Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Get ready for a FUN, all ages, Nature Scavenger Hunt, put on by OC Parks staff and volunteers.

The day will consist of locating a series of interpretive tables and posts that have been “hidden” along the trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. We will have hands-on, educational activities and prizes for those that complete the scavenger hunt.

The program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are encouraged to participate. Kick off is 9:30am, and the event concludes at 12:30pm. You may arrive at any point during this time window. The scavenger hunt itself takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather will cancel the event.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ups are welcome.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers with your furry friend(s) (maximum of 2 dogs per person) for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay. Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over easy but uneven, unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We will stop along the way to learn about the Bay as well as how to keep both your dog and the wildlife safe when out on our trails.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, have sun-protection as needed, and bring water for both you and your four-legged friends.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants, we have a few important guidelines:
1. Behavioral Expectations – We welcome well socialized dogs that are up to date on their vaccines.
2. Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, we thank you for keeping your dog leashed at all times within the nature preserve.
3. Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and asked to keep a close watch on their canine companions.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is recommended.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths 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 the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

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, refillable water bottle, etc. Water and tools are provided.

Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.

The program and parking are free. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited, so please register to reserve your space (especially for groups.) Walk-ins are welcome but will be accepted based on availability.

Please join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our annual OC Parks Volunteer Information Night! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the various volunteer opportunities available in many of the OC Parks facilities. Travel around to park booths to meet park staff, ask questions, schedule facility training, and learn what a “day in the life” of a typical volunteer would be like.

This event is for everyone — whether you are interested in joining the OC Parks Volunteer Program or are an existing volunteer and would like to expand your volunteer role in OC Parks and get connected with a park facility to complete facility certification training. Visit as many or as few park booths as you are interested in — there’s truly something for everyone! Please feel free to bring along family and friends and enjoy a self-guided hike through the beautiful trails of Upper Newport Bay before or after your visit to the event!

This is an open house style event so drop by anytime between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided, and parking is free. Please feel free to reach out to OC Parks Volunteer Services at volunteer@ocparks.com with any questions, and we look forward to meeting you then!

**This is not a volunteer support listing. Registration is for attending the event. **

Various facilities and partner organizations scheduled to be in attendance include (but not limited to):

• Irvine Regional Park
• Peters Canyon Regional Park 
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park 
• OC Zoo 
• Orange County Fire Watch 
• Mile Square Regional Park 
• Heritage Hill Historical Park 
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
• Caspers Wilderness Park 
• Carbon Canyon Regional Park 
• Clark Regional Park 
• Irvine Ranch Open Space 
• Irvine Ranch Conservancy
• Newport Bay Conservancy 
• Laguna Canyon Foundation
• Caspers Park Foundation
• Amigos de la Colina (Friends of Heritage Hill)

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers with your furry friend(s) (maximum of 2 dogs per person) for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay. Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over easy but uneven, unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We will stop along the way to learn about the Bay as well as how to keep both your dog and the wildlife safe when out on our trails.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, have sun-protection as needed, and bring water for both you and your four-legged friends.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants, we have a few important guidelines:
1. Behavioral Expectations – We welcome well socialized dogs that are up to date on their vaccines.
2. Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, we thank you for keeping your dog leashed at all times within the nature preserve.
3. Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and asked to keep a close watch on their canine companions.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is recommended.

OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about one of our most common mammals: the clever cottontail rabbit. Join us for a fun program to learn more about these amazing creatures and how their populations thrive in our parks!

This program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.

Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a sitting material if you wish (i.e. tarp, seating pad, small chair, etc.). The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including basic art principles and journal anatomy. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature.

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

This program is geared for ages 12 and up. No experience necessary! We will begin outside of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Rain or adverse weather will cancel the program.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

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 which include arts and crafts, science discovery and educational information. There will be live music throughout the day as well as a scavenger hunt complete with prizes. Be sure to enter the opportunity drawing as well!

Food trucks will be on site with tasty treats available for purchase.

For more information call (949) 923-2290 or email unbic@ocparks.com.

Come enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile hike over easy but uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. We will have interpretive stops along the way to learn about the Bay, as well as the plants and animals that call it home.

Please bring water, snacks, and sun protection as needed. This program is geared towards those 8 and up. Individuals 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Walk-ups are welcome, but advance registration is recommended.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.