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April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Wild Tales 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Wild Tales will be offered every Friday and includes a different outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike and a craft project in our classroom. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 1 – Keep It Wild Stewardship Event – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our habitat restoration stewardship events in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, seed collection and/or planting of native plants. No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 1, 19 – Twilight Beginner Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon 5 – 7:30 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an early evening, moderately paced, 5.5-mile beginning cardio hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 2 – Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Start your weekend off by exploring numerous opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty, ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by foot or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 2, 30 – Family Hike: Mesa 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Enjoy nature with friends and family on the Mesa. We start our program by climbing a small hill at an easy pace to reach the top. Once up on the mesa, we will hike along a fairly flat trail and watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike averages 2 to 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who like a slower-paced hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 2, 16, 30 – Beginning Archery Class 9 – 10:15 a.m. & 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. | Mile Square Regional Park Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a beginner archery course for first-time archers. This course includes safety instructions and provides you with an introduction to archery. All archery equipment will be provided. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 2 – Dinosaur-like Birds & Bird-like Dinosaurs 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Learn about the exciting journey of feathered dinosaurs to our modern birds! A specialist from the Dinosaur Institute at Natural History Museum LA will join a zoo educator to explore this topic. Class is for ages 8-10 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
April 2 – Star Party 7:00 – 9 p.m. | Caspers Wilderness Park For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has hosted monthly, public family-friendly stargazing events. Awarded California’s first “Star Park” distinction in 2013, Caspers Wilderness Park is about 9 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean where there’s less Marine Layer distortion and light pollution from nearby urban areas. Here, the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye. Cost: $5 Park Entry No advanced registration required.
April 3 – Restoration Day – Watering at Peters Canyon 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Lend a helping hand to help improve native habitat in Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to seasonally appropriate restoration, such as planting native shrubs to help local wildlife thrive, watering recently planted natives or weeding restoration plots. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 3 – Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride from Irvine to Limestone Canyon 8 – 11:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve We start our ride on the paved Hicks Haul Road, the extension of Jeffrey Road north of Portola Parkway. As we warm up on the climb to the top of the road, we enjoy increasingly beautiful views over Irvine. We then follow Loma Ridge to the east, with fantastic vistas of Orange County, the surrounding wildlands and even Catalina Island on clear days. From Loma Ridge, we descend on a single-track to the Box Spring, which provides year-round water for wildlife like deer. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 3 – Trail Stewardship – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Stewardship might be for you! Get up close and personal with the trails you use and see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is fun, hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 3, 10, 24 – Weekly Nature Area Clean Up 9 – 11 a.m. | Mile Square Regional Park Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash clean up and Butterfly Garden maintenance. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 3 – Introduction to Landscape and Nature Photography 3 – 5 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Fancy equipment and expensive software aren’t necessary to capture beautiful landscapes and nature scenes, especially here at Upper Newport Bay! In this introductory workshop we will focus on subject matter, composition and lighting to give participants the basics they need to take compelling photographs in the outdoors, no matter what type of equipment they use. The program will start with a short classroom session, followed by a walk along the bay to practice in the light. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 3 – Starry, Starry Night 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Come join us for an interactive evening under the stars. Immerse yourself in a scaled-down version of our solar system. Test your imagination in naming the constellations. Reenact the struggle between Orion and the Scorpion. The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a high level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 4 – Wildflower Walk in Santiago Oaks 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park Discover what’s popping up in color at Santiago Oaks. Our annual wildflowers are giving a nice show along the trails. Let’s search for the rainbow as we take a stroll through the park. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 – After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 5, 12, 19, 26 – Early Morning Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road: 6 miles 8:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike is a 6-mile route as a group, conducted at the speed of about 3 to 3.5 miles per hour. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 5 – Tecate Cypress Stewardship Day 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve The Tecate Cypress is a rare species found only in southern California and northern Baja California. The northern-most population in the Santa Ana Mountains is in severe decline due to too-frequent wildfires. In effort to protect this rare species, locally genetic trees will be planted in Fremont Canyon near the staging area. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 7 – Thursday Morning Trek: Baker Canyon 8 – 11:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park This week in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Baker Canyon. This scenic hike includes steep climbs and descents on both single and double-track trails with about 1,100 ft. of accumulated climbing. We will enjoy sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and the Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days, we can see Catalina Island and even beyond into the Los Angeles basin. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 7 – Family Fun Hike with the Ranger 3 – 5 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Explore Laurel Canyon Trail on this family fun hike (ages 8 and up). Join the park ranger for a 1- to 2-mile walk in the wilderness to the top of Laurel Falls and back and learn what makes our wilderness such a special place. Learn about the plants and animals in the park and interesting clues that tell us what unique animals call Laguna Coast Wilderness Park home. Learn about the plants native to our wilderness, their unique adaptations for survival and which are edible and beneficial to us. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 8 – Epic Distance Hike in Limestone Canyon 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Join us on this epic hike through the scenic canyons and along the ridges of Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents on a variety of trails, both double and single track and is for experienced distance hikers. Though challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort – a visit to Dripping Springs, The Sinks and Box Springs; possible wildlife sightings and sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 8, 14 – Spring Fling Preschool Program 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Come learn about animals associated with springtime – including birds, insects, bunnies and more! Class is for ages 3-4 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
April 9 – FREEKS Ride: Clockwise 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape. Climb challenging State Spur to Cathedral Rock, then descend into Fremont Canyon while passing some of Orange County’s most spectacular geological formations. The ride continues out to Mini-Moab, over Sierra Peak, passing the Tecate Cypress forest, past Sierra Peak and over to the last descent down through historic Black Star Canyon. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 9 – Family Hike: Round Canyon 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail and watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity starts in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 9 – Bear Awareness Day 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Come learn more about bears! Activities include crafts for kids, special keeper chats about bears and a learning station where you can find out more about bear conservation and research, as well as how to “bear proof” camping sites and what to do if you see a bear. Cost: $5 Parking
April 9 – Awakening Snakes 1 – 4 p.m. | Mason Regional Park Join us now, when snakes are becoming active in our parks after tucking themselves away for the winter months. Snakes play an important role in our parks as efficient mouse and rat traps. They also provide food for many animals, from hawks to bobcats. As spring approaches, snakes emerge from their winter dens, warm themselves in the sun and begin to wander the hills in search of prey. Steve Bledsoe of Southwestern Field Herping Association will bring live snakes and answer your questions. Enjoy crafts and other “snakey” activities. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 10 – Double Loop Hike: Baker Canyon 7 – 10 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Come explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in your backyard! This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double- and single-track trails and around 1,100 ft. of accumulated climbing elevation. Though challenging, the hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island and even beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 10 – Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon. The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat. We will cross the dry, Silverado Creek and examine its effects on local geology. Then, we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss their formation and future. Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be. This hike is geared toward families with curious minds. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 10 – Second Sunday Restoration 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and 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. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Water and tools are provided. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 10 – History Hike: Irvine Park’s 125th Birthday 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park Celebrate Irvine Regional Park’s 125th birthday all through 2022! Each month we will take a deeper look into California’s first County Park and discover the fascinating details that make Irvine Park unique to Orange County. Topics will range from native flora and fauna, early inhabitants and architectural design to military use, ranching days and the future of Irvine Regional Park. This month, we will focus on the park’s history of the 1800s early settlers. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 11 – Wildflower Walk in Peters Canyon 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park Discover what’s popping up in color at Peters Canyon. Our annual wildflowers are giving a nice show along the trails. Let’s search for the rainbow as we take a stroll through the park. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 11 – Discover Hidden Canyons: Limestone Canyon 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Discover the hidden canyons and trails found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These seldom hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, secluded oasis of oaks or rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales of how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 11, 25 – Twilight Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon 4 – 8 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an evening, moderately paced, 10-mile cardio hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 12, 26 – Discovery Hike 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, where you might see deer, bobcats, and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers – the hippies of the bird world – and the wonderful ways of woodrats, as well as the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain (with less than 500-ft. elevation gain). Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 12 – Dripping Springs Trail Restoration 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Please join IRC staff and volunteers as we work along the Dripping Springs trail. Spend the morning working through grassland, coastal sage scrub and woodland habitats, then hike to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face. Your work on the trail will benefit the rare plants and animals this unique feature supports! Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 12, 21 – The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon and The Sinks Equestrian Ride 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon, home of oak woodlands, grasslands and coastal sage scrub. View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see native plants. You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 12 – Intermediate Evening Mountain Bike Ride 5:30 – 8 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Explore Limestone Canyon by night on this intermediate mountain bike night ride. We will ride out of Augustine, up Loma Ridge, down to The Sinks, and along Limestone Ridge or Limestone Valley, depending on the group. Please plan for a distance between 10-12 miles. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 14 – Fitness Hike – Dilley 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 14 – Morning Yoga Hike in Baker Canyon 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Enjoy a hike and gentle yoga practice in nature. The hike through Baker Canyon will be a nice warm up for a gentle morning yoga flow under a shaded canopy. Please bring water, your own yoga mat and large beach towel. Mats will not be provided. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen recommended for the hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 14 – Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail 4 – 8:30 p.m. | Weir Canyon Nature Preserve Join us as we explore Weir Canyon in the late afternoon and early evening hours. We will hike up over Rifle Range and continue to the Overlook Trail where we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin and Cleveland National Forest. We will return through a beautiful oak woodland. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 15 – Tot Walk – Aliso & Wood Canyons 9 – 11 a.m. | Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Join OC Parks Naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! OC Parks staff may even host a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 15 – Full Moon Hike: Black Star 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Enjoy a full moon hike in Black Star Canyon on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will travel at an easy pace, allowing time to enjoy our surrounding sights and sounds. This program is for participants who enjoy a slower paced hike, are in good health and can walk on uneven surfaces in a wilderness environment. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 16 – Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Highly experienced mountain bikers can explore Limestone Canyon on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from the trails on this fast-paced, advanced ride. This ride will reward with beautiful views, diverse native plants and animals. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 16 – Bird Walk 8 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Spot local native and spring resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (up to 100-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 16 – Limestone Canyon: The Sinks and The Spring 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this serene morning hike to Dripping Springs and the west viewing deck of The Sinks. Limestone Canyon is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the county, featuring the 20-to-40-million-year-old geologic formation known as The Sinks, as well as a year-round spring. Dripping Springs is an extremely sensitive area and an essential watering hole for wildlife. We’ll hike through coastal sage scrub, grasslands and oak woodlands as we take in these two iconic destinations. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 16-30 – Earth Month Activities 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park What simple things can we do to help protect the wildlife and wildlands we love? Visit the Nix Nature Center between April 16 and April 30 to explore some of the many ways we can make a difference every day, plus win an earth-friendly prize! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 16 – Bats: Heroes of the Night 6:15 – 8:15 p.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park As the day starts to settle into the night, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out toward a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 16 – Full Moon Hike 7 – 9 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Meet at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a walk around the Bay, lit by the full moon. We will see and hear nocturnal animals as the “night shift” clocks in for duty. If conditions are favorable, we will also examine the moon through our telescope after the hike. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 17 – Upper Newport Bay History Walk 1 – 3 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve The earliest evidence of human activity at Upper Newport Bay goes back nearly 9,000 years, with people living here continuously for at least the last 2,000 years. During this easy walking program, we will cover how the Bay and surrounding lands have been used in all the major periods of California’s history, from the Native Americans who first lived here, through Spanish colonization and the Mission period, all the way to the formation of the County park in 1989. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 18 – Monday Morning Super Trek: Limestone Canyon to Box Springs and the Sinks 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Come start your week with us on our Super Treks in the Landmarks. Join us as we explore Limestone Canyon. We will hike across East Loma and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills, out to the coast and of Irvine Lake. We will continue to Box Springs and the west side of the Sinks before making our return through Limestone Canyon. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 18 – Spring Hike Activities 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Come and enjoy a 2.5-mile spring hike over easy but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is led by Laguna Coast Resource Specialist and Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 19 – Early Morning Advanced Hike: Santiago Oaks to Weir 7 – 10:30 a.m. | Weir Canyon Nature Preserve Join us on this early morning advanced hike with Irvine Ranch Conservancy, enjoying parks adjacent to the Landmarks and through beautiful Weir Canyon. You will go through two parks adjacent to the Landmarks. We start in Irvine Regional Park, hike over to Santiago Oaks and finish with a scenic hike down beautiful Weir Canyon Preserve and Irvine Ranch Open Space. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 19 – Toddler Treks: Pollinating Partners 10 – 11 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park What important job does a pollinator have to do? What does it like to pollinate? Discover the different types of pollinators found in nature and make a fun, pollinating partners craft game to take home! Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 20 – Distance Hike: Limestone Canyon 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for a scenic, fast-paced, challenging, distance hike in the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. This 10 to 13-mile hike offers sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains as well as possible wildlife sightings. This hike may include a visit to The Sinks and/or Dripping Springs. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 20 – Bird Walk at Santiago Oaks 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park Stroll through the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet song and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends! Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 20 – Animal Art I Preschool Program 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Class is for ages 3-4 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
April 21 – Thursday Morning Trek: Limestone Canyon and Dripping Springs 8 – 11:30 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve This week in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs. The 7-mile loop hike includes some hills and descents. In addition to the springs, we will enjoy panoramic views of the wildlands from East Loma. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 21 – Fitness Hike – Nix, Little Sycamore 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous, and fast-paced, 7.2-mile hike (1,050-ft. elevation gain) over steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/event
April 22 – Fremont Loop Distant Hike 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 15-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 22 – Equestrian Trail Ride: Weir- Horseshoe Loop to Fremont via Waterworks 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve Come bring your horse and join us on the sage-scented trail up and down gentle hills. We will start from Irvine Park and proceed to Weir Canyon, where we will ride the trail that was used by the Butterfield Stage that ran between Memphis and Los Angeles. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 22 – Magnificent Mammals Preschool Program 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Class is for ages 3-4 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
April 23 – Keep It Wild Stewardship Event – Native Plant Nursery 8 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 23 – Animal Tracking in Fremont Canyon 8 – 11 a.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve Come search for evidence animals leave behind in nature. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes and even scat. You never know what you may find! Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 23 – Family Hike: Red Rocks/ Black Star Canyon 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Enjoy an early morning family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 23 – Earth Day at the Bay 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy invite you to attend our annual celebration: Earth Day at the Bay! This free, family-friendly event features environmental-themed exhibits from community partners and local artists. Booths will feature activities that include arts and crafts, science, discovery and educational information. There will be live music throughout the day and a scavenger hunt complete with prizes. No advanced registration required.
April 23 – Critter Construction Program 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Learn about the way our world is shaped by the animals around us and why some critters play a larger role in the delicate balance of life, from our oceans to our forests. Class is for ages 8-10 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
April 24 – Fossils are Fun 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Come out and enjoy this family-fun activity on the Mesa. We will start with an activity to make your own fossil, then take a 2-3-mile hike looking for fossils deposited here in Orange County millions of years ago when this area was a sea. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 24 – Crafty Kids Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Come join us for a fun, themed craft project anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! Crafty Kids Sunday features free craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 24 – Afternoon Adult Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks 4:30 – 7 p.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve A slow-paced beginner mountain bike ride for adults in Limestone Canyon through sycamores, oaks and habitat native to California. The route takes us to The Sinks, Orange County’s own mini “Grand Canyon.” Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat and hope to see some of our local, native animals and raptors. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 25 – Discover Hidden Canyons: Black Star 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park Discover the hidden canyons and trails found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These seldom-hiked trails offer fantastic views, wildflowers, secluded oases of oaks and rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will learn how the geology was formed underfoot and listen to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 28 – Native Plant Hike 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable, 2.5-mile hike (45-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 28 – Fitness Hike – Ridge Park 8:30 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous, and fast-paced, 6.6-mile hike (1,100-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 29 – Tot Walk – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 10 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Join OC Parks Naturalists along with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Laguna Coast’s wild backyard. Listen to a story, play a game and take a leisurely stroll on Mary’s Trail. Come join the fun! Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
April 30 – Advanced Cardio Hike: Limestone Canyon 6:30 – 9 a.m. | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, early morning cardio hike in Limestone Canyon. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 30 – Explore Weir Canyon: Animal Signs and Tracks 8 – 11 a.m. | Weir Canyon Nature Preserve Come join us as we hike 5 miles through the lovely Weir Canyon. A brief introduction to animal tracks and scats will be given before our hike starts. Along our journey, we will be looking for any signs animals might have left behind for us to find. Tracks, scats and other signs are out there waiting for us to find! Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
April 30 – Bloom and Zoom at Fremont Canyon 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve Spend a few hours in the wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with your young naturalists. We will learn about native and non-native plants on a leisurely paced walk through a trail with little to no elevation gain. We will also learn very basic techniques of taking better pictures of plants and landscapes with our mobile phones. Please note: This is a children’s program.
April 30 – Ancient Giants Program for Ages 8-10 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park Find out what animals roamed Southern California during the Ice Age and which ones are still alive today! Class is for ages 8-10 years old only and includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost: $5 (one parent included) Registration: Call 714-973-6846
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources.
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