Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5  Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.

Spend your morning planting Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland in OC Parks’ Baker Canyon.

Help us restore a beautiful area in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park’s Baker Meadow. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided; please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, close-toed shoes, and sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards such as rattlesnakes, which are occasionally seen here.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.

Join OC Parks at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens for Create in the Park! 

A single flower or an entire garden may inspire you at this beautiful location on the bank of Santiago Creek. Spring blooms, including Matilija poppies, will be natural references for your art. Professional artist, Dawn Buckingham, will provide instruction about sketching and composition using various art materials. Oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, ink or drawing are all welcome. You will use the art materials of your choice to capture the blooms, with help as needed.

Artists of all levels are welcome to enjoy the tranquil grounds and draw inspiration from the historic structures, water features and gardens. A guided tour about the history of Arden and Helena Modjeska’s artistic life will also be included.

This program is designed for ages 8 and older. Materials are not provided, only art instruction. A list of recommended materials will be made available to all registered participants in advance of the program. Sun protection, water and snacks are recommended.

This program is free with free parking, but registration is required due to limited parking on-site. Learn more and register here.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for an evening yoga practice overlooking Upper Newport Bay. This program will be led by a certified yoga instructor.

We’ll begin with an all-levels flow designed to build warmth, mobility and presence, followed by restorative stretching to soften the body and settle the nervous system. After class, we’ll sit together in quiet meditation and share warm nettle and honey tea as we enjoy the sunset. 

The program is suitable for all experience levels. Participants should expect to demonstrate various yoga movements including kneeling. 

What to bring:

• Yoga mat
• Comfortable jacket or warm layers
• Mug for sunset tea

Important Notes:

• Suitable for all experience levels
• Students must be comfortable kneeling
• Props available on-site

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

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

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our monthly program where art meets ecology! Come explore the natural world through the lens of creativity by creating your own watercolor landscape scene of Upper Newport Bay.

This program will feature a 1-mile nature walk to explore the landscape of the bay. We’ll identify some of the common habitats found at the park and talk about how the landscape became a protected area. Participants will then take part in a guided, outdoor watercolor landscape painting session. 

All program materials will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. This program is designed for ages 14 and older.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will move the program fully indoors.

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

Bring your little ones and join OC Parks to learn more about cottontail rabbits. This fun and engaging program includes story time, an 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. The trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free.

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

Adverse weather will move the program indoors. 

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

*This program takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world 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.

Participants will explore Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 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 and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

OC Parks and Newport Bay Conservancy invite you to attend our annual Earth Day at the Bay celebration!

This free, family-friendly event features environmental-themed exhibits from community partners and local artists. Enjoy arts and crafts, science discovery and educational information. There will be live music throughout the day as well as a scavenger hunt complete with prizes and an opportunity drawing.

Concessions will be on-site with tasty treats available for purchase.

For more information, call (949) 923-2290 or email unbic@ocparks.com.

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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