Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided.  Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

*This program begins at the Hollyleaf cul-de-sac near Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (where West Ridge Trail meets Hollyleaf, near 65 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656).*

Get up close with the trails you use and see them in a whole new way as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 

Stewardship activities include clearing drains to remove water, pruning vegetation, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread and restoring impacted areas. No experience necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed, and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. 

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks and learn more about turkey vultures and how they act as nature’s clean-up crew!

This program includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2 to 5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will move the program indoors. The program and parking are free.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Come enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile hike over easy but uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. The hike will include interpretive stops along the way to learn about the bay, as well as the plants and animals that call it home. This month we will be focusing on blooming wildflowers and native plants!

Please bring water, snacks and sun protection as needed. This program is designed for ages 8 and older. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to get their heart rate up and pedal around the bay, all while learning about local ecology and history.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10-mile section of the Back Bay Loop Trail over the course of 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. We will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make interpretive stops along the way.

This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free. 

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a parent/guardian present at all times. 

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a nature scavenger hunt that's fun for all ages!

Participants will find a series of interpretive tables and posts that are "hidden" along the trails near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There will be hands-on educational activities and prizes available for those who complete the scavenger hunt.

The program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. 

Participants may begin the scavenger hunt anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature in a new way. During this unique program we will combine nature journaling with an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. 

Please bring a journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors for the nature journaling portion of the program. 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.

Please note this is a slow-paced program that is geared for ages 14 and older, no experience necessary. The program will begin outside the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. 

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. 

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

In recognition of Endangered Species Day, join us for a guided painting program to learn more about the threatened and endangered species that call Orange County home.

This fun and engaging program will include a brief discussion and time to paint your own canvas to take home. No experience required! 

The program will meet inside the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants should wear clothing they don’t mind getting paint on. Art supplies will be provided.

This program is designed for ages 14 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.