower Walk For All

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk For All

The heavy rains of winter have lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a casual stroll as we follow the flow of Santiago Creek through Irvine Park. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of some of our favorite blooms currently sprouting this spring season along with some of the year-round favorites.

The walk will begin at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center and travel approximately 2 miles along paved walkways. This program is accessible for those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are permitted. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Wildflower Walk For All
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Toddler Treks

Interpretive
Toddler Treks

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 Toddler Treks 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.

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

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

Toddler Treks
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
16 of 50
More Information  

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon

Interpretive
Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in nature. 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.

Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Family Hike: Round Canyon

Interpretive
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.

Family Hike: Round Canyon
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon

Interpretive
Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon

Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon.  The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat.  We will cross the dry Silverado Creek and examine its effects on the local geology.  Then, we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss its formation and its future.  Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be.  This hike is geared towards families with curious minds.

Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/30/2024
More Information  

Monday, April 15, 2024

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Orchard Hills

Interpretive
Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Orchard Hills

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Orchard Hills, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space, where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!

This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route.

Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Orchard Hills
Date:
Mon, 04/15/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/31/2024
More Information  

Bright Birds of Spring in Limestone Canyon – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring in Limestone 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’ Limestone Canyon, 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 Limestone Canyon - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 04/15/2024
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 03/31/2024
More Information  
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