Saturday, February 15, 2025
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Portola to The Sinks

Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has got its reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come out and join us on a hike from the Portola staging area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Winter? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.
Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Wilderness Access Day: Bommer Canyon

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not required for this event, though it is shown on the website. If you need driving directions, please use the online registration to receive a map and instructions for getting to Bommer. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 2 pm.
CANCELLED: Birding by the Creek

Aliso Creek is one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County and gives access for a lovely morning hike. OC Parks staff and Volunteers will lead an easy, 3-mile loop with a 50-foot elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the Wilderness Park.
Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Visitor Center, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677)
Parking: $3/car at Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Binoculars 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.
CANCELLED: Keep It Wild – Native Plant Nursery – Willow

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and generally help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
Parking: Free for Native Plant Nursery volunteers! 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.
CANCELLED: Trail Stewardship – Car Wreck

If you use the Wilderness Parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeod’s to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools.
Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: Hollyleaf cul-de-sac, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. (Where West Ridge Trail meets Hollyleaf, near 65 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656)
Parking: Free street parking. Follow all street signs and park legally. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring at least 3 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you prefer!
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, craig@lagunacanyon.org, and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.
CANCELLED: Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.
CANCELLED: Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.
Explore! Fossils of the Ancient Sea Floor

Come along for the fun, we’re going on a paleo run! Don’t be late, it won’t be drab – we’re going to look for shells and crab!
Join us for a guided tour of the Clark Regional Park hillside fossil bed, followed by a trip to the Interpretive Center. Closed-toe shoes are required due to uneven terrain, and sun protection and water are recommended.
The tour will meet next to parking lot A for a brief introduction. We will then walk north across Rosecrans Avenue to visit the fossil bed. After the hillside exploration we will return to the south side of Rosecrans Avenue and visit the Interpretive Center.
Registration is required for all participants.
Participants age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.
Laguna Niguel Ranger Reserve Patrol
Patrol Laguna Niguel Regional Park for visitor service, handle shelter check-ins, ensure visitor safety, address fishing issues, and possibly respond to neighboring Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park for assistance.
Nature Immersion Meditation

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware in the moment. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Come cultivate mindfulness, in Nature. This guided meditation session is a space to truly engage your senses and relax that busy mind. Give yourself this time to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Engaging your senses can help bring you into the present moment, cultivating awareness, inner peace, and JOY. Spending time immersed in Nature can help boost your immune system too!
Close toed shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. A yoga mat or portable chair is suggested, along with sun protection and water. If you do not have something to sit on, your guide has extra tarps and pads to sit on.
This program is recommended for ages 10 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. No experience necessary!
We will meet at Freedom Hall.
Advance registration required.
This program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.
For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.
CANCELLED: Hiking Through History

Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called this park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park Dams, the Historic Orange Grove, the Nature Center and more.
The walk will begin in front of the Nature Center located near the parking lot and travel approximately 2 miles with little elevation gain.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Inclement weather will cancel the program.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
CANCELLED: Junior Ranger Program: Riley Wilderness Park

Are your kids interested in learning more about the natural world? Come and explore the plants, animals, and landscapes of Riley Wilderness Park during our Junior Ranger program!
Participants will have the opportunity to earn their own junior ranger badge alongside an OC Parks Resource Specialist. All program materials will be provided.
Program content is geared towards ages 7-12, but all are welcome. Please bring water, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection as needed. We will be walking a short distance on dirt trails.
Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ups are welcome. The program is free and parking is $3.
Adverse weather may cancel the program.
Mile Square Story Time

OC Parks invites you to story time at Mile Square Regional Park! Join us on Saturday, February 15th from 10 – 11 a.m as we read nature-themed stories, take a short walk, and enjoy a hands-on activity.
Please bring picnic blankets, pillows, chairs, and anything you need to be comfortable. We will meet at Freedom Hall.
Advance registration is recommended but not required.
This program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
For questions call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.
Inclement weather may cancel this program.
Facility Certification: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Staff to become Facility Certified for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and Laguna Canyon Foundation all at once! This training is required prior to volunteering at these sites. We will provide volunteers with the tools needed to become informed and effective volunteers in the South Coast Wilderness area.
We will cover OC Parks and LCF’s partnership, LCF’s organizational history, the history of the lands and Parks, ecological communities, rules for visitors, protocols, expectations, and roles available to volunteers, and more! Volunteers are given materials, resources, and time to ask questions to move forward fully trained in these areas.
If you have questions, please reach out to LCF Volunteer Coordinator Emma van der Veen at emma@lagunacanyon.org.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Family Hike: Agua Chinon

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.
CANCELLED: Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast

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.
Sunset Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road: Both Sides of Loma Ridge

You will enjoy a gorgeous sunset with panoramic views of Orange County while hiking in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike travels 6 miles, out and back crossing over Loma Ridge. This is the perfect activity for you to get your work-out in and view the sunset. The hike is conducted at an average pace of 3 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. 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.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Ultra Distance Hike: Bommer Canyon

The title says it all. This is your chance to venture deep in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure. Hiking distance is up to 17 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience. Singletrack trails, steep climbs and descents are numerous on this route, with over 2,800 feet of accumulated climbing elevation. Most months, the route stays in the Irvine Open Space Preserve for its entirety, but will occasionally feature hiking to the sea and back: beginning in Bommer, the hike will head into Crystal Cove State Park, then pass through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park before returning to the Irvine preserve.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Weir Canyon Fitness Hike: Oaks to Overlook Loop

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.