OC Parks January 2015 Calendar of Events

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Here are some highlights from the OC Parks January Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events to start this new year off, make sure to check out some of these great events!
OC Parks JANUARY 2015 calendar of events

January 1 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-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
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

January 2 – Nature Explore for Little Ones: Treeventure 
9 – 11 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers and OC Parks staff to explore our local trees and the wildlife that uses them.  Enjoy a tree story, a tree song, a tree-venture, a tree-snack, and decorate your own tree necklace! An easy half-mile walk.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 3 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, this month at 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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

January 3  – Redwood Hike
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first and third Saturday of the month for an easy 1.1-mile interpretive 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 at 8:30 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, 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 3 – It’s a Dilley of a Hike  
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your spirits as well as your heart rate 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
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. 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 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.

January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 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. Event is conditional on the weather.

January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Guided Interpretive Hike
10 – 11 a.m.
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (714) 973–6835
Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 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!


January 4, 11, 18, 25 – Ranger Led 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.
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: Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. Rain will cancel hike.

January 4 – 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
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 8 and up. Online 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). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.

January 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 – Modjeska House Tour 
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Docent-led tour of the historic house and grounds.
Location: 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. 

January 8 – Fitness Hike at Willow  
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. 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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

January 9, 14 – Animal Art II – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Join us for an hour of creativity and fun with an animal theme! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. Come ready to get a little messy!
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. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

January 10 – 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 10 – Beginning Mountain Bike Ride  
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette on this 6.8-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (800-ft. elevation gain) while enjoying canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat or Sun.

January 10 – Winter Morning Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride 
8:30 – 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
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) Not for beginners. This is for INTERMEDIATE riders with mountain biking experience. Appropriate mountain biking equipment required. Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. Be prepared for varied weather out in the canyons. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat or Sun.

January 10 – California Native Plants in the Winter      
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Learn about the seasonal life of California native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on this enjoyable 2.5 mile hike (45-ft elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.

January 10 – CPF Monthly Meeting 
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Interested in volunteering at Caspers Wilderness Park? Join the Caspers Park Foundation (CPF) for their monthly volunteer 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. 
General business meeting starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by an informative lecture presented by guest speakers at 10 a.m. January Guest Speaker – to be announced. 
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) 923-2210.

January 11 – Wilderness Walking Club      
2 – 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a wonderful, moderate 3-mile walk (535-ft. elevation gain) through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Catch views of the canyons and mountain ranges from the ridge top and then walk down to Barbara’s Lake, a hidden jewel and the only natural lake in Orange County.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle  
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. Hat, water and snack recommended for your comfort. 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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

January 13 – California Native Plants: Tools & Building
9 – 11 a.m.
Learn about the many fascinating uses of California Native Plants during the pre-mission period, on this 2-mile hike (490-ft elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. This hike will focus on plants used historically for tools and building materials.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).  For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.

January 14 – Birding Walk
9 – 11 a.m.
Join OC Parks Volunteer Mike Clayton for a morning of birding at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. With its meandering streams and 44-acre lake, the park attracts a variety of birds, including waterfowl and shore birds. 
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 923-2240
Special Instructions: Beginning and intermediate birders are welcome. Participants must be 10 years old and above and children must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free, meet at the shelter #3 parking lot inside the gate and to the right.

January 17 – 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
Cost: Free Parking: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Little Sycamore Staging Are/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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

January 22 – Nose, Toes & Ears – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
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 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. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

January 30 – Scales, Feathers & Fur – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Learn about the differences between reptiles, birds and mammals! 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 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. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

January 31 – Weekends at the Nix Nature Center: American Indian Stories, Toys and Games
1 – 4 p.m.
Join the talented Acjachemen performer, Jacque Nunez, as she transports you into the life and traditions of the Acjachemen people – and into the world of our shared past.  Jacque Nunez’s presentation will be at 2 p.m. Make your own American Indian toys, games, and craft items to take home!  Learn to use a pump drill!
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 8 and up. Online 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). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.

January 31  – Winter Night 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 Winter Night Hike will feature many fun activities, including: 
• A visit to the Nature Center
• A live animal presentation
• A hike through the wilderness area (approx. 2 miles round trip)
This is an outdoor event. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Rain will cancel event. (No pets please)
Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: Free after 5:30 p.m.
Contact: (714) 973-3160
Special Instructions: Space is limited, please call to register: (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com.

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