Volunteers at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm help grow 45 species of native plants, whose seeds are planted throughout The Irvine Ranch.

Building community, one connection at a time

Click to view this special feature.

There are thousands of ways to connect with your neighbors: from planting broccoli for the food bank to playing right field on an adult baseball team. In this special section, we profile programs to participate in and introduce you to some of your neighbors who have found new friends and fun.


Dawn Antis found empathy, parenting tips and referrals from fellow moms. Pat Moore discovered hundreds of dogs and cats to care for – and three dogs to take home. Ron Elter made lifelong friends – and even met his future accountant – on the softball field.

All three Irvine residents and many more besides them have joined programs throughout the city that create community with like‑minded neighbors. Whether you love distributing food, planting native seeds or playing sand volleyball, Irvine is sure to have a program to entice you.

Check out the following paths for some ideas about how to make the most of your free time – and belong to something bigger than yourself.


Mothers step in place as they keep an eye on their children in strollers during the Fit4Mom Stroller Stride exercise program on the Hicks Canyon Trail.
The Bicycle Club of Irvine is one of the most popular recreational cycling clubs in Orange County.
Joining Irvine’s sports leagues is a popular way to stay in shape and make new friends.
Pat Moore began working at the Irvine Animal Care Center after her adopted poodle, Duffy, passed away.
Jeanette Mayer spends two to three days a week volunteering.
Richard Roy leads Irvine residents on a design and architectural tour of Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
“It’s an opportunity to be out on the land doing something that’s positive.” – David Wilson
After training on the low ropes, Aiden Cho, 12, of Irvine, navigates his way through the high ropes course at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center.
A group of boys and girls eagerly await their turn to try one of four hillside zip lines on Adventure Hill at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center.
Ballet classes are some of the popular children’s programs available to Irvine residents.
Librarian Nhung Nguyen reads to children during the Pajama Story Time at the University Park Library.
Portola Springs is home to one of the city’s 12 community centers.

Connect With Us

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Hidden
By registering you are agreeing to the Irvine Company Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.