OC Parks July 2013 Calendar of Events

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Here are some highlights from the OC Parks July Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events in the month of July, make sure to check our some of these great events!

OC Parks JULY 2013 calendar of events
July 2 – Moderate Fitness Hike 
8 – 10 a.m.
Now is a great time to supplement your fitness routine with a 4-mile hike (300 ft. elevation gain) over uneven and rocky terrain. Join an LCF naturalist on this fitness hike adventure. Wear a hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes and please bring water and a snack.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 4 – 35th Annual Run in the Parks  
6 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Run in the Parks is an Independence Day tradition. Races are held through the Crown Valley Community and Laguna Niguel Regional parks. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Scholarship Program.
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 
Contact: (949) 923-2240
Special Instructions: Register online: http://www.ymcaoc.org/run-in-the-parks Contact Laguna Niguel Family YMCA at (949) 495-9622.

July 4 – Fitness Hike at Willow
8 – 10 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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 4, 11, 18, 25 – 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, storytelling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience!
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years recommended. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.


July 4 – 2013 Summer Concert Series – Breach the Summit with A+ Dropouts
6 – 8 p.m.
OC Parks welcomes back its annual concert series. Thirteen free concerts at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park and Salt Creek Beach will present local musical artists performing live in the outdoors June through August. Breach the Summit and A+ Dropouts will perform for a special 4th of July celebration at Mason Regional Park.  

All of the OC Parks Summer Concerts are part of The World Famous KROQ's ROQ N' Surf summer series. Shows are from 6 to 8 p.m., free concert admission with free parking and open to the public of all ages. Food trucks will have food available for purchase at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out and enjoy great local live music under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.
Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2220

July 4 – Fireworks Spectacular over the Lake  
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th of July with friends and neighbors! Sponsored by the City of Laguna Niguel ad co-sponsored by OC Parks. The show will begin shortly after the concert at Crown Valley Park finishes. The park closes at 9 p.m. but spectators can stay until the fireworks show is over. 
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 
Cost: Free Parking: $7 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 923-2240
Special Instructions: Bring a flashlight and something to sit on in the dirt/grass. Contact City of Laguna Niguel at (949) 425-5100.

July 5 – Explore the Plants on the Trail to Barbara’s Lake
8 – 10:30 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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 5 – Animal Art – 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://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
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.

July 5, 12, 19, 26 – 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
Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.  

July 6, 13, 20, 27 – Nature Walk
9 – 10:30 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2260
Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance. Event is conditional on the weather.

July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 – Redwood Grove Hike
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join OC Parks' trained staff on an easy 1.1 mile hike to the park's Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the way. The hike begins each Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. from the park's Nature Center. Don't forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too!
Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-3160
Special Instructions: All ages.

July 6 – Walk in Our Wild Side Nature Walk
10 – 11 a.m.
Join a Park Naturalist on an easy walk approximately 1 mile long in our Natural Area. See birds, hawks, insects, butterflies, and native plants. Recommended: Hat, binoculars, drinking water, and comfortable shoes.
Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6600
Special Instructions: Meet at the entrance of the Natural Area just located next to Parking Lot F. Event conditional on the weather.

July 6, 20 – Snake Talk 
3 – 4 p.m.
Are you fascinated with snakes and want to learn more about the snakes that call OC Parks home? Now is your chance! Join Park Ranger Carroll as she shares what she has learned about snakes in the last 26 years working out in the field and in the classroom. You will learn how to identify non-venomous vs. venomous snakes; how to react to a snake if you encounter one out on the trail; their importance in the food chain; and how they help to keep our planet healthy! Ranger Carroll will introduce you to Rosita, the park's friendly rosy boa. See you at the park!
Location: Riley Wilderness Park. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, CA 92679
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/rileypark/
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923–2265

July 6, 13, 20, 27 – Ranger Led Campfire Program
8 – 9 p.m.
Join us Saturday night at the amphitheater for this Ranger led talk on local animal life, set to the glow of fire light. This event is only open to those camping at O’Neill Regional Park. No access for day use after sunset.
Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2260 or (949) 923-2256
Special Instructions: Event is outdoors and dependent on weather conditions. 

July 6 – Campfire Program – Star Party
8 – 11 p.m.
Come for a grand tour of the universe!  Join Volunteer Allan along with other amateur astronomers and have a look in the telescopes to see the ringed planet of Saturn and the wonders of the sky including nebulas, galaxies, star clusters, double stars and maybe a comet. Take a guided tour of the constellations and learn many myths and facts about the cosmos. You can bring your binoculars if you want, and feel free to ask questions.
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: All ages welcome! Note: held only on evenings with clear skies (good weather)! If cloudy, regular campfire program will take place from 8 – 9 p.m. Subject varies.

July 7, 14, 21, 28 – Nature Hike
8 – 9 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. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. If rain, hike canceled.
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions:  For more information, call the park at (949) 923-2210.  Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. 

July 7 – 1st Sunday Restoration Program 
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come join us for some R&R at Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa as we kick off the first community based Talbert Restoration & Revitalization Project. Learn about the native plants and wildlife of our Coastal zone. We will meet the 1st Sunday of each month 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the corner of 19th St. and Balboa Blvd. in Costa Mesa.
Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Website: www.ocparks.com/talbert/
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923–2250

July 7 – Nature Center Open 
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center open the first 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6620

July 9 – Dilley Loop Nature Hike
8 – 11 a.m.
Get close to nature on this leisurely 2-mile hike (370-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants, animals or maybe their tracks and signs along the way.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 11 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View
8 – 10 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 and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 11 – Animals In My Backyard – Toddler Program
10 – 11 a.m.
Come learn about animals that you can find in your own backyard! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close.
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one adult included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
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.

July 11 – 2013 Summer Concert Series – Micah Brown with Nicole Vaughn
6 – 8 p.m.
OC Parks welcomes back its annual concert series. Thirteen free concerts at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park and Salt Creek Beach will present local musical artists performing live in the outdoors June through August. July 11 welcomes singer songwriter Micah Brown with Nicole Vaughn at Mason Regional Park.

All of the OC Parks Summer Concerts are part of The World Famous KROQ's ROQ N' Surf summer series. Shows are from 6 to 8 p.m., free concert admission with free parking and open to the public of all ages. Food trucks will have food available for purchase at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out and enjoy great local live music under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.
Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2220

July 13 – Enduro Stuff XC Mountain Bike Race 
6 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On Saturday, July 13th, Irvine Park and Santiago Oaks Regional Park will be the venue for the third annual Enduro Stuff XC Mountain Bike Race.

Sections of the following trails will be closed for three hours during the event from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for safety reasons: Mountain Goat, Chutes Ridgeline, Coachwhip, Bumble Bee and Barham Ridge.

Other multi-use trails that may be affected by the event include the Santiago Creek Trail and Pony Trail. However, they will be open for use by both park customers and participants during the event. All other trails will remain open. 
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6620

July 13 – California Native Plants & Wildflower Hike
8 – 11 a.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, 3.5-mile hike (600-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 13 – 2nd Saturday Trail Work Day
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Come join park staff and our trail leaders by volunteering to assist with habitat restoration, non-native plant removal and trail work throughout Irvine Regional Park. Please wear jeans and durable shoes or boots. Park provides tools and gloves. Bring sunscreen, hat, snacks, and water.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: Free Parking: Free for volunteers 
Contact: (714) 973–6835
Special Instructions: Ideal for ages 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Large school groups/companies welcome. Call (714) 973-6836 for group registration. 

July 13 – Third Annual OC Parks Wilderness Celebration in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Celebrate the third anniversary of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This annual event will feature self-guided hiking and biking, along with a recognition ceremony and docent-led hikes. After refreshments and a visit to the community partner fair, explore historic Black Star Canyon and trails in Baker Canyon. This stunning area is known for soaring sandstone cliffs, Red-tailed Hawks flying overhead, and majestic panoramas of the Santa Ana Mountains, as well as diverse sage scrub and chaparral habitats with many rare species of plants and animals. Routes of varying levels of distance and difficulty will be open, including scenic trail loops. Kids can hit the trails, too, with a wilderness-themed craft area and nature loop walk. Pre-registration is encouraged and will save you time the day of the event. Pets are not permitted in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, for the safety of your pet and local wildlife.
Location: Black Star Canyon Staging Area.
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/irvineranch
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (714) 973–6865

July 13 – Animal Art – Program for 5-8 year olds 
11 a.m. – 12 p.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://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 5 to 8 years old.  Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.

July 13, 27 – Family Hike  
3 – 5 p.m.
Come and enjoy an easy, family 3-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Starting at Nix Nature Center we will hike one of the most diverse areas under a canopy of Oaks to Barbara’s lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 13, 20, 27 – Campfire Program
8 – 9 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: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: All ages welcome! Note: held only on evening with clear skies (good weather) only! If cloudy, regular campfire program will take place from 8 – 9 p.m. Subject varies.

July 14 – Let’s Go Hiking!  
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation, but questions welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 14 – Second Sunday 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
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
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.  

July 15 through 19 – Youth Day Nature Camp
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bring your kids out to beautiful Laguna Niguel Regional Park for a week of activities, environmental knowledge, science and fun that will be sure to give them lots to talk about.  Each day will host a different theme some of which includes: Survival Skills, Guided Nature Hikes, Hands-on Science Experiments and much more!
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunaniguelpark/
Cost: $90 per camper Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 17, 24, 25 – Junior Zookeeper
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This unique 3 hour experience will give students a hands-on, behind the scenes view of what’s involved with caring for the OC Zoo animals. Students will have the opportunity to help prepare food, feed the animals, assist in cleaning the exhibits, and help create enrichment “toys” for the animals. Includes certificate, animal related souvenir, and photo(s) with an animal on a USB/flash drive.
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $50 per child (one parent ONLY is 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 8 to 16 years old.  Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Limited spaces available!

July 18 –Fitness Hike at Dilley
8 – 10 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (900-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 18 – 2013 Summer Concert Series – Hindu Pirates with Cali Conscious
6 – 8 p.m.
OC Parks welcomes back its annual concert series. Thirteen free concerts at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park and Salt Creek Beach will present local musical artists performing live in the outdoors June through August. Surf garage rock group Hindu Pirates will perform with Cali Conscious on July 18 at Mile Square Regional Park. All of the OC Parks Summer Concerts are part of The World Famous KROQ's ROQ N' Surf summer series. Shows are from 6 to 8 p.m., free concert admission with free parking and open to the public of all ages. Food trucks will have food available for purchase at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out and enjoy great local live music under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.
Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6600

July 19 – A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake
8 – 10:30 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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 19 – “Treat” Marking for the Animals 
10 – 11 a.m.
Come help us create “toys” and “treats” for our zoo animals to play with! Each child please bring 2 empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls to class. Class includes meeting zoo animals up close.
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 5 to 8 years old.  Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.

July 20 – Family Hike in the Canyon
8 – 10 a.m.
Enjoy a hike with your family in the beautifully lush Wood Canyon, while exploring its wildlife with OC Parks Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer. This is a moderate 2-mile hike (300-ft elevation gain) over uneven and rocky terrain.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 20, 21 – SOCALPAPA Paints OC Parks and the Back Bay
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come on down to the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center while SOCALPAPA paints OC Parks and the Back Bay! View hundreds of paintings on display and meet the artists. Free painting classes for students aged 7 to 12 years from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.
Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: All ages welcome.

July 21 – Introduction to Mountain Biking
8 – 10 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Mountain Bike Trail Assistants on this beautiful 8-mile bike ride (400-ft. elevation gain) on uneven terrain. Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette while enjoying the canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 21 – Restoration Day 
8 – 11 a.m.
Help maintain the park you love by volunteering to help remove non-native brush for fire suppression and re-vegetation of native plantings. Please wear jeans and durable shoes/boots. Park provides tools/gloves/water. Bring sunscreen/hats/snacks.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/peterscanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6611

July 21 – Laguna Niguel Bird Walk
8 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Garett Lepper for a morning of birding. This is a new area for our alternate third Sunday bird walks and there will be new birding areas to explore. This park attracts a wide variety of birds due to the landscaped park vegetation and the availability of water. We will look for resident birds, as well as fall and wintering species.
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 923-2240
Special Instructions: Meet at Shelter 3 parking lot.

July 23 – James Dilley Preserve Nature Hike  
8 – 10 a.m.
Join us for some time out in the wilderness on this leisurely 2-mile loop hike (370-ft elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants, animals or maybe their tracks and signs along the way.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 25 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore 
8 – 10 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324 

July 25 – 2013 Summer Concert Series – Hunter Hunted with DJ Velvet Touch
6 – 8 p.m.
OC Parks welcomes back its annual concert series. Thirteen free concerts at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park and Salt Creek Beach will present local musical artists performing live in the outdoors June through August. July 25 will present Hunter Hunted with DJ Velvet Touch. All of the OC Parks Summer Concerts are part of The World Famous KROQ's ROQ N' Surf summer series. Shows are from 6 to 8 p.m., free concert admission with free parking and open to the public of all ages. Food trucks will have food available for purchase at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out and enjoy great local live music under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.
Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (714) 973-6600

July 26 – What’s For Lunch – Toddler Program
10 – 11 a.m.
Come find out what the zoo animals eat for lunch and dinner! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. Please see special instructions.
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one adult included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
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.

July 27 – Moulton Peak Geology Hike
8 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 4-mile Geology hike (600-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. Hike through the oak-filled woodland of Wood Canyon and continue to the park’s highest peak. We will pass by rock formations that tell of ancient floods, landslides and the building of a great shell-filled limestone reef. This hike is not for beginners! Bring water, hiking shoes (hiking poles suggested), snacks, and field guides of your choice and a sense of adventure!
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 27 – 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://www.ocparks.com/wiederpark/
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.

July 28 – Birding Hike
7 – 10 a.m.
Spot local native and summer resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile walk through a landscaped suburban parkland setting at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Wear hiking or walking shoes; bring binoculars!
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 497-8324

July 30 – Beginning Fitness Hike 
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Now is a great time to start a new fitness routine with this easy 2-mile hike over moderate and uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake and back (100-ft. elevation gain). Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist will point out local flora and fauna along the way. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring water.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324

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Ashley and I encourage and welcome our readers to submit comments about their experiences on the trails we have posted on our blog or about their own hiking experiences in general.