OC Parks January 2014 Calendar of Events

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

OC Parks JANUARY 2014 calendar of events

January 1 – Bimonthly Bird Walks
8 – 11 a.m.
Join Naturalist Mike Clayton on a bird walk at Riley Wilderness Park. All levels of birders welcome. As a wildlife sanctuary, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is a home to an abundant number of native plants and old groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks which border the park’s two seasonally flowing creeks. The remaining land features rolling hills and canyons of Coastal Sage Scrub and grasslands. Come prepared for a morning of exploring this delightful park and its abundant bird life.
Location: Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, CA 92679
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923–2265
Special Instructions: Bring your binoculars and wear shoes with good traction, some of the trails are steep. 

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – 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.

January 3 – 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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Online 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.

January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 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.  

January 4, 11, 18, 25 – 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.

January 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 – 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-3160
Special Instructions: All ages. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat, 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.

January 4 – 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 volunteer’s 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. January speaker: Ilse Byres - History of the Hot Springs. 
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park.  33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions:   For more information, call the park office at (949) 923-2210.

January 4 – Family Hike
3 – 5 p.m.
Join us on this very enjoyable, easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Families welcome.  You will hike in one of the most diverse areas in the park, through a canopy of oaks past Barbara’s Lake and back.  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) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/Sr-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.


January 4 – Caspers Park Astronomy Night
5 – 8 p.m.
Come for a grand tour of the universe! Join Allan and other amateur astronomers to have a look in the telescopes to see Venus and Jupiter including four of its largest moons. Take a guided tour of the constellations and learn the myths and facts about the cosmos. Observe the wonders of the night sky including nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and double stars.
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park.  33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions:  Rain or cloudy skies cancels the event. For more information call the park at (949) 923-2210.  

January 5 – Edible & Useful Plant Hike
8 – 11 a.m.
Native Americans and 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 3.5 mile hike (600-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
Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
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). For questions call (949) 497-8324.

January 5 – 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.
Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (714) 376-7414
Special Instructions: This program will be cancelled if rainy/muddy conditions are present 24 hours prior or enrollment minimums are not met.

January 5, 12, 19, 26 – 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
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.

January 5 – 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

January 7, 11, 21, 25 – 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
Contact: (949) 923–2230
Cost: $5 per person
Special Instructions: Advance reservations required, call (949) 923-2230. Directions provided with reservations. 

January 8, 22 – Ride with a Ranger  
8 – 11 a.m.
Join us for a scenic bike ride on the San Diego Creek Bike Path and Back Bay Loop Trail every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 a.m. This 14.3 mile intermediate, casual bike ride begins at William R. Mason Regional Park and travels through the Back Bay Loop Trail back to Mason. 
Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2220
Special Instructions: For more information, please contact Park Ranger Candi Hubert at (949) 923-2222. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Rides are every other Wednesday. Please bring water, sunscreen and helmet. Rides will be cancelled without notice if inclement weather conditions are present.

January 9 – Fitness Hike at Dilley
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 (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) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

January 10 – A Long Winter’s Night Hike  
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Long Winter’s Night Hike will feature many fun activities:
A live animal presentation, hot cocoa and cookies, anda hike through the wilderness area.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free Parking: Free for volunteers
Contact: (714) 973-6611
Special Instructions: Space is limited, please call to register: (714) 973-6611. Meet in the parking lot near the park office.

January 11 – 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.

January 11 – California Native Plant & Wildflower Hike
9 a.m.  – 12 p.m.
Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate but 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
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 12 and up. 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). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

January 11, 18, 25 – 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: All ages welcome!

January 12 – 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.

January 14 – Dilley Loop Nature Hike
9 a.m. – 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 and 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) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.


January 16 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore
8:30 – 10:30 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) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. 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.

January 17 – A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy an outdoor stroll to Barbara’s Lake (Orange County’s only natural lake) on this leisurely paced, level, 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) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. All ages welcome! 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). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

January 19 – 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.

January 19 – Afternoon Geology Hike
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-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) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

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