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How to Participate
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There are numerous ways to get involved in stewarding and experiencing the precious natural resources of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Conservancy manages the LetsGoOutside.org website on behalf of a collaborative network of public landowners and partner non-profit groups. Getting involved is as easy as participating in a hike, volunteering on the Native Seed Farm, pulling an invasive weed, or helping out with trail maintenance.
To have upcoming news, activities, and volunteer opportunities delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to the "Let's Go Outside!" newsletter, produced by the Conservancy. Visit LetsGoOutside.org to subscribe to this weekly email. Ways to Volunteer From single-day drop-in volunteer activities to training as a regular volunteer leader, there are endless opportunities to suit your interest and availability. Single-Day Volunteer Activities Group Volunteers Native Seed Farm |
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IRC-Certified Volunteer Program
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the beauty of the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark is as a regular volunteer. Volunteers have a crucial role in caring for the land and connecting people to it, whether it is leading an interpretive mountain-bike ride through Fremont Canyon or a fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road, teaching middle school students about ecosystems in Limestone Canyon, helping to maintain a trail near Bommer Canyon, planting oak seedlings near Weir Canyon, or serving as a Fire Watch lookout to protect both the land and adjacent neighborhoods from wildfires. We invite you to explore the land and to join us in preserving it forever.
New volunteers are always welcome and can get involved in a wide variety of ways. Click here to fill out a Volunteer Interest Form to attend an orientation and learn more. The Conservancy provides specialized training for exciting volunteer roles such as:
Lead Volunteers
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the beauty of the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark is as a regular volunteer. Volunteers have a crucial role in caring for the land and connecting people to it, whether it is leading an interpretive mountain-bike ride through Fremont Canyon or a fitness hike on Hicks Haul Road, teaching middle school students about ecosystems in Limestone Canyon, helping to maintain a trail near Bommer Canyon, planting oak seedlings near Weir Canyon, or serving as a Fire Watch lookout to protect both the land and adjacent neighborhoods from wildfires. We invite you to explore the land and to join us in preserving it forever.
New volunteers are always welcome and can get involved in a wide variety of ways. Click here to fill out a Volunteer Interest Form to attend an orientation and learn more. The Conservancy provides specialized training for exciting volunteer roles such as:
Lead Volunteers
- Lead volunteers are highly trained in interpretation and lead nature tours (hikes, mountain-bike rides, equestrian rides) for the public throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These tours are varied and range from easy strolls suitable for families to observe and learn about spring wildflowers, to strenuous bike rides up and down mountain peaks.
- Trail Guides assist Lead Volunteers with conducting public programs on the land such as hikes, mountain-bike rides, and equestrian rides. Trail Guides receive training in general natural history and group management. Trail Guides also often represent the Conservancy at festivals and other public events to share awareness and information with the public about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and Conservancy. Some volunteers also contribute to the Conservancy's Mission by assisting with clerical and general office tasks.
- Trail Crew Volunteers are trained to assist in maintaining trails and adjacent habitats, and also assist with restoration projects. After being trained, Trail Crew Volunteers supervise and lead groups of public volunteers on stewardship projects and trail maintenance.
- One of the fastest growing areas of public participation on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is through natural resource stewardship projects. The Conservancy leads volunteer stewardship projects regularly, and anyone interested may particpate regardless of experience. No previous training is required -- just a willingness to work hard and help the land. Projects include invasive weed removal, wildlife studies, and seed collecting and planting native seedlings.