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.

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.

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 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 2-5, 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.

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 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 2-5, 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.

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 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 2-5, 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.

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 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 2-5, 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.

Celebrate the longest night of the year by exploring the landscape of Irvine Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

This program will begin in front of the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center near parking lot T.  Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged.  This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. 

Registration is required for this program. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

We love the nightlife! Explore Peters Canyon Regional Park as we set out to search for nighttime critters that call the park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

The program will begin outside the Peters Canyon Park Office.  Wearing layers, sturdy footwear and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged.  This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian during the program.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The night is full of creepy creatures and scary sounds…unless you know what’s out there! 

Visit Santiago Oaks Regional Park after dark to discover which critters call this canyon home. The night will include fun activities like nature stations, creative crafts, a scavenger hunt for prizes and guided night hikes throughout the evening!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and guests are encouraged to arrive prior to 7:30 p.m. for enough time to enjoy all the program's offerings and activities. 

Costumes are welcome but must be safe for hiking on dirt trails in the dark. Strollers are not recommended and we kindly ask that pets stay home.

Event and parking are free. Advance registration required for each attendee. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the event. 

For questions, please contact resource specialist, Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Join an experienced OC Parks Volunteer as you stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!  

This walk begins at the Santiago Oaks Nature Center. 

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.