Sunday, July 21, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Nature Journaling: Landscapes
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. This month’s journaling theme is “Landscapes.”
The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Advance registration required.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program.
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Friday, August 16, 2024
Phone Photo Friday
The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, that camera is also their cellphone!
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.
The program will begin outside the Peters Canyon Regional Park ranger station. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Friday, August 23, 2024
Summer Bat Walk
As the day starts to settle into night at OC Parks Yorba Regional Park, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammals. We will walk along the lake and turn into a forested area where we will watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 mile. A camping chair brought from home or a seat at a picnic table is welcome as we will spend some time learning about bats before heading out on our bat walk. Please wear closed-toed shoes and assess the evening weather in case you want to bring a light jacket.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Summer Birdwatching
Summer is here and so is nesting season! Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds.
Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
This walk begins at the Santiago Oaks Nature Center.
Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Nature Journaling: Birds
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. In honor of International Vulture Awareness Day, this month’s journaling theme is “Birds.”
The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park Nature Center. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Advance registration required.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Weekly Nature Area Clean Up
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area 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, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 8 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in the Overflow/gravel lot and meet at the volunteer shed just a few yards west of the Overflow/gravel lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Friday, September 13, 2024
Summer Bat Walk
As the day starts to settle into night at OC Parks Yorba Regional Park, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammals. We will walk along the lake and turn into a forested area where we will watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 mile. A camping chair brought from home or a seat at a picnic table is welcome as we will spend some time learning about bats before heading out on our bat walk. Please wear closed-toed shoes and assess the evening weather in case you want to bring a light jacket.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Restoration Day: Weeding
*This program will begin outside the Peters Canyon Regional Park Ranger Station and will proceed to the restoration site.*
Calling all weed warriors! Lend a helping hand to help improve native habitat in Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to weeding current and future restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive.
Strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended.
Program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance to the restoration site with tools.
Advance registration required.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program.
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Summer Birdwatching
Summer is here and so is nesting season! Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds.
Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
This walk begins at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center.
Walk-ins welcome, but registration is recommended.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
Friday, September 20, 2024
Phone Photo Friday
The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, that camera is also their cellphone!
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.
The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred. Learn more and register here.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.