Join OC Parks and learn more about a common raptor found in Orange County: the red-tailed hawk. Soaring above the marshland, red-tailed hawks focus their keen gaze on prey below. Can you spot them above? Join us for hands-on activities to learn more about these magnificent birds.

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.
 

Are your kids interested in learning more about the natural world? Come discover the plants, animals and landscapes of Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve during our Junior Ranger program!

Participants will explore the bay and have the opportunity to earn their own junior ranger badge alongside an OC Parks resource specialist by completing a special activity. All program materials will be provided.

Program content is geared towards ages 7-12, but all are welcome. Please bring water, closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed. We will be walking 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. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

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 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.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the nature area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and butterfly garden maintenance.

No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the nature area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and butterfly garden maintenance.

No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the nature area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and butterfly garden maintenance.

No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors ages 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the nature area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and butterfly garden maintenance.

No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel the program.

Discover the joys of nature journaling with a short guided hike at Mile Square Regional Park - no experience necessary! 

Nature journaling can be practiced in almost any space and combines observations with insights, questions and connections with the environment around us. It allows us to pay attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and meditate on their forms and place within the natural world.

This program will begin with an introduction to the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your nature journal, followed by a warmup activity, then a walk in the park to find a comfortable journaling space. Bring a sketch pad or journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks.

We will meet at Freedom Hall adjacent to parking lot G and walk to the nature area. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.