PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED for this event. 

All participants are required to have, a printed copy or on their phone, the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate. You will need the confirmation email for you and your guests to enter the trail system.

Come experience Red Rock Wilderness’ beauty from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided access hiking, biking, and equestrian use during Wilderness Access Day in Red Rock Wilderness. Equestrian riders who have trail riding experience with their own fit and able horse will enjoy the historic ranch roads of days gone by. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas from the mighty ridge tops and drink in the cool canyon shade through the oak grove.

There is limited space for equestrian parking. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding and reception limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed only with a permit obtained in advance from the permits department and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

The City of Lake Forest and its public-safety partners will host two pop-up events to share information with residents on how to reduce the threat of wildfires.

The release of the recent Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps raised residents’ awareness of the potential for wildfire near Lake Forest. This pop up events are a chance for residents to easily get the specific information they are seeking, and for the agencies to share the steps they are taking to minimize the wildfire threat. OC Fire Watch will be attending to discuss our volunteer roles during critical weather conditions

Event Location: Portola Park, 28040 Glenn Ranch Road

Event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at noon.

Volunteers will be asked to arrive at 8 AM to assist with setting up the table/booth.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Mile Square Regional Park.

We will become mapping experts and create our own Memory Map while we explore the Mile Square Nature Area. We will meet in Parking Lot H at the entrance to the Nature Area.

This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding and reception limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed with a permit obtained in advance from the permits department and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Caspers Wilderness Park.

Explore the natural wonders of Caspers Wilderness Park as we learn about the rugged foothills of the region. This program will begin at the Old Corral Day Use Area near the entrance to Bell View Trail.

This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Visitors to Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by the Demonstration Garden, filled with lush shrubs, bushes, and flowers. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem! Join us as we provide inspiration and guidance for creating a regionally suitable plant garden for your own home.

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.

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.

As the day starts to settle into the night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, 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 have a short introductory presentation in the staging area before the walk.

Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park! The Space Ranger Program and Starr Party, hosted by OC Parks staff and volunteers, offer fun and learning for families and space enthusiasts alike. No camping required—just bring your curiosity!

Space Ranger Program
Kick off your night with the Space Ranger Program, a one-hour event starting one hour before sundown at the Nature Center. This engaging experience features fun activities and space-related talks, perfect for all ages. Visitors are welcome to attend the Space Ranger Program independently of the Starr Party. Earn “Space Ranger” rewards by attending multiple programs and reaching exciting milestones along your cosmic journey!

Starr Party
For over 25 years, Caspers Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California’s first “Star Park” designation in 2013. Once the sun sets, the Starr Party begins! Join us outdoors to marvel at the stars and explore the cosmos through telescopes provided by volunteers and OC Parks staff. Telescopes will be available until 9 PM, and visitors may leave whenever they choose.

What to Expect
Expert Guidance: Volunteers will share fascinating insights about the night sky and celestial objects.
Family-Friendly Fun: Activities designed for visitors of all ages.
Optional Gear: Feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes, or cameras, but no equipment is necessary to enjoy the event!

Event Details
Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center
Parking: Available in the lower lot near the Nature Center.
Admission: A vehicle entry fee applies for those without a camping reservation. The event itself is free.

Weather Notice
This event is weather-dependent. In case of inclement weather, parts of the program may be affected. For updates, call (949) 923-2210 on the day of the event to confirm if we’re clear for takeoff!

Join us for this evening program as we explore biodiversity at the local level with that most diverse group of organisms, the insects! Taking advantage of the fact that UV light is highly visible to most insects, we will attract them by using black-lights (low energy/low frequency UV lights). We can then examine them up close, record the different types (and their numbers). Don’t forget your camera as you’ll see creatures that are normally buzzing around, but not highly visible. You will be able to help us document what we find.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Enjoy miles of lush oak studded canyons, fascinating rock formations and sweeping views from the Overlook Trail in the tranquility of the Weir Canyon back country, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. On a clear day we’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains. This is a fitness hike and features an 1800 ft accumulated elevation gain. There are multiple steep climbs and steep descents. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3 mph without stopping. A backpack and water are required. Please bring snack, sun screen, hat and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Experience the early morning serenity of Bommer Meadow during this slow-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and wildlife. This hike is 2 miles and includes 200 feet of total elevation.

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.

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 Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow 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.

Escape into the stunning landscapes of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with a one of kind family hiking experience. Our guided walk features a friendly horse, offering a special opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals while exploring the natural beauty of Southern California. This walk is perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s a chance to create long-lasting memories and foster a love for both horses and nature.

Please note: This hiking activity is for educational purposes. Participants should not bring their own horses as this is not an equestrian ride.

For families and children ages 12 and up who would like to join IRC-certified volunteers in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on a longer, slow-paced, family-oriented ride through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route takes us to The Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon.” Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat, and hope to see some of our local native animals and raptors. The ride is an 8-9 miles with 400-800 feet of elevation gain that may require hike-a‐bike for some riders. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.