OC Parks FEBRUARY 2013 calendar of events
February 1 – Explore the Plants on the Trail to Barbara’s Lake
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us on a wonderful morning walk to Orange County’s only natural
lake while learning about our native California plant life. This 2-mile
leisurely hike will be led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 8
and up. Little Sycamore
Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133,
approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
February 1, 8, 15, 22 – Wild Tales
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Visit with Preserve staff for story-telling fun! After a story, learn
more about the natural history of the Bay through crafts, hands-on activities
and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience!
Location: Upper Newport Bay.
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/newport/
Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free
Contact: (949)
923-2290 or (949) 923-2275
Special Instructions: 2-8 years. Space is limited and pre-registration
is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to register.
February 2 – Birding Basics with Ranger Portia
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join us on our
bird walk as we welcome our fall/winter avian visitors back to Upper Newport
Bay Nature Preserve! Explore the diverse bird populations; from seasonal
migratory species to year-round residents, birders of all ages will enjoy a
morning outdoors on these informative, yet fun-filled walks. Come prepared for
your birding adventure with binoculars, hat, sunscreen and appropriate
footwear.
Location: Upper Newport Bay.
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/newport/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949)
923-2290 or (949) 923-2275
Special Instructions: All ages. This program
will be cancelled if rainy/muddy conditions are present 24 hours prior or
enrollment minimums are not met. This program is FREE, but pre-registration is
required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to save your spot and
receive directions to the Constellation Street entrance.
February 2 – It’s a Dilley Fitness Hike
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers on this
moderate but strenuous 5-mile wilderness hike through the Coastal Sage Scrub
plant community (one of the most diverse plant communities in the U.S.A.). The
terrain will be rocky and uneven with a 900-ft. elevation gain.
For your safety and comfort please bring water, a hat, a snack and proper
hiking shoes.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations
required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 15 and up. James Dilley Preserve (east side
of Laguna Canyon Rd/Sr-133 just north of 73 Toll Road).
February 2, 9, 16, 23 – Nature Walk
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join our
Naturalists on a nature walk and learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature.
Light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads. Meet at the Nature Center just
inside the main entrance of the park.
Location: O’Neill Regional
Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/oneill/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per
vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2260 or (949)
923-2256
Special
Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center just
inside the main entrance.
February
2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 – 5 Senses of Nature
9:30 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join Josh, one of our trained staff, on a walk to
the Redwoods on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Josh will help you use your 5
senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods and hear the story
of these majestic trees and how they came to Carbon Canyon Park. The walks will
be every Saturday and Sunday mornings and in the afternoons. You will also get
a chance to visit the Nature Center.
Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road,
Brea, CA 92823
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/carbon/
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714)
973-3160
Special Instructions: All ages.
February 2 – Monarch Butterfly Day
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
OC Parks invites children and families to learn all about Monarch
Butterflies and their natural habitat with an up-close look at the magnificent
creatures at the fourth annual Monarch Butterfly Day! The free event takes
place in the Butterfly Garden inside the park’s Camp Sycamore located near
parking lot E. Children can plant native plant seeds to attract Monarch
Butterflies and either take them home or leave them at the park to be planted
in the garden once they have sprouted. Participants can also go inside a netted
butterfly enclosure. Butterfly experts will be on-site to provide educational
information and answer questions about the beautiful and unique specimens.
Additional activities include children’s crafts, face painting and guided
nature walks. Rain will cancel event. Remember to bring your cameras!
Location: Mile Square
Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/mile/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
497-8324
Special Instructions: Recommended for ages 4 – 12 years old.
February 2 – Family Hike
4 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy nature
with friends and family on a 3-mile level and moderate hike (100-ft. elevation
gain) through riparian landscape and open grassland led by Laguna Canyon
Volunteers. Along the way discover evidence left by bobcats, coyotes and deer
(scat, tracks and other signs).
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 7
and up. Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from
southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into
parking lot). For questions,
call (949) 497-8324.
February 2, 9, 16, 23 –Campfire Program
7 – 8 p.m.
Every Saturday
night, join us for a campfire program that may include a slide presentation,
wilderness safety, games and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins
and skulls, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature
Center. Topics may vary weekly.
Location: Caspers Wilderness
Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan
Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/ronald/
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special
Instructions: All ages welcome!
February 3, 17 – Recreational Mountain Bike Ride
8 – 10 a.m.
Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and
uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and
Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from
southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into
parking lot).
February 3 – Edible and Useful Plant Hike
8 – 11 a.m.
Early
pioneers found their uses for local and introduced plants, and now science is
finding out about potentially valuable medicines in our wild backyard. Learn
about these edible and useful plants during a moderate, but steep, uneven
2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer
Naturalist Karin Klein (author of 50 Hikes in Orange County).
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special
Instructions: Reservations
required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon
Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road
intersection).
February 3, 10, 17, 24 – Nature Walk
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join our Park
Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail
takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub
communities.
Location: Caspers Wilderness
Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/ronald/
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special
Instructions:
All ages.
Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water and insect repellent are
recommended.
February 3 – Nature Center Open
10 am – 2 p.m.
Nature
Center open the 1st Sunday of each month. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the
nature center and learn about local history, flora and fauna.
Location: Santiago Oaks
Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/santiago/
Event Fee: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714)
973-6620 or (714)
973-6622
Special
Instructions:
All ages.
February 7 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise
your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced,
6.5-mile hike (510-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with
Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking:
$3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special
Instructions: Reservations
required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up.
Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge
Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at
the gate.)
February 7, 14, 21, 28 – Tideland Tykes
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join our
preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include
arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks.
Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience!
Location: Upper Newport Bay.
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/newport/
Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free
Contact: (949)
923-2290
Special Instructions: Recommended for child ages 2 to
8 years old. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (949)
923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to
register. Program will be cancelled if rainy conditions are present.
February 8 – Discovery Hike
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore
beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation
volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky 5-mile hike
(200-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek
Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas
to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
February 9 – OC Chili Winter Trail Run
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The OC Chili
Winter Trail Run Series will keep you fit and well fed this winter! A beautiful
5-mile run through O’Neill Regional Park, high quality t-shirt, and post-race
chili is included in registration!
Location: O’Neill Regional
Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/oneill/
Cost: Go to www.bookthatevent.com
for more information and registration Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2260
February 9 – California Native Plants & Wildflower Hike
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Learn to
identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist
Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification
Guide) on this moderate but very fast-paced, steep and rocky, 4.8-mile hike (700-ft.
elevation gain).
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special
Instructions:
Reservations required,
sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature
Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south
of I-5/405).
February 10 – Second Sunday Habitat Restoration Program
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat
for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting
natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No
experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided.
Location: Upper Newport Bay.
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/newport/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949)
923-2290 or (949) 923-2275
Special Instructions: Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal
guardian present at all times. Space is limited and pre-registration is
required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register. Program will
be cancelled if inclement weather is present.
February 10 – Afternoon Geology Hike
1 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of unspoiled canyon views while learning about
the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating
stories about the park’s ancient environments. Meet at the Nix Nature
Center to begin this highly interpretive 3-mile hike (400-ft.) elevation gain),
on sometimes steep, uneven and rocky terrain. Led by Laguna Canyon
Foundation volunteer naturalists.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special
Instructions: Reservations
required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages
12 and up. Little Sycamore
Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133,
approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405).
February 12 – Easy Nature Hike to the Oaks
9 – 11 a.m.
Explore
the diversity of animal and plant species as you explore our ever-changing
wilderness on a 1.5- mile, slow and easy hike over rocky and uneven terrain
(150-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special
Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages
12 and up. James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just
north of 73 Toll Road).
February 12 – Moderate Fitness Hike
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Winter is a great time to hike the beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons
trails. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer and registered dietician on
this moderate paced 4-mile hike (300-ft. elevation gain) on rocky and uneven
terrain while sharing information about fitness and nutrition. Wear a hat,
sunscreen, hiking shoes and please bring water and a snack.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages
15 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek
Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas
to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
February 13 – Yoga Hike
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over
steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon
Foundation volunteers.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 12
and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek
Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas
to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
February 14 – Fitness Hike at Willow
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise
your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over
steep and uneven terrain (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation
volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101
Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection).
February 15 – Tot Walk
9 – 11 a.m.
Bring your wee ones (babies to 3 years), to explore our wild backyard on
this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from
southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into
parking lot).
February 15 – A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake
9 – 11 a.m.
Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this leisurely
paced, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 8 and up. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging
Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately
3.5-miles south of I-5/405).
February 15 – Scales, Feathers & Fur – Toddler Program
10 – 11 a.m.
Learn
all about the differences between reptiles, birds, and mammals! Class includes
hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting animals up close. Please see special
instructions.
Location: Orange
County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/zoo
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714)
973-6847
Special Instructions: PHONE
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714)
973-6846. For
ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to
enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
February 16 – Keep it Wild Volunteer Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! What better way to start a Saturday morning
than to join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating
project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make
a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from
southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into
parking lot).
February 16 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and
help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a
Saturday morning than by joining Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in
an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native
plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for
ourselves.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per
vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature
Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south
of I-5/405).
February 17– Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Catch beautiful
canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft.
elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail
assistants.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking:
$3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is
strongly suggested. Also, be prepared for varied weather out in the canyons.
This is for INTERMEDIATE riders with mountain biking experience. Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west
side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
February 21 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced,
5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft elevation gain) with Laguna
Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages
15 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek
Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas
to Canyon View Park).
February 22 – A Walk on the Wild Side
3 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy
a peaceful, family-friendly walk through an enclave of pristine wilderness just
minutes from freeways! Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on
this 2.0-mile walk over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain)
through Coastal Sage Scrub to Barbara’s Lake, the only natural fresh-water lake
in Orange County.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 8
and up. Bring water, sunscreen and walking shoes. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park,
James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73
Toll Road).February
23 – A Walk in the Park
8 – 10:30 a.m.
View the landmark Aliso Creek restoration project, while searching for
OC’s native wildlife on the low traffic East Aliso Creek Trail led by OC Parks
Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer. This is a 3-mile level and leisurely hike
(100-ft. elevation gain) through riparian and grassland habitats.
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 7
and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound
Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot).
February 23 – Caspers Trail Work Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come
join Caspers Wilderness Park Rangers and other enthusiastic CPF volunteers for
our monthly trail work day. You will work with our Park Rangers and trail
leaders in maintaining and brushing Caspers Wilderness Park trails.
Location: Caspers Wilderness
Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan
Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/ronald/
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special
Instructions:
Ages 16
years and up. To
sign up call Cindi Morgan at (949) 923-2207 or email cindi.morgan@ocparks.com. If rain,
event cancels. For cancellation or more information, please call (949) 923-2210. Please
bring water, work gloves, sunscreen and sturdy hiking shoes.
February 23 – Long Distance Hike in the Back Country
8 – 11 a.m.
Explore the beauty and diversity of two canyons, Little Sycamore
and Laurel Canyon, in the backcountry of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This
will be a strenuous, 7-mile hike (770-ft. elevation gain) over
rocky and uneven terrain. We will hike through sycamore and oak woodlands,
riparian habitats, coastal sage scrub, and open grassland.
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235
Special
Instructions:
Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Participants
should be fit and able to hike long distances. For your safety and comfort
bring a suggested 2-3 liters of water, a hat, a hearty snack and proper hiking
shoes. Ages 15 and up.
Willow Staging Area. (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just
south of El Toro Road intersection).
February 23 – Wieder Work Days
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join
park staff and other volunteers with enhancing Wieder Regional Park's natural
resources. Located on the coastal bluffs of Huntington Beach, this unique
habitat overlooks the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Pacific Ocean. Activities may
include non-native plant removal, trail maintenance or trash cleanup. No
experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided.
Location: Harriett M. Wieder
Regional Park. 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/harriett/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949)
923-2290
Special
Instructions:
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275,
or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.
Rain cancels the event.
February 24 – Bird Walk
8 – 11 a.m.
Spot native and winter resident birds, with Laguna Canyon Foundation
volunteer naturalists on this moderate 2-mile, level hike over uneven terrain
through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. Wear
hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars!
Location: Aliso & Wood
Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/aliso/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2200
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Ages 12
and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from
southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into
parking lot).
February 24 – Weed Warrior Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come join Caspers Park Rangers and other enthusiastic CPF
volunteers for our monthly Weed Warrior work day. You will work with Park
Rangers and Weed Warrior leaders to remove non-native plants at Caspers
Wilderness Park. Please bring water, leather work gloves, sun protection and sturdy
work/hiking shoes. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Caspers Wilderness
Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan
Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/ronald/
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special
Instructions:
Ages 16
years and up. To sign up call Cindi Morgan at (949) 923-2207 or email cindi.morgan@ocparks.com.
February 24 – Family Sun Day Fun Day
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Families are invited to come play, explore, listen and connect with
nature and each other. LCF volunteer naturalist and nature mentor Kimberly
Leeds will guide you through nature activities and games to enliven your
wilderness awareness. Bring your curiosity! Wear long pants and
closed-toed shoes. Hats and water are a must! The terrain will be uneven and
steep in some areas, be prepared to get dirty and get up close and personal
with nature!
Location: Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949)
923-2235 or (949)
923-3702
Special
Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.
Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side
of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
February 28 –Animal Art II – Toddler Program
10 – 11 a.m.
Join
us for an hour of fun and creativity with an animal theme! Come ready to get a
little messy! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting animals
up close. Please see special instructions.
Location: Orange
County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/zoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714)
973-6847
Special Instructions: PHONE
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714)
973-6846. For
ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to
enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
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