Join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park! Learn about native and invasive plants while managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. 

We will meet in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to pull weeds, rake, spread seeds, pot or water plants. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Minors age 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

For questions, please email sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com or call (657) 554-7133.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. This session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses.  This program's theme will focus on the signs of winter.

The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Regional Park nature center. Bring a nature journal 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.

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

Advance registration required.  Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Are your kids interested in learning more about the natural world? Come and explore the plants, animals, and landscapes of Caspers Wilderness Park during our Junior Ranger program!

Participants will have the opportunity to earn their own junior ranger badge alongside an OC Parks resource specialist. All program materials will be provided.

Program content is geared toward ages 7-12, but all are welcome. Please bring water, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, as we will walk a short distance on dirt trails.

Advance registration is required. This program will not accommodate walk-ups. Learn more and register here. 

The program and parking are free. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Join volunteers from the Helena Modjeska Foundation at Arden and make Victorian-era Christmas crafts! Volunteers will lead demonstrations for children to make orange garlands, ornaments and more. Crafts are designed for children ages 5 and older. 

This program is free with free parking, but reservations are required to due limited parking on-site. Please RSVP by calling (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com.   

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. 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 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. 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 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.

In recognition of World Wetlands Day, join us for a guided painting program to learn all about wetlands! We learn about wetlands, their important role as an ecosystem and how we can help protect them.

This fun and engaging program will include a brief discussion followed by a guided painting activity. Each participant will paint and take home their own canvas.

No experience required! The program will meet inside the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants should wear clothing they don’t mind getting paint on. Art supplies will be provided. 

Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program and parking are free.

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.

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 - no experience necessary!

This program is geared for ages 12 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

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.

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay, and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed, and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. 

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

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

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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.