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Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalists to learn about the seasonal life of California native plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike with 175 feet of elevation gain over moderately uneven terrain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring plenty of water.

This program will meet in the James Dilley Preserve 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 is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

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

Native Plant Hike

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

*This program takes place at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

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 Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 

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 $3 per vehicle on weekends. Inclement weather may cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.    

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

Jr. Ranger Program_3

BioBlitz! - Dilley Preserve

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

Help collect scientific data by joining OC Parks in a BioBlitz! 

Did you know California is known as a biodiversity hotspot? Help scientists and OC Parks staff document the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist, a smartphone app that allows people to share biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The program will also include a self-guided hike so you can document the species you find along the way!

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring plenty of water. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program. Participants can choose which trail to explore during the self-guided hike. 

This program is for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.    

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

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

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

roadrunner with lizard

Fitness Hike - Willow

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

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

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 750 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

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

Fitness Hike-Willow

Native Plant Nursery - LCF Headquarters

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at the native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery.

All tools and equipment will be provided. Wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sun protection and bring water.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. 

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

Keep it Wild

Scientific Testing!

Are you interested in science? Join OC Parks and become a scientist-in-training at Scientific Testing! Participants will have a hands-on experience trying different tools scientists use and learn more about the local ecosystem.

The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center. 

This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.    

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

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

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

Nix

Capistrano County Beach Shoreline Project

Capistrano County Beach Shoreline Project

This project has been completed as of April 2025. 

Replace existing 240 feet of geotextile bags with rock at Capistrano Beach within the City of Dana Point. This temporary measure is a joint project between OC Parks and OC Public Works. Public access and parking may be limited during construction.

What:

•   Removal of existing geotextile sandbags. Sand used in the geotextile sandbags will be deposited onto beach area.
•   Construction of riprap in the central section adjacent to the parking area.

PARTIAL PARKING LOT CLOSURE
A portion of parking spaces will be closed.

DETOURS AND SAFETY
Flaggers will direct pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid the work area. Watch for additional traffic control measures including construction signage.

BACKGROUND
Sand-filled geotextile bags were initially approved by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) as a temporary solution to protect the seaward edge of the park. The CCC requires removal of all sand cubes/sandbags and has approved replacement using rock, which will also remain as a temporary measure while more permanent initiatives continue to be further developed.

When:

Anticipated Construction Duration:
March 10, 2025 – May 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Working hours and schedule will vary due to tides, inclement weather, ocean conditions and other factors.

Where:

Capistrano Beach Park
35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624

Contact Information:

Raymond Sanchez | Senior Construction Inspector | 657-641-5040

Mike Alfaro | Supervising Construction Inspector | 714-448-0804

ProjectInfo@ocpw.com

Land Tending with LCF - Aliso Creek

*This program begins at Aliso Viejo Community Park, 150 Cedarbrook, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

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

Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection and/or planting of 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. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Rain or muddy trail conditions may cancel this program. 

For questions call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

LCF land

Discovery Hike - Wood Canyon

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Discovery Hike

Birding by the Creek

Join us for a lovely morning hike along Aliso Creek, one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County.

OC Parks staff and volunteers will lead participants on an easy 3-mile walk with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the wilderness park - no experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring binoculars and water.

This program is 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. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

roadrunner with lizard
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