Join OC Parks staff and volunteers as we learn about our fabulous native lizards and take a short nature walk in Mile Square Regional Park’s Nature Area. Finish by making a lizard keychain craft out of beads and lanyard string while surrounded by nature.

Makers Square is a monthly program exploring the unique historic and natural features of Orange County and beyond through hands-on creative projects. Each month features a new artistic medium and topic to discover. No previous art experience is necessary and all are welcome to join and try something new!

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The program will be held in the Nature Area near parking lot H.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register for Makers Square: Beaded Lizard Keychains. 

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Phoebe Lett at phoebe.lett@ocparks.com. 

*This program takes place at Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708*

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. 

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Mile Square Regional Park. We will meet in parking lot H at the entrance to the Nature Area.

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 for Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park.

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Phoebe Lett at Phoebe.Lett@ocparks.com.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Dates shown are week of stocking. Schedule is subject to change and will be updated as available.

California Fishing License required age 16+ at all parks besides Irvine Lake.

Week of March 16-20, 2026               

• Clark Regional Park  
• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park       

Week of April 20-24, 2026          

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park         

Week of May 18-22, 2026              

• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park         

Week of June 8-12, 2026

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of July 13-17, 2026        

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of Aug. 10-14, 2025 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Irvine Lake
• Irvine Regional Park

Week of Sept. 7-11, 2026 

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park

Week of Oct. 12-16, 2026 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Trout season is estimated to start at the end of November. 

Ride through historic Weir Canyon and reflect on Orange County’s rich history of transportation trails in this area. This trail is part of the storied trail route that oxen teams traveled on during the 1800s carrying hides to market in San Juan Capistrano. Weir Canyon was home to the largest and healthiest oak woodlands in the county. Many of the oaks are now scarred from fire. Rejoice in the new growth and restored areas in the canyon as the area heals.

You will need to transport your own fit horse to the staging area. Equestrians with trail riding experience, a fit and able horse, and the ability to trailer to the staging area are welcome to join the ride. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing may include areas of gravel and pavement.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings  before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Learn more and register here.

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks.

Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. Horses must be fit, able to comfortably ride the distance as described, and be well-behaved in a group. This walking equestrian ride travels on single-track and wide fire roads. It may include several moderate, steady climbs. Owners of unshod horses, please note that the footing may include areas of gravel and pavement. All riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must wear a helmet.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Join us for an evening mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will be starting during daylight and ending in the dark. This should not be your first night ride. Bring adequate lights, jacket, plenty of water, spare tubes, tools and all other equipment to be self-sufficient on the trails. We will ride approximately 11 miles, with 1500′ of climbing along singletrack trails and ranch roads.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Learn more and register here.

Enjoy a 3+ mile hike and gentle yoga practice in nature. The hike through Baker Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, includes an elevation gain of approximately 500′ and will be a nice warm up for a gentle morning yoga flow under a shaded canopy. Please bring water, your own yoga mat and large beach towel. Mats will not be provided; we will drop mats at secure location while hiking. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen recommended for the hike.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5  Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.

Spend your morning planting Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland in OC Parks’ Baker Canyon.

Help us restore a beautiful area in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park’s Baker Meadow. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided; please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, close-toed shoes, and sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards such as rattlesnakes, which are occasionally seen here.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.

Join OC Parks at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens for Create in the Park! 

A single flower or an entire garden may inspire you at this beautiful location on the bank of Santiago Creek. Spring blooms, including Matilija poppies, will be natural references for your art. Professional artist, Dawn Buckingham, will provide instruction about sketching and composition using various art materials. Oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, ink or drawing are all welcome. You will use the art materials of your choice to capture the blooms, with help as needed.

Artists of all levels are welcome to enjoy the tranquil grounds and draw inspiration from the historic structures, water features and gardens. A guided tour about the history of Arden and Helena Modjeska’s artistic life will also be included.

This program is designed for ages 8 and older. Materials are not provided, only art instruction. A list of recommended materials will be made available to all registered participants in advance of the program. Sun protection, water and snacks are recommended.

This program is free with free parking, but registration is required due to limited parking on-site. Learn more and register here.