Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Winter? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

The seed collected will be used for habitat restoration within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These plants were specially selected to support local wildlife and promote resilience in the ecosystem. Come help us heal the wildlands within the Landmarks! When you sign up, check the confirmation email to see tips on how to be prepared for your time with us.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe, including water, snacks, sun protection, long pants, closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Note: Activity leaders may turn away participants who are under-prepared and wearing improper attire for work at the Native Seed Farm. This is for your own safety and to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone who attends.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Learn more and register here.

OC Public Works will perform ADA improvements at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea.

WHAT: 

Temporary walkway and path closures details:

• Work will begin on the existing walkway along the pull-in parking spaces along E. Santa Fe Rd. at the northerly portion of the park.
• Work will include removal of the existing walkway and retrofitting with ADA compliant walkway and ramps, and the installation of three energy dissipater outlets to provide drainage.
• Walkway to remain closed for the duration of the project. Access to paths may be limited based on proximity.
• Signage and caution tape will be placed around the work areas. 

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Duration:
December 16 - January 29, 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Sr. Construction Inspector Raymond Sanchez
(657) 641-5040

Sup. Construction Inspector Rudy Alfaro
(714) 448-0804

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com
ocpublicworks.com 

Inspired by the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," or "forest bathing," this walk invites you to take a break and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Throughout the program you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using all your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for participants ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin at parking lot Q. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature. 

Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older. 

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a blanket, seating pad or small chair if you wish. The program and parking are free. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Park naturalists and bring your little ones (ages 3-6) on a 1.5-mile hike along Canyon Trail at the James Dilley Preserve within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. We will search for interesting bugs, plants, tracks and more while hiking! This hike is relatively flat on a dirt trail.  

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the program.

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. 

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 750 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon home. 

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center parking lot. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is for ages 16 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher after signing in. 

Adverse weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel this program.

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery.

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. This program is for ages 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and participants will receive a parking voucher. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile hike through Laguna Niguel Regional Park - no experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes and sun protection, and bring binoculars and water.

This program is for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.    

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 or 949-923-2200. When calling, please mention the Bird Walk at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 

Earn a Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Junior Ranger badge by completing this Junior Ranger quest! We will explore the wildlife corridors in Laguna Canyon and figure out if animals are using them, and why.

This program is designed for ages 8-12 but all are welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.    

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather may cancel the program.