The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event. No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered. |
Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.
Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
Search & Filter Activities
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Fitness Hike – Dilley

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 650-ft. elevation gain.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Little Explorers: 5 Senses

Let’s explore nature using all five senses! In this fun, hands-on program for kids ages 3-6, we’ll look, listen, smell, touch, and even taste our way through the wonders of the outdoors. Join us for an adventure that’s perfect for curious little explorers!
Age: 3-6 year olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Friday, April 18, 2025
Nature Creativity: Perfume Making

Experience the soothing smells of nature as we craft perfume inspired by our native plants! Participants will learn how to identify plants and then make their own perfume scent to take home with them! Please note that this program involves making perfume from essential oils. Be sure to notify park staff upon arrival of any allergies or sensitivities. This program involves hiking about 1.5 miles on rocky terrain.
Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Keep It Wild – Native Plant Nursery – Willow

Join OC Parks and 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 generally help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
Parking: Free for Native Plant Nursery volunteers! Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Scouting Out Nature: the Coastal Sage Scrub habitat of Shady Canyon

Join this teen and ‘tween youth-friendly hike (minimum age 10) departing from Nix Nature center into the pristine habitat of Shady Canyon. We’ll hike 5 miles on a mix of single-track trails and old ranch roads. Our hike will start with a climb that rewards us with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. We will then enter the backcountry of Shady Canyon and its mature Coastal Sage community, then finally return along the ridge with fantastic views overlooking Laguna Canyon.
About the Hike
This hike has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet and we’ll be moving at a moderate rate of 2–3 miles per hour with frequent brief stops as we encounter native plants and signs of animals. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants must be in good physical condition, have a good attitude, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Learning Objectives
Brief trailside presentations will cover skills useful for independently enjoying the open spaces during wilderness access days including map & compass use, animal & plant identification, hazards & safety, Leave No Trace principles, and conservation service project opportunities.
Specifics for Scouts
Each registered Scouting program adult volunteer may sign up as a household with up to four participating youth under their supervision. Scouting program participants will have the opportunity for experiential learning in the following areas:
Girl Scouts USA journeys: Trail Adventure, Eco Trekker
ScoutsBSA requirements: 2nd class 3a–c, 4; 1st class 4b, 5a; Nature merit badge 4–6
Age: 10 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. See ‘Specific for Scouts’ section above for exceptions.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133)
Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Materials: Please come prepared with the trail essentials: a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sun protection, first aid kit, and any other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Trail Stewardship – Camarillo Canyon

If you use the Wilderness Parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll 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 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 McLeod’s 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.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, East side of SR-133/Laguna Canyon Rd.)
Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring at least 3 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you prefer!
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org, craig@lagunacanyon.org, and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast

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 their 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 is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: Free parking for Keep It Wild volunteers at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Fitness Hike – Laguna Ridge at Willow

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast paced 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,150-ft. elevation gain.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Land Tending – Berns Canyon Preserve

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation at one of our Land Tending days in Berns Canyon Preserve as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)
Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Long sleeves recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Family Hike

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile Family Hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to Barbara’s Lake and back.
Age: 6 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Fitness Hike – Nix/Little Sycamore

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 7.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,050-ft. elevation gain.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Native Plant Nursery – LCF Headquarters

Join us at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters’ 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 generally help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)
Parking: Free for Native Plant Nursery volunteers! Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or dulce@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Wildflower Wonders: A Hike Through Laguna Coast

Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Laguna Coast’s wildflowers as we hike along Stagecoach South. Along the way, we’ll explore how to identify various species and uncover the vital role biodiversity plays in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. To top off the experience, participants will have the opportunity to plant their own wildflower to take home and nurture! This program involves hiking about a mile up a slope along uneven terrain. Not suitable for strollers.
Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: $3/car at the Nix Nature parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Let’s Go Hiking!

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 led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. 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 is provided, but questions are welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven.
Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Adaptation Spotlight: Butterfly Wings

Discover the fascinating world of butterfly wings! In this interactive program, we’ll explore how butterfly wings get their stunning colors, how wing shapes affect butterflies’ survival and flight, and will go on a hike to see if we can find and ID the butterflies that call the James Dilley Preserve home. Join us for a closer look at the beauty, biology, and brilliance of butterfly wings! This program will be hiking about 1 mile.
Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Fitness Hike – Ridge Park

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,100-ft. elevation gain.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Ridge Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.
Parking: Free neighborhood parking. Please park legally. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Trail Stewardship – Rock Work Skills on Old Emerald

A special opportunity for experienced Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers: join us to gain new trail skills as we construct a rock-armored drain on Old Emerald Trail. Rock armoring is one of the best ways to address erosion on steep trails. This work requires patience and precision. If you have volunteered for trail stewardship with LCF 5 or more times, and want to add to your skill set, this event is for you. We will also be addressing tread issues and completing naturalization. There will be a 30-minute lunch break (lunch provided). We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeod’s to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 3 miles while carrying tools.
We have limited space for this event. Please only register for either April 19th or May 17th.
To register, please email Trails Project Manager Craig Dicht at craig@lagunacanyon.org. Registration will close on Monday, May 5th, 2025.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, East side of highway 133)
Parking: Free parking for Trail Stewardship volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring at least 3 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you prefer!
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org, craig@lagunacanyon.org, and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Stories Carved in Stone

Join OC Park and LCF Volunteers on this moderate 3-mile program with 300-foot elevation gain over uneven, steep and rocky terrain. Step back 25 million years in Orange County’s history to a time when the seas receded, and the San Andreas Fault was just starting to form. Discover the geologic processes going on today and how they affect the natural landscape!
Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Native Plant Tea!

Join us for a sensory journey into the world of native plant teas! We’ll explore the ecological roles of our Coastal Sage Scrub plants, their cultural significance, and their unique flavors. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own unique tea blend to taste. New flavors will be offered!
Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).
Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Land Tending – Laguna Coast

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending days 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 their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)
Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Long sleeves are recommended.
Safety precautions and protocols:
Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.