OC Parks December 2013 Calendar of Events

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

OC Parks December 2013 calendar of events

December 1 – 1st Sunday Restoration Program at Talbert Nature Preserve 
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. Each volunteer will receive a coupon for a free barbecue corn at the Lion's Club annual Fish Fry carnival event! Contact (714) 376-7414 for more information.
Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Cost: Free Parking: Free

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Nature Hike
9 – 10 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. Rain will cancel hike. 
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: Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.

December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 – 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 morning 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. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of the park. Reservations preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com.

December 1 – Nature Center Open 
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nature Center is 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6620
Special Instructions: All ages.

December 1, 6-8, 13-23 – Irvine Park Railroad’s 18th Annual Christmas Train
Times vary.
It’s the season, once again for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop you off at Santa’s Village. While waiting to meet Santa, you may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn and cookies from our Elf House Snack Bar to warm you up. A full kitchen menu is also available at the Train Station. Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and available for pickup shortly after being taken. After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station house. When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring your camera and arrive early to avoid crowds.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: $10 per person (children younger than 24 months ride for free). Parking: $3 per vehicle weekdays, $5 per vehicle weekend, free after 5 p.m.
Contact: (714) 973-6847
Special Instructions: Tickets must be purchased online at http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/. For more information, call Irvine Park Railroad at (714) 997-3968.

December 4 – Caspers Park Bird Walk
8 – 11 a.m.
Join Naturalist Diane Etchison on a bird walk at Caspers Wilderness Park. All levels of birders are welcome. As a wildlife sanctuary, the park is home to an abundant number of native species of birds and mamals. Come prepared for a morning of exploring as we watch the birds of Caspers Wilderness Park
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park.  33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions:  Ages 12 years and up. Rain cancels the event. Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes. Bring binoculars, sun protection and water. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. For more information, call the park office at (949) 923-2210.  

December 5, 12, 19, 26 – 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
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.


December 6, 13, 20, 27 – 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.  

December 7 – Work Off the Turkey Cardio Hike at Irvine Park & Santiago Oaks 
7:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Explore the trails and scenery at Irvine Park and Santiago Oaks on this cardio hike while you work off the holiday turkey calories with Ranger Jim. This cardio hike is much faster than a walk. You must be able to hike for 11.5 miles at a moderate to fast pace. There are several uphill sections and there will be a minimal amount of quick rest stops. The hike starts at Irvine Regional Park, goes to Santiago Oaks Regional Park, and returns to Irvine Regional Park. Meet at Irvine Regional Park at Parking Lot #7 at 7:30 a.m. for stretching and warm-ups. When you arrive at Irvine Regional Park, inform the booth attendant that you are attending the Work Off the Turkey Cardio Hike and they will direct you where to park. The hike heads out onto the trails promptly at 8 a.m. and finishes at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 973-6834
Special Instructions: This hike is not for beginners and will include some steep climbs and descents. Those in very good physical shape will enjoy this fitness opportunity. The Work Off the Turkey Cardio Hike is recommended for hikers age 16 and up. Although this hike goes through coastal sage scrub habitat, it is not an interpretive hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Hiking poles are okay to bring, but not necessary. No dogs allowed on this hike. Significant rain will cancel the hike. 

December 7, 14, 21, 28 – 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 weather.

December 7 – Caspers Park Foundation Meeting
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Interested in volunteering at Caspers Wilderness Park? Join our monthly meeting held in the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center. This is a great opportunity to learn just what volunteers do, as well as meet others who love nature, the outdoors, and preserving the park for all. Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by an informative lecture presented by guest speakers at 10 a.m. December meeting is a Holiday Potluck, there is no guest speaker.
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park.  33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions:  Ages 16 years and up. For more information, call the park office at (949) 923-2207.

December 7 – 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 located next to parking Lot F. Rain will cancel walk.

December 7 – Victorian Christmas
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Come and see the park's buildings decorated for the holidays and enjoy holiday entertainment, children's crafts, historical exhibits, and visits with Santa!
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: $3 for children (3-12) and $4 for adults
Contact: (949) 923-2230

December 7 – Ho Ho Ho Hike 
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Come see Carbon Canyon Regional Park in a completely different setting -- in the dark! Park rangers will lead a starlit hike showcasing the natural wonders that can only be seen at night. The Ho Ho Ho Hike will feature many fun activities, including a visit to the Nature Center; live animal presentation; hot cocoa and cookies; and a hike through the wilderness area.
This is an outdoor event. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight
Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (714) 973-3160
Special Instructions: Space is limited. Please call (714)973-3160 to register.  

December 7, 14, 21, 28 – Ranger Led Campfire Program
7 – 8 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: All ages welcome. Event is outdoors and dependent on weather conditions. 

December 7, 14, 21, 28 – 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: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: All ages welcome!

December 8 – 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.

December 13 – Moonlight Stroll Night Hike  
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Explore the amazing nocturnal world at Santiago Oaks Regional Park under the wintery night sky. The Moonlight Stroll will feature a visit to the Nature Center, hot cocoa and cookies, and a Park Ranger guided hike to a scenic lookout for a panoramic view. Don't miss these opportunities to visit the parks at night!  The final night hike will be at Peters Canyon Regional Park on Friday, January 10.
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (714) 973-6620
Special Instructions: This is an outdoor event, so please be sure to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Recommended for ages 6 years and up. The hike is approximately 2 miles and is of moderate difficulty. Space is limited, please call (714) 973-6620 or email santiagooaks@ocparks.com to register.

December 14 – A Walk in the Park
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Bring the family to view the landmark Aliso Creek restoration project and search for OC’s native wildlife on the Aliso Creek Trail East. This is a 2.5-mile level terrain, leisurely hike (50-ft. elevation gain) through riparian and grassland habitats led by OC Parks Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 7 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Pkwy, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 14 – 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.

December 14 – Christmas at the OC Zoo!
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come celebrate Christmas at the OC Zoo! Visit with Santa, listen to story time with Mrs. Claus, make fun kids crafts, and get your face painted. See the animals receive treats hidden inside Christmas trees and gift boxes!
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $2 per person, ages 2 & under are free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6847

December 14 – Wintry Wetland Walk 
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of the Upper Newport Bay estuary trails as day becomes evening, illuminated by the light of the full moon. We will be meeting at the Constellation Drive park entrance. Dress for the evening air, wear hiking shoes, bring a flashlight or headlamp. Please NO baby joggers or strollers.  
Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: This program will be cancelled if rainy/muddy conditions are present 24 hours prior or enrollment minimums are not met. Please email unbic@ocparks.com to register.  

December 14, 15 – Candlelight Walk 
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Experience an enchanted evening with luminaria-lit paths, historical buildings aglow with holiday lights and period decorations.  There will be performers in each building along with strolling carolers and visits with Santa.
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: $3 for children (3-12) and $4 for adults
Contact: (949) 923-2230
Special Instructions: Food will be for sale at the event.

December 15 – 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 or boots. Park provides tools, gloves and water. Bring sunscreen, a hat and snacks.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/peterscanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: Free for volunteers
Contact: (714) 973-6611
Special Instructions: Ideal for ages 16 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Large school groups/companies welcome. Call (714) 973-6611 for group registration. Click link for online waivers - http://ocparksforms.com/. 

December 15 – Birding Basics with Ranger Portia
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Explore the diverse bird populations of Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve with Ranger Portia on the third Sunday of the month. From seasonal migratory species to year-round residents, birders of all ages will enjoy a morning outdoors on these informative, yet fun-filled walks. The program will meet at the "Constellation Street" park entrance at 8:30 a.m. Come prepared for your birding adventure with binoculars, hat, sunscreen and appropriate footwear.   
Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
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 e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to save your spot and receive directions to the Constellation Street entrance.

December 18 – Mason Regional Park Wintertime Celebration  
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Come help Mason Regional Park celebrate the winter season! Join the choir from Vista Verde School in singing holiday carols, decorating a tree, and enjoying festive yuletide refreshments.
Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2220

December 28 – Modjeska House Tour 
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Docent-led tour of the historic house and grounds.
Mailing Address Online: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/modjeskahouse/
Contact: (949) 923–2230
Cost: $5 per person

Special Instructions: Advance reservations required, call (949) 923-2230. Directions provided with reservations.  

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