Activity Cards

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at the Bommer Canyon Preserve, part of City of Irvine’s Irvine Ranch Open Space, where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate a relationship to our local wildlands.  

This hike will take us up either Ridge Route or East Fork trail, not the entire loop. This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended.

As the day starts to settle into the night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out towards a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 a mile. Dress warmly as it may be a chilly evening. A camping chair is welcome as we will have a short introductory presentation in the staging area before the walk.

Join us for an energizing trail run at Bommer Canyon, a scenic open space in Irvine known for its rolling hills, rugged paths, and breathtaking views of Southern California’s coastal landscape. This 7.5-mile route, featuring elevation changes totaling 1,300 feet, offers a diverse mix of rocky trails, gentle slopes, and challenging inclines, making it an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced trail runners. We’ll aim for a moderate pace of around 13 minutes per mile, adjusting for terrain and taking advantage of flatter sections to push the pace a bit. With a blend of uphill challenges and smooth, runnable stretches, this run will be both a great fitness boost and a beautiful outdoor adventure. Remember to bring water, a hat, sturdy trail running shoes, and some snacks. Participants should be physically fit and have prior experience with trail running or fast-paced distance hiking.