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
Saturday, June 7, 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.
Sunday, June 8, 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.
Nature Meditation Walk

Do you want to unplug and relax in nature? Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers on a guided walk to experience the outdoors in a new way and allow your natural sense of wonder to take you to a mindful space outside.
We will walk less than 1 mile on relatively flat terrain and take stops along the way to engage in playful activities and mindfulness exercises to deepen our connection with the natural environment and ourselves. Our walk will end with a tea ceremony focused on reciprocity, a segue from the special, quiet space we share on our walk, back to the busy world.
Disclaimer: This program involves drinking tea made from sustainably sourced native plants. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please be sure to notify park staff upon arrival.
Age: 10 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. A yoga mat or portable chair is recommended. Sitting materials will be provided for those who need them. For the program, expect to quiet your cellphones.
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, June 12, 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.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Little Explorers: Cactus!

DATE CHANGE: This event’s date has been changed from Thursday, June 12 to Friday, June 13.
Join OC Park naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore the wonderful world of cacti! We will be discovering what makes cactus such a unique plant!
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, West 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.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Incredible Squid: A Deep Dive into their Anatomy

Dive into the fascinating anatomy of squid in this hands-on dissection program! Explore how these incredible marine creatures use jet propulsion, camouflage, and ink defense to survive in the ocean. We’ll examine their unique adaptations, from their powerful beak to their complex eyes, and uncover the secrets of their soft-bodied design. Perfect for curious minds, this program offers a close-up look at one of the ocean’s most intriguing invertebrates!
Allergy Information: Please be aware that this program involves the dissection of squid, which are part of the mollusk family. Participants with allergies to squid, shellfish, or mollusks should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before participating. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out for more information.
Age: 7 and up. 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: 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, June 15, 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.
Thursday, June 19, 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.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Nature Creativity: Wire Wrapped Stone Jewelry

Join us for a hike through Laguna Canyon as we uncover the fascinating geological history of the area. Along the way, we’ll explore the origins and characteristics of the stones that make up the canyon, learning how natural forces shaped this beautiful landscape. After the hike, we’ll use wire-wrapping techniques to craft your very own custom stone jewelry, turning a piece of nature’s history into a wearable work of art!
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: 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, June 21, 2025
CANCELLED: 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.
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.
Trail Stewardship – Sunflower

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: 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: Free parking for volunteers at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. 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.
Art in the Canyon – Watercolor Landscapes with the Sawdust

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation (LCF) and the Sawdust Art Festival at LCF’s Headquarters as we learn about our native ecosystems and how we might explore them through art. This month’s program will feature a short native plant hike and instruction on how to sketch some featured plants. No experience is necessary.
This program is free with a suggested donation to cover the costs of materials and staffing. This donation is optional and is considered ‘sliding scale’ – please contribute what you can.
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 at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. A Sawdust sketchbook and pencil will be 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.
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, June 26, 2025
Fitness Hike – 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, moderately paced, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 850-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.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Bird Walk

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain with up to 100 feet in elevation gain. We will go through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary!
Age: 12 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. Binoculars 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.
Trail Stewardship – Emerald 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.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
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.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Adaptation Spotlight: Bioluminescence and UV Light

Discover the science behind bioluminescence and ultraviolet (UV) light, and how different animals and plants use these glowing abilities for survival, communication, and beauty. We’ll see how flowers appear to pollinators in UV, explore plankton under a microscope, and finish with a hands-on art activity by painting your own glow in the dark painting to take home.
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 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.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.
Age: 12 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.