20th Anniversary Program Spotlight: Volunteer Management & Administration

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) helps protect, restore and enhance tens of thousands of acres of open space in Southern California. None of it would be possible without the dedicated involvement of community members who generously volunteer their time and resources to support IRC’s mission. Volunteers are the heart of IRC, supplying the manpower needed to extend the organization’s impact.

Facilitated by the Volunteer Management and Administration team, volunteers provide crucial support to IRC’s land management activities including the implementation of recreational, educational and stewardship activities for tens of thousands of visitors annually. Over the years, these efforts have led to thousands of people being trained to become leaders and advocates of the land within the community. Currently, IRC has over 550 active volunteers who lead and support roughly 2,000 activities annually. 

Given that the majority of activities are volunteer-led, IRC staff offers comprehensive support to ensure that volunteers are equipped to aid the organization and provide memorable experiences for our community in Orange County. IRC is committed to recruiting and training members of the community who want to become dedicated volunteers and be more involved in the organization’s work and the preservation of the open space. The volunteer management team provides extensive training and diverse opportunities for volunteers to develop their knowledge and skills across various roles. From restoration work to fire watch to trail guides, IRC creates a range of opportunities so volunteers can help in ways that are meaningful to them.

“We want the program to be a mutually beneficial experience for IRC and its volunteers,” says Kim Casey, Volunteer Program Manager. “We like to look at the passions and skills of volunteers and match them with opportunities where they can make an impact in the organization. Finding people’s purpose is what drives the Volunteer Management Program.”

From one-time volunteer opportunities to comprehensive training as a volunteer lead or trail guide, the organization offers endless opportunities to suit individual interests and availability. Those interested in becoming volunteers can sign up at irconservancy.org/volunteer/ to participate in an orientation session and explore available opportunities.

In addition to running the full-service volunteer program for IRC, the Volunteer Management & Administration team extends its support to OC Parks, through the administration of its thriving volunteer program. IRC facilitates the recruitment, onboarding and training for the OC Parks Volunteer program. The team collaborates with OC Parks’ staff and rangers to establish standardized training for a variety of roles and opportunities within the OC Parks system. The OC Parks Volunteer Program, which now boasts over 1,000 volunteers, was honored with a National Counties Award in 2017.

Over the years, the volunteer program has evolved providing additional resources to volunteers. For both IRC and OC Parks volunteers, IRC now coordinates continuing education opportunities for those interested in learning more about the land, including the plants and animals that call the area home. The introduction of initiatives like TREKS (Training, Resources, Education, Knowledge and Stories) Talks provide volunteers with the resources needed to enhance their knowledge of the land and its history. In addition, IRC has also intensified its investment in volunteer appreciation and engagement for both groups, organizing exclusive events like volunteer-only Wilderness Access Days, park visits and OC Zoo nights to demonstrate gratitude for their invaluable contributions, resulting in increased volunteer engagement and support for the programs.

Furthermore, IRC’s Volunteer Management & Administration team offers consulting services to assist other organizations with their volunteer programs, leveraging its 20 years of experience to support developing successful volunteer management plans. One notable achievement includes partnering with the California State Parks Orange Coast District to write a volunteer management plan, identifying how they could strengthen their volunteer program and setting the stage for future success.

Celebrate Global Volunteer Month with IRC by thanking our dedicated volunteers and the Volunteer Management & Administration team who support them! Stay tuned this year for more ways to help celebrate 20 years of stewardship with IRC!