Volunteer Spotlight: Donna Morrison

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is always grateful for the dedicated volunteers who help make everything we do possible. Whether they are leading community activities, putting in hard work at the Native Seed Farm or helping monitor for fire dangers, every effort supports IRC’s mission in a meaningful way. IRC truly appreciates our volunteers and their ongoing commitment.

One volunteer that IRC’s Volunteer Management Team is excited to highlight is Hiking and Fitness Trail Guide and Lead Volunteer Donna Morrison, who has been part of the IRC community for about 7 years. Donna’s long-term dedication and upbeat spirit make her a standout member of our volunteer team.

How long have you been an IRC Volunteer?

I have been a volunteer since October 2019 and an IRC Certified Lead since June 2022.

Can you give us a short summary of your typical roles and responsibilities when volunteering?

I mainly support the Hiking and Fitness activities as a Trail Guide and Lead Volunteer. I participate in approximately 10-12 activities a month. I frequent the Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road since I find that it is a great way to end a workday and get some exercise.

Since I frequent Hicks Haul Road, here are some fun facts from my years on the road:

• Hicks Haul Road is the only place I have seen a mountain lion. It was a juvenile and quickly scampered away before I could snap a photo. The UCI camera team did catch one the day prior on their camera, though! 
• In May 2024, we rescued a baby Kestrel Falcon that had been booted from its nest by crows. I was picking up trash in the staging area and saw a ball of fluff. When I bent down to check it out, it turned its head, and I realized it was a baby falcon by its beak.  Animal Control was called, and after a short hospital stay, the falcon was sent to the OC Birds of Prey Center and eventually released back out on the land.
• Before the new asphalt, the road was a magnet for tarantulas during their mating season. The record was 44 tarantulas on a 6-mile Saturday sunset hike. 
• On the brick wall just past the 1-mile marker, a Chalk Dudleya is growing on the wall. I can’t recall how long it has been there, but at least 4 years. In the summer, we regularly give it a little water to keep it alive, as most of the leaves fall off.  Then every spring, it grows back.

What is your background?

I come from a University of Southern California (USC) family since my dad was a Chemistry Professor there for 40 years. I have worked in some sort of retail all my life, currently with Starbucks as a Human Resource Manager supporting the stores in the Inland Empire.

What drew you to volunteering with IRC?

I have always been a hiker and discovered IRC Wilderness Access Days about 8 years ago. During a week I was on vacation, I joined some docent-led hikes and was hooked. When I transitioned into HR at Starbucks, I realized I could commit to becoming a volunteer. Being able to enjoy the Irvine Ranch Open Space with great people and support IRC as a volunteer is a win-win.

What has been your favorite aspect of volunteering?

The people! Both the volunteer community and the public participants, I have met so many great people over the years. Also getting to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, wildflowers, sunsets and sunrises in the open space.

Do you have a favorite Landmark or trail? Or is there an area that you’re excited to explore on the Landmarks?

On a hike I lead on the weekends to both sides of the Sinks in Limestone Canyon, I typically have a strong turnout with many new participants to IRC events. I love seeing their faces when they see the Sinks for the first time and realize this is in their backyard! 

What else do you like to do for fun?

I have close to 50 succulents in containers on my patio and in my backyard. I have propagated most of them from cuttings over the years. I have always had a green thumb and lots of plants, but lately really enjoy all the different types of succulents.

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From supporting the team to confidently leading activities on her own, Donna has become an essential part of the IRC volunteer community. We are truly grateful for her dedication and honored to have her working alongside us. Thank you, Donna, for all that you contribute!