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EarthCraft

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Enter a world of creativity and make nature-themed crafts and artwork with your little ones. We’ll exclusively use Earth-friendly materials that have either been found in nature, reused from ordinary daily products, or have been responsibly sourced. "Sphere" not, an enjoyable new project will be planned for each program!  

This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring snacks and water. 

Participants 16 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. Carpooling, walking or biking is encouraged due to limited on-site parking. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

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Flower Nature Creativity
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Land Tending with LCF – Aliso Creek

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*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.

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LCF land
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Bird Walk

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Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile hike through Laguna Niguel Regional Park - no experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes and 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 $5 per vehicle. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 or 949-923-2200. When calling for assistance, please mention the Bird Walk at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 

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Allen's Hummingbird Gizella Nyquist Bird
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Discovery Hike – Wood Canyon

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*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. 

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

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

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Discovery Hike
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Birds of a Feather: Beginners Birding

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Join OC Parks volunteer naturalists and Laguna Canyon Foundation for a relaxing bird walk along Aliso Creek. This program will introduce the basics of birding while hiking along a 3-mile path with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Birders of all experience levels are welcome, though the focus is on beginners. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the morning as we explore the natural beauty along the creek! 

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. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

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.

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Orange Hummingbird on Branch
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Tot Walk

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Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring!

This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly. 

The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Minors 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.

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Monarch Butterfly on a Milkweed Flowers
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Advanced Fitness Hike – Aliso and Wood Canyons

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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, 8-mile hike over very steep and uneven terrain with approximately 730 feet of elevation gain. This route begins at Aliso Creek Trail East, continues up Sheep Run and down Meadows Trail. Your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping views of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park! 

Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Please review safety precautions and protocols when registering. 

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

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lets go hikking
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Walk and Wonder / Camina y Maravilla

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Join OC Park and Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers for a bilingual nature hike through the scenic trails of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. This guided, 3-mile hike on Aliso Creek Trail East with 150 feet of elevation gain invites participants to explore the natural world in English and Spanish, fostering connection, curiosity and community. Together we will walk, marvel at and discover the fascinating plants that call these canyons home. Let’s walk, wonder and learn together.

Acompaña a los voluntarios de OC Parks y Laguna Canyon Foundation en una caminata guiada por los pintorescos senderos del Parque Natural Aliso y Wood Canyons. Esta actividad bilingüe por el sendero Aliso Creek Trail East es de aproximadamente 3 millas y 150 pies de altitud, y tiene como propósito explorar el entorno natural en inglés y español, fomentando la conexión, la curiosidad y el sentido de comunidad. Durante el recorrido, caminaremos, nos asombraremos y descubriremos las fascinantes plantas que habitan estos cañones. Así que caminemos, admiremos y aprendamos juntos.

Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring water. This program is intended for ages 8 and older. Hiking experience is recommended. All-terrain strollers are okay for infants and toddlers. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

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.

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Wildflower at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
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Backyard Bugs

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Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined!

Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring snacks and water.

Participants 16 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. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

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Flame Skimmer, Dragonfly
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Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Niguel Regional Park

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*This program takes place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677*

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 Niguel Regional 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. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer at richard.schaffer@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

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Participants of the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.
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