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Upper Newport Bay Habitat Stewards

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 ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

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

Space is limited and registration is highly encouraged. Learn more and register here. Walk-ins are welcome but may be limited due to availability. 

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

closed for restoration

Biking the Bay

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. The bike ride will remain on the paved portion of the trail and will have interpretive stops along the way.

This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors under age 18 must wear helmets and have a guardian present at all times. 

Program and parking are free. Adverse weather may 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.

Back Bay sunrise

Guided 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. 

Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 16 and older. 

Please wear comfortable attire. The program and parking are free. 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 (949) 923-2277.

sunrise upper newport bay

Critter Investigation: Coordinated Canada Geese

OC Parks invites you to learn more about one of our common waterfowl birds: the Canada goose. We'll learn why these birds fly in a "V" shape and go on a hike to spot them out in the wild.

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

Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. This program is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a 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 required. Learn more and register here.

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

canada geese

Nature Journaling: Skulls

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including fundamental art principles and maintaining your nature journal. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the outdoor wonders around you.

Bring a journal or sketch pad and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. 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.

This program is geared for ages 12 and older. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. No experience necessary!

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may 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.

ice age replicas

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 all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

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 all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

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 all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

2024-25 Trout Stocking Schedule

Fishing Derby

Dates shown are week of stocking. Schedule is subject to change and will be updated as available.

California Fishing License required age 16+ at all parks besides Irvine Lake.

Week of Nov. 25-29, 2024    

  • Carbon Canyon Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake  
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Week of Dec. 9-13, 2024  

  • Clark Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Tri-City Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park

Week of Dec. 16-20, 2024            

  • Carbon Canyon Regional Park
  • Clark Regional Park
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park   
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park

Week of Jan. 6-10, 2025               

  • Clark Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake    
  • Irvine Regional Park
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park

​​​​Week of Jan. 13-17, 2025

  • Carbon Canyon Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park

Week of Jan. 20-24, 2025 

  • Irvine Lake
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Tri-City Regional Park

Week of Jan. 27-31, 2025

  • Clark Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake
  • Irvine Regional Park
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park

Week of Feb. 3-7, 2025

  • Irvine Lake
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park

Week of Feb. 10-14, 2025

  • Carbon Regional Park
  • Clark Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake
  • Irvine Regional Park
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Week of Feb. 17-21, 2025

  • Irvine Lake
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park

Week of Feb. 24-28, 2025

  • Clark Regional Park
  • Irvine Lake
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Tri-City Regional Park

Land Tending - Aliso & Wood Canyons

*This program begins at Foxborough Park, 27101 Foxborough, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.* 

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.

Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection and/or planting of 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. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

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. 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. 

LCF land
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