*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Drive, 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 rock formations 40 million years old 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 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. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation staff and volunteers for a special open house event and get an up-close look at two native plant nurseries dedicated to the restoration of the south coast wilderness. Visit Laguna Canyon Foundation’s native plant nursery and OC Parks' native plant nursery at the Willow Staging Area. 

Fun, hands-on activities and crafts for all ages will be available along with expert advice about caring for native plants at home. All ages are welcome to attend. 

Locations: 

• Laguna Canyon Foundation’s native plant nursery: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
• OC Parks' native plant nursery at the Willow Staging Area: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. 

Parking: Parking is available at both nursery sites. Parking at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park's Willow and Big Bend staging areas is $3 per vehicle. Parking is free at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters. Please park legally and responsibly. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. 

Learn more and register here.

*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. 

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.3-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 900-ft. elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Participants 18 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.

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

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 moderate hike is approximately 5 miles with 800 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 may cancel the program.  

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. 

The program and parking are free. 

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

Adverse weather will cancel the program. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Have you ever wanted to learn about preserving and canning your own food? Join OC Parks and The Master Food Preservers of Orange County at George Key Ranch Historic Park for a food preservation demonstration.

We will review basic canning techniques and make homemade strawberry kiwi jam using seasonal ingredients. Participants will have the opportunity to learn what materials are required, the step-by-step process and receive tips from the experts.

The program will meet near the historic Key Home.  

The program and parking are free, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site.

Learn more and register here.

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to raise their heart rate and pedal around the bay while learning about local ecology and history.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10-mile section of the Back Bay Loop Trail over the course of 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. We will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make interpretive stops along the way.

This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free. 

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a guardian present at all times. 

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Celebrate Arbor Day with OC Parks at Irvine Regional Park. 

Explore majestic and historic oaks, as well as an array of native tree species while learning about tree adaptations, what animals call them home and how trees have helped us survive throughout history!

This program will begin at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center, near parking lot T.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program takes place at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the nature center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Starr Party! For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California’s first “Star Park” designation in 2013.

Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9:30 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. 

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

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

Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm we’re clear for takeoff!

Rain or inclement weather may cancel this program.