*This program takes place at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA92677*
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 Aliso and Wood Canyons 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. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
(Orange County, Calif.) – Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and fellow volunteers for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 20. Lend a helping hand, protect local coastlines and wildlife, and contribute to the removal of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables that make its way into the Bay from all areas of the Newport Bay Watershed.
Each year, people from around the world gather to remove trash from beaches and waterways on the third Saturday in September. In Orange County, various groups volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest estuaries in Southern California, as well as numerous other sites.
"One third of Orange County’s tourism economy is bolstered by our ocean economy. Coastal Cleanup Day in the Upper Newport Bay highlights the vital role we all play in protecting the environment and our natural resources,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Keeping our beaches, waterways and bays clean preserves our local habitats, maintains their unique beauty, and supports a critical piece of our local economy.”
Approximately 1,000 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to remove trash and invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at various mini-cleanup day sites around the 11-mile loop of the bay. The exact meeting location will be shared prior to Sept. 20.
Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best). Remember to bring a refillable water bottle, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to all volunteers.
Coastal Cleanup Day Date: September 20 Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost and Parking: Free Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Register: www.eventbrite.com/coastal-cleanup-day Additional Event Partners: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper, Newport Aquatic Center and Inside the Outdoors.
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
*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.
Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons.
This is an easy, 3-mile hike with minimal elevation gain to Barbara’s Lake from the Nix Nature Center, climbing Edison Trail to an overlook of the lake and mountain views.
The 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.
*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.
*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*
If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, trail work might be for you! Join us as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
No experience is necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools.
Celebrate fall by making an autumn-colored pressed flower jar perfect for candles or small lights! We will also go for a short meditation walk and explore the different meanings of fall.
Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended.
This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
*This program begins at the Bommer Ridge Trail West Entrance, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657*
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, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.
*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. Come help restore the land we all enjoy!
No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water.
