OC Parks April 2015 Calendar of Events

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

OC Parks APRIL 2015 calendar of events

April 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 – 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
Contact: (949) 923–2230
Cost: $5 per person
Special Instructions: Advance reservations required, call (949) 923-2230. Directions provided with reservations. 

April 1 - 4 – Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Regional Park 
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Weekdays
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Weekends
Now through Saturday, April 4, the Easter bunny will be at Irvine Park Railroad for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The Easter Eggstravaganza will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Children ages 2 through 12 can participate in an Easter egg hunt, where each egg will be filled with candy or a prize. The Easter egg hunts begin daily at 10 a.m. Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event in order to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt. Please visithttp://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/ for complete details on the Easter egg hunts including times and costs.
There will also be a moon bounce, hay ride, Easter cookie decorating, picture stands, carnival games, picture stands and face painting.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Parking: $3 per vehicle weekdays, $5 per vehicle weekends  
Contact: (714) 973–6835
Special Instructions: For more information, please visit: http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/content/easter-eggstravaganza

April 2 – 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
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.

April 2 – Bonkers for Bunnies – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Come learn all about bunnies and meet some up close! Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts.
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. Please note the Easter-themed classes fill up quickly! 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.

April 3 – 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 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 5 years. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.  

April 4 – CPF Monthly Meeting 
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Interested in volunteering at Caspers Wilderness Park? Join our 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. April Guest Speaker – to be announced. 
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
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.

April 4  – Redwood Hike
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first 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 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.

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – 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 Regional 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.

April 4 – Family Hike
3 – 5 p.m.
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is 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: 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.

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – 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
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: All ages welcome!

April 5, 12, 19, 26 – 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
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.

April 8 – 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 and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

April 8 – Birds of Mason Regional Park
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Led by an OC Parks volunteer and experienced birdwatcher, this is a beginner-friendly program about the birds of William R. Mason Regional Park. On an easy walk of 1/2 mile around Mason, we will view and discuss a variety of birds that use the park. We'll check for different types of ducks, geese, and grebes in the ponds. We’ll look and listen for songbirds on the trees and bushes. We may also spot shorebirds and hawks.
Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle   
Contact: (949) 923-2220
Special Instructions: Water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Bring your binoculars to get a better view of the birds! Turn left at the stop sign after the entrance gate and park in Parking Lot B. We will meet at the picnic table near the Ranger Office by the park entrance. Rain will cancel event.

April 9 – 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
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. 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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

April 9, 16, 23 – 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. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 5 years recommended. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.

April 10 – Down on the Farm – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Come learn all about farm animals including chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, and more! 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: For ages 3 to 4 years old. PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

April 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.


April 11 – Fitness Challenge for All
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Cardio on a treadmill or cardio with an ocean view? Push your personal workout goals and never get left behind as we cater to a range of fitness levels. It’s a great chance to see wildlife and learn all about Aliso and Wood Canyons from park staff. This is 5-miles (900-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

April 11 – California Native Plants & Wildflower Hike    
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn about the California Native Plants and wildflowers with a 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. 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.

April 11 – Wildlife Walk: Tracks 
9 – 10 a.m.
Although we may not always see the animals that live in the park, they will often leave behind evidence. Join us on a walk to search for animal tracks. We will learn about identifying some native animal tracks, discuss other types of possible animal evidence, and make track rubbings that everyone can take home with them.
Location: Yorba Regional Park. 7600 E. La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6615
Special Instructions:  The program is ideal for kids ages 5-10, however, everyone is welcome! This event will be outside. Please bring water and dress accordingly. Email yorbapark@ocparks.com to register. Please include your name, phone number, number of participants in your group, and ages of participant(s) in your email. For more information, please visit: http://ocparks.com/civicax/inc/blobfetch.aspx?BlobID=42749

April 11 – Morning Fitness Hike
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Take a mildly strenuous 2.5-mile hike along the Back Bay with Preserve staff. The hike will begin in front of the Muth Center and will be on both paved and dirt paths with mostly flat surfaces.
Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2275
Special Instructions: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email unbic@ocparks.com to register.

April 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. Rain or heat advisories cancels event.

April 12 – The Mysterious World of O’Neill Regional Park 
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered “where are all the wild animals in the park?” Visit a Show and Share Exhibit located next to the O’Neill Park Nature Center and discover mysterious clues animals leave behind. Make a wild animal track mold and enjoy nature crafts and games.
Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2260

April 12 – Wilderness Walkers   
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:  Ages 12 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.

April 14 – California Native Plants: Tools, Food and Building Materials
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, food 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:  Ages 12 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.

April 15 – Magnificent Mammals – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Come learn all about animals covered in fur! 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. Please note the Easter-themed classes fill up quickly! 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.

April 16 – 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
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. 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 - Sun.

April 17 – Tot Walk
9 – 11 a.m.
Join Ranger Zak along with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and bring your young ones (infant to age three) to explore Aliso's wild backyard. We will see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun!
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions:  Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

April 18 – 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 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.

April 18 – 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 an/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers 
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

April 19 – Young Field Biologist Series: Early Earth Day Hike
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Celebrate the upcoming Earth Day by assisting the park’s Resource Specialist with fun field studies at the Ranger Station and in Aliso Creek. For this installment, we’ll scoop water from the creek to survey aquatic insects, check our wildlife camera, and examine watershed environmental issues. Bring your camera and a notepad to document and compare your findings. Minimal hiking (1/2 mile, 50-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters (newly renovated staging area!), 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

April 19 – Restoration Day 
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Want to enjoy the outdoors and help take care of park ecosystems? Join us for Restoration Days at Peters Canyon Regional Park every third Sunday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Recommended to bring water and snacks, have sunscreen, and wear pants, long sleeve shirts and boots.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 973-6611
Special Instructions: Please register by calling (714) 973-6611 or emailing peterscanyon@ocparks.com.   

April 19 – Morning Walk Around the Lake
9 – 11 a.m.
Come enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the lake and learn about the native plants and critters in the park. This is an easy 2.5 mile walk (both paved and dirt trail) with no elevation gain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer Naturalists. Dogs on leashes welcome.
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: Ages 8 and up. Meet at parking lot closest to Shelter 3. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

April 22 – Beginning Fitness Hike  
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Now is a great time to start a new fitness routine beginning with an easy 2.5-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake and back (100-ft. elevation gain). Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer and registered dietitian to learn about fitness and nutrition during this 1.5-hour hike.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 12 and up. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen and bring water. 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.

April 23 – Fitness Hike at Willow  
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous and fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike (571-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.

April 23 – Park Planning Workshop #3  
6 – 8 p.m.
Learn about the project to create a General Development Plan (GDP) for Peters Canyon. A GDP is a plan to guide park management and resources.
At this workshop, the project team will make a presentation of background data and analysis and will present some alternative concept plans. Participants are then invited to discuss their thoughts in groups.
Project information is available on the 
Peters Canyon General Development Plan page.
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: This meeting will take place at Irvine Regional Park in the Soda Fountain Building. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those requiring accommodations for this meeting should notify OC Parks at (714) 973-6865. 

April 25 – 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
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack and wear proper hiking shoes. 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.

April 25 – Earth Day at Peter and Mary Muth Center 
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us for the 25th Annual Earth Day Celebration at the Bay presented by Newport Bay Conservancy in partnership with OC Parks. Science discovery and craft booths, scavenger hunt, live entertainment, Newport beach film festival environment films and food trucks.
Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: Visit http://newportbay.org/ for more information.

April 26 – Meditating in Nature
6 – 7:30 a.m.
Relax in nature.  Enjoy a short walking meditation, breathing and energization exercises, and sitting meditation. Bring a blanket and a pillow.  No experience necessary.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 16 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. 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 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

April 26 – Birding Walk
8 – 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.

April 26 – Family Bandito Bike Ride to Dripping Cave 
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join a band of bike wielding young explorers on a ride to Aliso’s most intriguing attraction. We’ll learn the mysterious legends of this famed bandit hideout as well as its previous inhabitants- the native Ajachamen people. Earn a Ranger badge for being an accomplice on the journey.
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 8 and up (or peddled by adult) who can comfortably ride 5 miles (150 ft. elevation gain), dirt trails with some sandy sections. Bike, helmet, water, snack and weather appropriate clothing/shoes are required. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

April 30 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6-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
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas, meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing the OC Parks April 2015 Calendar of Events. I would like to attend “Fitness Hike” event at Canyon View. You know I have to attend some corporate events too in the evening still I want to attend this Fitness event. I hope I’ll manage both events!

    ReplyDelete

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