Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Twilight Beginner Cardio Hike in Limestone Canyon
Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an early evening, moderately-paced, 5.5-mile beginning cardio hike. The hike may include a few short rest stops along the way and will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space. Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Distance Hike: Fremont to Weir Canyon
Join us for an early morning distance hike from remote Fremont Canyon to the oak woodlands of Weir Canyon. Shortly after leaving Irvine Regional Park, this hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon and passes an abandoned coal mine. We continue through Upper Blind Canyon, up to a scenic overlook and then drop down to Weir Canyon as we wind our way back to Irvine Regional Park. Distance is up to 14 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience.
Autumn Bird Watching
Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Peters Canyon 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 next to the Peters Canyon Ranger Station.
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.
Critter Investigation: Terrific Tarantulas
OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about a spooky eight-legged friend: the terrific tarantula! We’ll learn about the behaviors and habits of tarantulas and where to find them in Orange County.
This fun and engaging program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.
The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.
Advance registration is recommended.
Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon
This week in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, we’ll be in Bommer Canyon, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch where corrals and ranch equipment still stand. The hike is a seven-mile loop with some climbing but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking the ocean and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, a hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Get your boots out and register to hike the loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and back to Cattle Camp.
Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail
Join us as we explore Weir Canyon. We will hike up over Rifle Range and continue to the Overlook Trail where we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin, and Cleveland National Forest. We will return through a beautiful oak woodland. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. A red-tinted flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Participants must be able to hike 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1800 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour.
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.
Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime
Join us for a story and more! Learn about our ancient Earth, make a craft, visit the Interpretive Center, and enjoy a morning at Clark Park. This month we will will read about saber-toothed cats! Activities are designed for ages 2-5 but all are welcome.
We will meet in front of the Interpretive Center.
Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
This program is free and parking is $3.
Interpretive Center Docent Training
Do you enjoy engaging with visitors and students in a museum environment? Become a Volunteer Docent at Clark Park Interpretive Center!
Docents enhance visitor experiences and educate guests by giving tours during regularly scheduled Interpretive Center open hours and/or through prescheduled school tours. Join our training and information session to be a part of the excitement!
If you are interested in becoming a Docent, but cannot attend this session or have further questions, please contact Cultural Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com
Moving with Nature in Mind – Yoga at the Farm
Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.
Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, sun protection, and wear athletic clothing.
Full Moon Mindful Nature Walk
Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature. This month, we will also be experiencing the Bay during the evening, under the light of the full moon.
Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 16 and older.
Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The program and parking are free.
Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.
Hunter‘s Moon Cardio Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
Join us for a fast-paced, Hunter’s Moon cardio hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic moonlight views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. This is a 3.5-mile cardio hike, completed in less than 1.5 hours and includes a 350+ foot total elevation gain. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of a faster paced outdoor experience. There are no rest stops, and the average 3.5 mile per hour pace can be difficult in the wilderness setting. Please bring a minimum 32 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Night Hike Crystal Cove State Park
Explore the Park After Dark, on a guided interpretive 2-hour, 4-mile Night Hike at Crystal Cove State Park. A park naturalist will lead hikers on this moderate to difficult loop trail with uneven terrain and a steep uphill climb, elevation gain of 600 ft. This hike is suitable for ages 8 and up. Hikers must wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and insect repellent. Please bring a red flashlight, if you don’t have one, we will have some to share. Meet at the Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow the signs to the Visitor Center).
Bommer Canyon Preserve Full Moon Hike
Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon Preserve under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.
Friday, October 18, 2024
Native Garden Restoration
Please join us as we work towards restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Park. Each month we work together to maintain the native garden by removing invasive plants. We may also sew seeds or expand the garden as conditions permit.
We will meet in Parking Lot H. This activity will take place within one quarter mile from the parking lot. No experience is necessary, and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Rain or heat advisory may cancel this event.
Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com at (657)554-7133.
Autumn Morning Yoga Hike at Quail Hill
Enjoy an easy two mile hike to warm up your legs before experiencing a gentle flow yoga practice in nature. The hike is highlighted with views of Irvine, the Tustin blimp hangar and a seasonal pond. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, slower in pace and gentle in practice. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.
Better Birding Basics: Birds of Round Canyon
Round Canyon is a gentle trail through mixed habitat of coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands. There is enough shade that it is a pleasant walk throughout the whole year. Join a group of birders as we look for birds typically found in this area and consider the special needs of birds that are adapted to each habitat.