Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, 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.

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.

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs. The hike is a 7-mile loop hike which includes some hills and descents. In addition to the springs, we will enjoy panoramic views of the wildlands from East Loma. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots. Participants must be able to hike 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1300 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry his/her own water and supplies.

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.

Learn more and register here. 

Join OC Parks at Irvine Ranch Historic Park for Create in the Park! Professional artist, Dawn Buckingham, will guide you through understanding simple perspective when drawing or painting buildings, fences, and roads. A demonstration of drawing one of the historic buildings onsite will be included. Oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor or drawing media are welcome. This program welcomes all who are interested in the arts from beginning to advanced artists.

This program is designed for ages 12 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 reservations are required due to limited parking on-site. Learn more and register here.

For more information, contact the park office at 714-973-6865.

Join OC Parks at the Old Courthouse for Create in the Park! Professional artist, Dawn Buckingham, will lead a figure drawing session of live models in courtroom attire. Session will take place in the Historic Courtroom filled with original furniture from 1901. Dry media only for this session please! Pencil, ink pen, color pencil, charcoal or markers are all appropriate. This program welcomes all who are interested and love the arts from beginning to advanced artists.

This program is designed for ages 12 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.

This program is free, but reservations are required due to limited space. Parking in Downtown Santa Ana is largely through pay lots or parking meters. Learn more and register here.

For more information, contact the park office at oldcourthouse@ocparks.com.

(Lake Forest, Calif.) - Discover the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. This event celebrates the unique history of rancho and Native American cultures through interactive activities, live music, dance performances and more.

Free to attend and fun for all ages, Rancho Days Fiesta features a variety of activities including engaging exhibits, cultural performances, craft workshops, piñata breaking and more. Attendees will enjoy vibrant Folklórico and Native American dances, witness educational Charro horseback riding and roping demonstrations and explore the historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park with guided tours provided by Amigos de la Colina volunteer docents. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas only and must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. 

“We are thrilled to welcome visitors of all ages to celebrate Rancho Days Fiesta and learn about Orange County’s storied past,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The County of Orange is dedicated to preserving this important legacy and we invite the community to celebrate its rich history together at Rancho Days Fiesta. ”

Heritage Hill Historical Park spans 4.1 acres and includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era to the founding of the town of El Toro through the citrus farming days of the early 20th century. Join OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta to experience the charm and excitement of the rancho era.  

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

May 3 - Rancho Days Fiesta 
Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Admission: Free  
Parking: Free 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630  
Website: https://www.ocparks.com/events/annual-rancho-days-fiesta 
Contact: (949) 923-2230

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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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalists for a short hike with your little ones (ages 3 to 6) to Barbara’s Lake. We'll make stops along the way to look at animal tracks, birds and more as we search for plants and animals that call Laguna Coast Wilderness Park home! 

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike with your family at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is moderate but includes uneven terrain and approximately 45 feet of 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. 

Nature can inspire the creativity within us! 

Join us on a scenic 2-mile hike through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park where we’ll explore the vibrant wildflowers of spring and the biodiversity they support. Along the way, we’ll discover the unique adaptations of these seasonal blooms and create pressed flower bookmarks as a lasting reminder of nature’s artistry. 

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon home. 

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center parking lot. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is designed for ages 16 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher after signing in. 

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

*This program will begin at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Gain new trail skills and join us as we construct a rock-armored drain on Old Emerald Trail. Rock armoring is one of the best ways to address erosion on steep trails. We will also be addressing tread issues and completing naturalization. There will be a 30-minute lunch break. 

Experience is required. Participants must have volunteered for trail stewardship programs with Laguna Canyon Foundation in the past. Gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 3 miles while carrying tools. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

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