Spend the morning in a beautiful oak woodland weeding, watering and mulching coast live oak seedlings in Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space. To get to the planting site, we will travel for 15 minutes in a safari-style truck giving you majestic views of Weir Canyon. We may be using shovels and small handheld tools. No experience necessary.

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.

Embark on a leisurely beginners' hike through the valley of Limestone Canyon, nestled within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Traverse the rugged terrain of former ranch roads, surrounded by the woodlands’ grand oak trees and the vast stretches of coastal sage scrub. Total round-trip distance is 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 200 feet at an average moving rate of 2 mph. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

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. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, fast paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike with 750 feet of elevation gain. The hike will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Views of Limestone Canyon and the surrounding wilderness from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.

Please bring a minimum of 48 oz. water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail for this hike in a wilderness area. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water.  Underprepared participants may be denied access to this program.

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-4 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.

Be prepared to experience the beauty and wonder of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, including the beautiful views from the Overlook Trail.  This ride will travel through Weir Canyon, where the trail weaves its way through a beautiful oak woodland inhabited by deer, coyotes, bobcats and a variety of native birds. You will travel the route of the Butterfield Stagecoach and see a monument dedicated to the Mexican ox cart drivers. We will continue our ride through coastal sage scrub over large rock formations past oak woodlands and up the Overlook Trail. On a clear day, we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin and Cleveland National Forest.

The participant’s horse must be able to ride 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1,800 feet.

This ride travels on wide trails and single tracks with several moderate to steeper climbs with a steep switchback descent. Equestrians must have trail riding experience and their own fit and able horse. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area and please be ready to ride at 10 a.m. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel and distances over asphalt pavement. Please bring water for yourself and your horse on the ride.

Important Notice for This Ride: Irvine Regional Park’s Pumpkin Patch is open daily at the park through October 31. This will bring in many people and vehicles to Irvine Regional and can fill up the park, especially on the weekends. To get to the staging area for this activity, you will have to drive through the park. Please make sure to give yourself ample time before the activity to get through the entrance gate and drive to the staging area. There could be a long line to get in as well as traffic inside the park. It could take up to an hour to get into the park.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity 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-4 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.

(Buena Park, Calif.) – Join OC Parks on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park for Prehistoric OC, a free family-friendly event celebrating local paleontology, archaeology and the rich natural and cultural history of Orange County. Visitors of all ages can enjoy fun crafts, games, live animal demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities about ancient artifacts, fossils, prehistoric animals and more. Attendees are invited to participate in numerous educational activities and demonstrations from local cultural, paleontological and geological organizations. Food will also be available for purchase on-site.

Participants will have access to the Interpretive Center, which showcases fossils recovered within Clark Regional Park, northern Orange County's Coyote Hills and other surrounding areas. Volunteers will be stationed in the center’s fishbowl lab where visitors can view how fossils and artifacts are prepared for research and display.

“This family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about Orange County’s rich prehistoric past,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “People of all ages are encouraged to come explore local fossils and artifacts and learn more about the people, animals and cultural traditions that came before us.” 

Prehistoric OC honors California Archaeology Month, Indigenous People’s Day (Oct. 14), the National Park Service's National Fossil Day (Oct. 16) and the Archaeological Institute of America's International Archaeology Day (Oct. 19). 

Participants of all ages are encouraged to attend, and pets are welcome on leashes no longer than six feet. 

Prehistoric OC
Date: October 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Clark Regional Park 
Address: 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621
Website: www.ocparks.com/clarkpark
Cost: Free
Parking: Free 
Public Contact: (714) 973-3170 

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

(Orange County, Calif.) – Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and volunteers around the globe for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay Saturday, Sept. 21. Lend a helping hand and make an impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.

Every September, people across Orange County volunteer their time to clean up beaches and waterways, including Upper Newport Bay. With an increase in rain this year, the Upper Newport Bay team has an ambitious goal of removing more than 10,000 pounds of trash. Waste items harm wildlife, pollute waterways and threaten public health, making your support crucial.

“Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay is an annual reminder of the importance of keeping our beaches, waterways, estuaries, and bays clean for current and future generations to enjoy. I hope volunteers of all ages will join Team Foley this weekend as we preserve and protect our beautiful Newport Bay, the largest estuary in Orange County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who represents Upper Newport Bay on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 

At least 1,000 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to remove trash from the uplands and marsh areas of the Bay, as well as participate in the removal of invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at different mini-cleanup sites around the 11-mile stretch of the Bay. Exact meeting locations will be shared prior to Sept. 21.

Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best). Remember to bring a refillable water bottle, reusable mask, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to volunteers.

Coastal Cleanup Day
Date: September 21
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-cleanup-day 
Cost: Free
Parking: Free 
Additional Event Partners: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper and Newport Aquatic Center

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon, nestled within OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space.  The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat.  We will cross the dry Silverado Creek and examine its effects on the local geology.  Then we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss its formation and its future.  Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be. This hike is geared towards families with curious minds.

The trail is an easy, flat ranch road, but the creek crossing is very rocky. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route. Closed-toe shoes are a must.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity 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. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

If you enjoy riding in the wilderness on empty trails, then join us on this mountain bike through Limestone Canyon and the Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space. This ride is for experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape who are comfortable with moderate climbs and single-track trails.

The route for this ride includes 8 of the 10 single-track trails in Limestone Canyon and Red Rock Wilderness. These single-tracks are generally not technical but do include some steep descents and some sections that may be slightly loose with small rocks. The connections between the single tracks will be on ranch roads and pavement.

Please note, this is a long ride at 24 miles, with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain and will take about four hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

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.

Learn more and register here.

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We hike a gradual climb of 500 feet of 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.

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.

Children under the age of 5 are permitted to attend the hike if they are secured in a carrier for the duration of the hike. Strollers or all terrain wagons are not permitted.

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.

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.