In early August 2021 the earth will pass directly between the sun and the planet Saturn putting it into “opposition”, which gives us our best chance to view the ringed planet this year. Join us from 9pm to 11pm on Sunday August 1st to view this gas giant, its rings, and possibly even some of its moons through our telescopes on the Peter and Mary Muth Center patio. We will also look at all the other amazing constellations and stars visible in our summer sky.

Space is limited and registration is suggested.

Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Rain or significant cloud cover will cancel the event.

CDC guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

All Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Space is limited and priority will be given to those who are preregistered.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve presents- Introduction to Nature Writing and Journaling. Join us for a classroom workshop followed by time in the field where participants will get an introduction to nature journaling, learn some basic nature observation techniques, and explore the art of creative writing. No experience necessary!

All ages are welcome, but this program will be geared toward adult learners.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed

Registration required. For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Water and tools are provided.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed

pre-registration is required and space is limited

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

Rain or heat advisories cancel the event

Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

All Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Do you love the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve? Would you like to have a say in the design of future exhibits and renovations? If so, please join us for this informal community meeting where we will discuss plans for the future and take ideas and comments about the exhibits and programs offered at the interpretive center. Light refreshments will be provided and all guests who participate will be entered into drawings for a variety of door prizes. The prizes, generously provided by the Newport Bay Conservancy will include: Docent Guided Kayak Tours of Upper Newport Bay, Copies of the book “Saving Upper Newport Bay, How Frank and Frances Robinson Fought to Preserve One of California’s Last Estuaries” by Cassandra Radcliff, Prize Packs from the Centers gift shop, and OC Parks Annual Passes.

All ages are welcome, but the conversation will be geared toward adult participants.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Registration required. For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Fancy equipment and expensive software are not necessary to capture beautiful landscapes and nature scenes, especially here at Upper Newport Bay! In this introductory workshop we will focus on subject matter, composition and lighting to give participants the basics they need to make compelling photographs in the outdoors, no matter what type of equipment they use. The program will begin with a short classroom session which will then be followed by a walk along the bay to practice in the morning n light. Please note: guests must provide their own camera or photo capable smart phone to participate fully.

All ages are welcome, but this program will be geared toward adult learners.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Registration required. For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

All Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Space is limited and priority will be given to those who are preregistered.

2020 marked the beginning of a new 11 year solar cycle which will see a dramatic increase in the number of sunspots over the next 4-6 years. During this family friendly program, we will learn all about sunspots, their effect on planet earth, and how to safely view them.

Each family or group in attendance will be given the supplies to make their very own DIY sunspot viewer.

We will also use a specially filtered telescope to view sunspots (if any are present and weather conditions are favorable).

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Registration required. For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Meet at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a walk around the Bay, lit by the full moon. We will see and hear nocturnal animals as the “night shift” clocks in for duty. If conditions are favorable we will also examine the moon through our telescope after the hike.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Rain will cancel the event.

For more information call 949 923 2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed

All Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Upper Newport Bay may be known for the migratory birds who spend the winter here, but summer is also a great time to bird here, especially for beginners. On this introductory walk, we will learn to identify year round inhabitants and listen for some of the most common calls which can be heard throughout orange county. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

From September 2021 through March 2022, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve will host monthly migratory bird surveys open to public participation. We will be tracking the abundance and diversity of the amazing variety of migratory birds who overwinter on the Bay.

This activity is open to birders at all levels and no experience is necessary. A limited number of loaner binoculars are available upon request.

Participants can expect to walk 2-3 miles over uneven terrain.

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is suggested.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Water and tools are provided.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed

pre-registration is required and space is limited

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

Rain or heat advisories cancel the event

Join us for an easy, stroller friendly walk along Upper Newport Bay to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells of summer. We will stay on the paved Bayview Trail and pause frequently to observe birds, plants, insects, and any other wildlife that happens to be present.

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

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Advance registration required.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Join us to celebrate the nation’s largest single day volunteer effort for public lands, National Public Lands Day. At Upper Newport Bay we will recognize this annual event with a variety of service opportunities. Projects will include clearing trails, habitat restoration, , and picking up trash. Whether you need volunteer service hours or just love the Bay, join us to give back and help protect and preserve one of Orange County’s greatest natural resources.

Children must be 8 years old or older to participate in this event.

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

Walk-ins are welcome, however space is limited, so registration is suggested.

For more information call (949) 923-2250 or email unbic@ocparks.com

Join us for a fun, family friendly event, to learn basic compass and navigation skills, make a DIY compass to take home, and go on an exciting scavenger hunt challenge course! Participants will learn how to use one of most important tools for wilderness survival and get to explore Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve!

Activities will be designed for learners in the 7-10 age range, but everyone is welcome.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited so advance registration is encouraged.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email Nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

From September 2021 through March 2022, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve will host monthly migratory bird surveys open to public participation. We will be tracking the abundance and diversity of the amazing variety of migratory birds who overwinter on the Bay.

This activity is open to birders at all levels and no experience is necessary. A limited number of loaner binoculars are available upon request.

Participants can expect to walk 2-3 miles over uneven terrain.

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is suggested.