Join us for a youth-friendly hike beginning at the Nix Nature Center into the pristine habitat of Shady Canyon. We’ll hike 5 miles on a mix of single-track trails and old ranch roads. 

This hike is a great opportunity for Girls Scouts and ScoutsBSA as it fulfills the following: 

• Girl Scouts USA journeys: Trail Adventure, Eco Trekker
• ScoutsBSA requirements: 2nd class 3a–c, 4; 1st class 4b, 5a; Nature Merit Badge 4–6

Wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection and bring plenty of water. 

This program is for ages 10 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our 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.

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection and must be 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and participants will receive a parking voucher. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

*This program takes place at Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612.

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 Mason Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. Participants are encouraged to park in lot C and the program will begin near the restrooms by the lake.

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 on weekdays. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Join OC Parks naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones (ages 3 to 6) as we explore Mason Regional Park’s Butterfly Garden in search of caterpillars and butterflies! 

Participants may park in lot A and the program will meet near the trail head. 

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 contact Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

*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, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 850 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. 

Relax and unplug outdoors on a nature meditation walk through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 

Allow your natural sense of wonder to engage in playful activities, deepening connections with the outside world and ourselves during this guided program. 

The program will begin on the patio at the Nix Nature Center and include a brief walk and tea ceremony of reciprocity. Please note this activity involves making and drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants and participants are asked to notify park staff upon arrival of any food allergies or sensitivities. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is designed for ages 10 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

Adverse weather will cancel the program. 

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

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

No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and 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 and parking are free for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including rain or heat advisory, may cancel the program.

Join us for a sensory journey into the world of native plant teas! We’ll explore the ecological roles, cultural significance and unique flavors of our coastal sage scrub plants. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own unique tea blend to taste. 

Please note this activity involves making and drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants and participants are asked to notify park staff upon arrival of any food allergies or sensitivities.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and all materials will be provided. Parking is $3 per vehicle.

Rain or muddy conditions will cancel this program.

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

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, 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. 

*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.