Activity Cards

For families and children ages 12 and up who would like to join IRC-certified volunteers in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on a longer, slow-paced, family-oriented ride through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route takes us to The Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon.” Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat, and hope to see some of our local native animals and raptors. The ride is an 8-9 miles with 400-800 feet of elevation gain that may require hike-a‐bike for some riders. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Did you know that Irvine Ranch Open Space is home to rare and threatened plant communities and wildlife species? Understanding what plants and animals are present in an ecosystem is a key step in biodiversity conservation. Join us for a hike in the Saddleback Wilderness, where we will look for plants and animals, and learn how to identify them using the iNaturalist app, and catalog our observations in a community iNaturalist project. Come contribute to conservation science while learning about local plants and wildlife and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Saddleback Wilderness.

Please bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, along with sun protection. The activity will consist of an intermediate level hike of approximately 2 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain

To maximize your experience, make sure to download the iNaturalist app (iNaturalist.org) and create an account before the hike. Please bring your phone or a camera to the event, as we will be photographing our species observations. You do not need any previous experience with iNaturalist- we will teach you all you need to know!

Note for IRC-certified volunteers:

• ideally all Trail Guides will be familiar with iNaturalist
• we’re looking for at least one Trail Guide who is an expert in native plants

Experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space from the trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderate-paced ride through Fremont, Blind, and Weir Canyons. Fremont Canyon remains one of the most wild places in Orange County, with a diversity of rare plants and animals. This ride includes natural trail hazards such as sand, tree roots, ruts, and exposed rocks.  PLEASE NOTE: there are multiple very steep climbs, with an approximate elevation gain of 2,000 feet over 15 miles.  This hard ride is for adult-only riders in excellent physical condition who will be rewarded with the beautiful vistas. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.