Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for making observations, creating lasting memories and developing deeper connections with the world around us. This session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair, sun protection, water and snacks are recommended. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

The program will begin at the Santiago Oaks nature center. Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Join OC Parks in celebrating World Ranger Day by joining us on a guided nature hike through Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

The program will begin at the Santiago Oaks nature center. Wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water and snacks are recommended. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration is recommended but not required.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, that camera is also their cellphone!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed only with a permit obtained in advance and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing,” this walk invites you to take a break from the busy world and immerse yourself in nature. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using all your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for participants 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Registration is required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Summer is here and so is nesting season! Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer as you stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the shrubs for bouncing birds.

Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins at the Santiago Oaks Nature Center.

Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park dams, iconic orange grove, nature center and more.

The walk will begin in front of the nature center located near the park entrance and will be approximately 2 miles with little elevation gain.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Explore the natural wonders of Santiago Oaks Regional Park with OC Parks! Join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a variety of kid friendly hikes and talks.

This program will begin outside the Nature Center and includes a small craft done indoors. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

The program will begin at the Santiago Oaks nature center. Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Join us at Santiago Oaks Regional Park to lend a hand by helping OC Parks staff prepare for a new butterfly garden! We will be removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species.

The new butterfly garden site is located next to the Santiago Oaks Nature Center. General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended. Tools and gloves will be available on-site.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. Please notify the park attendant you are volunteering when you arrive. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Nature Center.

This is a Level 2 difficulty rating for habitat restoration.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.