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Stories Carved in Stone

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

The rocks of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park tell a story that dates back millions of years. Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers on a journey through history and discover volcanic intrusions, explore 40-million-year-old rock formations and experience the only naturally occurring lake in Orange County. 

This program includes a 3-mile hike. Please bring water, sun protection and wear closed-toe shoes. 

The program is designed for ages 12 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Rocks

Keep it Wild - LCF Native Plant Nursery

*This program will begin at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at the native plant nursery in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery.

All tools and equipment will be provided. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. This program is designed for ages 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Keep it Wild - Native Plant Nursery

BioBlitz!

*This program begins at James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Did you know California is known as a biodiversity hotspot? 

Help scientists and OC Parks staff document the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist, a smartphone app that allows people to share biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The program will also include a self-guided hike so you can document the species you find along the way!

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring plenty of water. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program. Participants can choose which trail to explore during the self-guided hike. 

This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

A red-tailed hawk hunts from the top of an elderberry

Explorers Hike: West Canyon Loop

Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. 

This hike is approximately 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

The program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Butterfly

EarthCraft

Enter a world of creativity and make nature-themed crafts and artwork with your little ones. We’ll exclusively use Earth-friendly materials that have either been found in nature, reused from ordinary daily products, or have been responsibly sourced. "Sphere" not, an enjoyable new project will be planned for each program!  

This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring snacks and water. 

Participants 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Carpooling, walking or biking is encouraged due to limited on-site parking.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

Flower Nature Creativity

Land Tending with LCF - Aliso Creek

*This program begins at Aliso Viejo Community Park, 150 Cedarbrook, 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. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Rain or muddy trail conditions may cancel this program. 

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

LCF land

Discovery Hike - Wood Canyon

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

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

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

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

Discovery Hike

Nature Meditation Walk

Unplug and relax outdoors on a nature meditation walk through Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 

Allow your natural sense of wonder to engage in playful activities, deepening connections with the outside world and ourselves during this guided program. 

The program will begin at the visitor center and includes a brief walk and tea ceremony of reciprocity. Please note this activity involves making and drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants and participants are asked to notify park staff upon arrival of any food allergies or sensitivities. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water. 

Advanced registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is designed for ages 10 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the program. 

monarch on milkweed

Birds of a Feather: Beginners Birding

Join OC Parks volunteer naturalists and Laguna Canyon Foundation for a relaxing bird walk along Aliso Creek. This program will introduce the basics of birding while hiking along a 3-mile path with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Birders of all experience levels are welcome, though the focus is on beginners. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the morning as we explore the natural beauty along the creek! 

Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring binoculars and water. This program is for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

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

roadrunner with lizard

Tot Walk

Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring!

This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly. 

The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Cottontail rabbit sitting on grass
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