
Summertime is the perfect season to venture outdoors, explore the local lands, and connect with nature by registering for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Discover new activities or revisit your favorite programs, and spend summer enjoying an array of activities including restoration efforts, interpretive programs, and fitness activities on the open spaces.

Those looking for a way to get outside and give back to nature are encouraged to sign up for stewardship programs. By helping native plants and wildlife thrive on the Landmarks, volunteers ensure the trails remain open and habitats stay healthy for generations to come. Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers many single-day programs that are flexible with all schedules, abilities, and interests, as well as long-term programs that help you build a relationship with the lands.
It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm gives visitors the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. In this program, visitors will be harvesting seeds from native plant species at the farm, that are then to grow native vegetation the open spaces, which directly impacts Orange County’s wildlife by giving them food and shelter. The program is the perfect opportunity to get outside, roll up your sleeves, and spend a meaningful day giving back to the land.

Learn about and experience Orange County’s local habitat during interpretive programs! Interpretive programs on the Landmarks provide opportunities for visitors to slow down, smell the California sagebrush, and connect with the land in memorable ways. Activities offered aim to enhance the visitors’ experience with the land by educating participants about their surroundings and highlighting local species while out on the trails.
Walk on the Wild Side is a great interpretive hike set in Mason Regional Park’s “wild side,” where participants can discover the native plants and wildlife that call the region home. The interpretive program will teach visitors about the area’s indigenous people and how they utilized the surrounding areas. Turning off the TV and going outside to learn about plants, wildlife, and the Native Americans who once called Orange County home is a wonderful summertime activity.

Ditch the gym and head outside to look and feel your best this summer! Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages visitors to trade a day at the gym for a day in the great outdoors and swap crowded workout classes for open trails with the many fitness programs offered.
Boost your heart rate with the wide variety of programs offered at Orchard Hills. Wake up early for the Thursday Morning Trek: Orchard Hills: a challenging and beautiful adventure to Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge. Visitors will hike 6 miles of trails with sprawling views of the Pacific coastline, San Gabriel peaks and the Santa Ana Mountains. Start off your workout Wednesday with the Mid Week Hike: Orchard Hills and recharge your batteries with multiple steep climbs and descents through Orchard Hills and Loma Ridge, providing fantastic views of Orange County.
No experience is necessary for stewardship programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and all tools are provided. It’s important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and remember to bring sunscreen, water and light snack for all activities, including interpretive and fitness programs. Click below for more information and to register today!
- First Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, July 7 is a stewardship program that invites visitors to collect seeds from native plants to promote a healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife to thrive.
- It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm is a reoccurring stewardship program that invites visitors to Irvine’s Native Seed Farm where they can harvest seeds from summer wildflowers such as vinegarweed, yellow pincushions, and California buckwheat.
- Walk on the Wild Side on Saturday, July 1 at Mason Regional Park is an interpretive program where visitors can experience the native plants and wildlife that surrounds us.
- Peep Inside the Bluebird Box on Saturday, July 2 is a family friendly interpretive program about the Western Bluebirds that live in Mason Regional Park.
- Mid Week Hike: Orchard Hills is a reoccurring fitness program where visitors can recharge their batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Orchard Hills and Loma Ridge.
- Thursday Morning Trek Orchard Hills is a reoccurring fitness program that invites visitors for a challenging and beautiful 6-mile adventure to Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge.
- Orchard Hills Evening Hike on Thursday, July 6 from 6:30-8:30pm allows visitors to Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the 3-mile Orchard Hills loop trail which provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
- After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road reoccurs every Wednesday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road where hikers can enjoy the summer sunset.
All activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Some programs are suitable for children 12 and over, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. For more details on stewardship programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.