IRC Volunteers are needed to support IRC managed Exploration Day, a special event that provides the public with a rare opportunity to explore designated wilderness areas through a self-guided experience. Volunteer support is essential to ensure visitors enjoy safe, positive, and informative access to the land, while helping OC Parks maintain responsible use of these sensitive open spaces.
This event takes place along the Water Works Trail and MWD Road in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. Two trail entrances take place at Parking Lot P and in the overflow parking lot behind Lot P.
IRC Volunteers may register for either the first and or second shift.
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- Registration: Assist at the staging area to answer public questions, hand out maps, set up/take down equipment.
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- Gate Monitoring: Great folks as they enter the trail system, providing maps, answering questions, and most importantly, counting attendance via a clicker. The attendance numbers are critical for our reporting purposes.
- Interpretive Booth: Provide interpretive/educational information at a booth to interested public participants.
- Foot Patrol and Bike Patrol: Travel the trails as our eyes and ears as an IRC representative, make sure participants are staying on trail, answering questions, and keeping us updated on any emergencies. We will have radios for you to check out.
- Equestrians, please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to volunteer for this event.
IRC Volunteer hours run 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, divided into the following shifts:
- First Shift: 7:30 – 11:30 AM; First shift volunteers will assist with event setup before heading out to their field assignments.
- Second Shift: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Second shift volunteers will return from the field approximately 30 minutes before the event ends to help with breakdown and wrap-up.
All IRC Volunteers must wear their official IRC Volunteer uniform, including the OC Parks landowner patch.
Your support helps make Water Works Exploration Day possible!
