Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. In honor of International Vulture Awareness Day, this month’s journaling theme is “Birds.”
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.
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with the world around us. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. This month’s journaling theme is “Landscapes.”
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.
Summer is here and so is nesting season! 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 shrubs 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.
Summer is here and so is nesting season! Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer as you stroll through Peters Canyon Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the shrubs for bouncing birds.
Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
This walk begins next to the Peters Canyon Park Office.
In collaboration with Orange County (OC) Parks, OC Public Works will be starting construction of a new neighborhood park and public walkway improvements along Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin.
WHAT:
Upcoming project activities will include:
Clearing of the park area
Grading and importing soil material onto the site
Placement of amenities such as picnic tables, benches, bike racks and waste/recycle receptacles
Installation of fencing, lighting and electrical equipment, irrigation and landscaping
Installation of upgraded traffic signal equipment
Replacement of road guardrail
Construction of:
Retaining wall
Entrance driveway and parking lot in southern portion of park area (nine standard parking spaces, two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces)
Exercise stations and two youth playground areas
Walkways (both concrete and disintegrated granite)
Wood pedestrian bridge
ADA curb ramps
Stormwater catch basin, drain pipe and vegetated swale
Your safety is our top priority!
Traffic control safety measures will be in place. There may be brief delays or stops for the public along the adjacent path for vehicles and equipment entering the work area. Please observe all project safety signs, barriers and personnel when traveling near the project area.
WHEN:
May 2024 - May 2025
Schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Working Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:
The west corner of the intersection of Newport Avenue and Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin.
(Silverado, Calif.) – Hike atop colorful sandstone and cobble bluffs and enjoy breathtaking views of the Santa Ana Mountains and beyond at Red Rock Wilderness.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, the approximately 1,500-acre area features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
“Red Rock Wilderness is the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I am thrilled to continue expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Orange County and introducing even more residents to these beautiful spaces. I look forward to exploring this area and standing atop the red rock formations found here.”
Situated on top of the 20 to 40-million-year-old Sespe formation, Red Rock Wilderness was once home to early rhinos and crocodiles that roamed the area. The red rocks developed their striking color and jagged appearance over time as the sediment oxidized and eroded, along with the gradual uplift of the Santa Ana Mountains. The area offers a protected and preserved natural habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including bobcats, mule deer, grey fox and a variety of bird species. Colorful California poppies, lupine and other wildflowers can be enjoyed here during the spring months while coast live oaks, prickly pear cactus, coastal sage scrub and native grasses are visible year-round.
Red Rock Wilderness features six new multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to explore ranging from easy to difficult. A new scenic overlook offers sweeping views of the nearby red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, the surrounding canyons and beyond. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
In 2023, OC Parks opened Saddleback Wilderness and Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, adding nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails for public use in the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Red Rock Wilderness is the newest area to open to the public and supports OC Parks’ continued mission to preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration throughout Orange County. The land is part of 25,000 acres donated from the Irvine Company to the County of Orange for preservation and recreation.
Red Rock Wilderness is accessible through scheduled guided and self-guided programs with advance registration. Select programs at Red Rock Wilderness will also provide access to 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, also part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. OC Parks balances environmental stewardship with public access to ensure the area is preserved and enjoyed. Public usage and feedback, along with further monitoring of native habitat and wildlife populations are taken into consideration as future access opportunities and availability are determined. Free public access opportunities will begin Saturday, May 18.
May and June 2024 Activities and Programs at Red Rock Wilderness
Advance registration required for all activities and programs. Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up. Inclement weather may cancel activities and programs.
May 18 – Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May 22 – Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness 8 – 10 a.m.
May 23 – The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
May 24 – Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
May 30 – Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness 9 – 11:30 a.m.
June 7 – Red Rock to Limestone Distance Hike 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
June 13 – Thursday Morning Trek in Red Rock Wilderness 7:30 – 11 a.m.
June 14 – Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
June 15 – Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 16 – Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride in Red Rock Wilderness and Loma Ridge 8 – 11 a.m.
June 28 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Red Rock Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
OC Parks OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com
Moulton Niguel Water District's (MNWD) Regional Force Main Replacement Project will replace nearly 2 miles of pipelines within Laguna Niguel Regional Park. The existing pipelines carry wastewater from MNWD's pump station to the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The new pipelines will help to ensure continued safe and reliable service.
PHASED CONSTRUCTION Construction will occur in phases to minimize the impact on park visitors. Until construction is completed, park visitors may see necessary trail closures and reduced park access to ensure the public’s safety. Construction will utilize trenchless construction methods, where needed, to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas and minimize the effects on local wildlife.
TRAIL CLOSURES Trails will be closed in phases to preserve the public’s access to walking paths and bike trails in the park as much as possible. Be alert for any trail closures and possible rerouting of your normal path.
NO RESERVATIONS OR PERMITS All park shelters will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations will not be permitted throughout the duration of the project. Special events and vendor permits will not be issued during this time.
REDUCED PARK ACCESS Sections of the park and associated amenities may be closed, as needed, to ensure a safe construction site. Parking spaces may also be limited during construction work.
INCREASED CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC Visitors may experience delays or detours due to increased construction traffic throughout the park for the duration of the project.
WHEN:
Anticipated Construction Duration: Summer 2024 – Spring 2027
Working Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work will not be performed on weekends, holidays or during inclement weather.
CONTACT INFORMATION Moulton Niguel Water District (949) 425-3501 forcemain@mnwd.com
The Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park Playground Replacement Project will revitalize an existing playground area by removing old playground equipment and installing new play equipment and impact surfaces to ensure safety and functionality for children of all ages. The project scope also includes minor site enhancements.
When:
Fall 2024 – Summer 2025
The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Working Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Help us thank our zookeepers for all their hard work caring for our zoo animals!
Kids activities include making thank you cards for our zookeepers and a fun craft.
The first children ages 12 and under will receive a free train ride ticket for Irvine Park Railroad.
Our zookeepers will be giving special "keeper chats" throughout the day.
Reservations are not required. All activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 and under are free). Zoo coupons/free passes are not valid for this event.
Join us for fun ways to connect youth with nature by encouraging exploration at Irvine Regional Park with one of our zookeepers. You will also meet some zoo creatures up close! This program uses curriculum by the National Recreation and Park Association.
Program is for ages 5-10 years old ONLY.
Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent may accompany child for program.
Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846.
