Half the park is after dark! Join Park staff as they lead a family friendly hike through the park on a variety of paths and trails. The event will feature a presentation on local animals before the evening walk. Check out the fun exhibits in the nature center and go on a scavenger hunt indoors! It’s chilly after sunset so wear warm layers, sturdy footwear, and bring a water and red tinted flashlight if possible.

This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. No pets please. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Spend a few hours in the wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with your young naturalists. We will learn about the importance of the Coastal Oak Woodlands through fun games, nature activities and a very leisurely paced walk on a trail with little to no elevation gain. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring water. Binoculars and a magnifying glass are optional. This activity is tailored towards elementary school-aged children. In order to maximize the availability for young participants we kindly request that only one adult caretaker per family signs up.

As the day starts to settle into the night, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out towards a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls.

Be prepared to walk about 1/2 a mile. Dress warmly as it may be a chilly evening. A camping chair is welcome as we will enjoy an extended period of time listening for bats that fly about in the night.

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

Come join a leisure bird walk as we search to see which early birds catch the worms. Stroll through the park searching high in the oaks and sycamores for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for the bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Discover the hidden canyons and trails found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These seldom-hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, secluded oasis of oaks and rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales of how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as bring proper sun protection and water.

This month we will focus on a Chinese celebration called Mid-Autumn Festival. This fun night of celebration enjoys the middle of autumn with lanterns and lion dances. Come and enjoy an evening hike on the Waterworks Trail in Fermont Canyon.

Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! Each month, a different culture and celebration will be highlighted, usually with the program presented in multiple languages which allows everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land.

Fall in love with Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking on the first day of Autumn! The new season begins at 12:21 p.m. on September 22, 2021, which starts the shift to shorter days of light. As the canyon begins to adjust to the approaching cooler weather, the plants and animals find ways to survive the winter season. Join a naturalist as we search for signs of winter! Bring binoculars if you have them, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.

Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in nature. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty.

This program is focused on older children and adults.

Come join us as we hike 5 miles through the lovely Weir Canyon. Before our hike starts a brief introduction to animal tracks and scats will be given. Along our journey, we will be looking for any signs animals might have left behind for us to find. Tracks, scats, and other signs are out there waiting for us to find them!

Please come prepared with plenty (50 oz) of water, closed-toe shoes, and a sturdy hiking backpack.