Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Obrien

Year-round, rain or shine, volunteers generously give their time to support Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC). They are the backbone of our work, and many of our activities simply would not be possible without such a dedicated volunteer community. Whether leading interpretive programs or pulling weeds at the Native Seed Farm, every volunteer plays a vital role in IRC’s success.

One of those valued volunteers is Jim Obrien, a Docent who helps connect the community to the land, one of IRC’s core mission pillars. Over the past few years, Jim has guided countless hikes, sharing his knowledge of the land and ensuring visitors can explore it safely. IRC’s Volunteer Management Team is appreciative of all he contributes! 

How long have you been an IRC Volunteer?

I became a Trail Guide for IRC in 2022 and then a Docent in 2023. 

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

I typically volunteer as a Trail Guide on longer hikes, supporting the leads with whatever is needed. I also frequently do assessments for the Irvine and Newport Beach trails during the rainy season. 

What is your background?

I grew up in Orange County, lived away for many decades, and moved back at the beginning of the pandemic to help my aging parents living here. In between, I was away for college, law school, work and raising a family. Early in my career, I got to spend several years in the Pacific as Attorney General for one of the island states in Micronesia. Returning to California, we settled in the Bay Area, where I was a product and strategy executive at an educational technology start-up and then General Counsel for a compliance and security software company. I currently work as a lawyer for Google.

What drew you to volunteering with IRC?

I enjoy many outdoor activities, and I love to hike! The IRC hikes I enjoyed were made even better by the hospitable Trail Guides. I value the mission of the organization, and volunteering seemed like a good way to support it. After spending time on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, I wanted to learn more about them, and the Lead training was a good way to do that. 

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

In general, I like to volunteer and have a few other roles with other organizations:

• Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth in the Orange County Juvenile Dependency system
• NSP SoCal Winter Search and Rescue Team member (Calif. State OES Type 1 SAR)
• American Red Cross, Mass Care Volunteer for Sheltering, Feeding, Logistics
• National Ski Patrol, Alpine Patroller at Mt. High, Mt. Waterman, Sugar Bowl
• Newport Beach CERT, Type 1 certified for Orange County Mutual Aid Program
• OC Parks, events and backcountry patrol
• Laguna Canyon Foundation, backcountry patrol, trail maintenance, stewardship

What has been your favorite aspect of volunteering?

Most of my volunteering activities are things I inherently enjoy. I find it especially rewarding when I am able to provide some service or assistance to other people as part of doing something I already like.

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

There are a lot of trails that I like, but I really enjoy the singletracks in Shady Canyon. Limestone Canyon and the Sinks are a close second. 

What else do you like to do for fun?

I am a lifelong avid skier and enjoy backcountry alpine touring as well as downhill resort skiing. I like a variety of outdoor activities and do some mountaineering, rock climbing and snow camping. My son and I have been taking on some Class 3 and Class 4 14ers, such as Capitol Peak in Colorado and Mt. Russell in the Sierra, and my wife and I have started travelling for trekking vacations. We’ve been to Kyrgyzstan and Uganda recently and will be heading to Peru shortly. Whenever we can, we love connecting with our grown and now married kids, who currently live on the other side of the country.

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IRC is truly grateful to have Jim as part of our volunteer community, contributing his time and energy alongside our team. Thank you, Jim!

IRC would love to welcome more community members into our volunteer family. Whether you are interested in leading activities, supporting restoration work, aiding in wildfire prevention or looking to help behind the scenes, there is a place for you at IRC. Joining our volunteer team is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the land and make a lasting impact. Visit irconservancy.org/volunteer/ for more information and ways to sign up!