Winters in Southern California are absolutely beautiful. Many love going out into the crisp air with adventure hikes or bird watching. Check out what’s in store this November at OC Parks, 2013.
November 1, 15, 22, 29 – Wild Tales 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Visit with Preserve staff for story-telling fun! After a story, learn more about the natural history of the Bay through crafts, hands-on activities and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register.
November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Nature Walk 9 – 10:30 a.m. Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of the park. Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 Website: www.ocparks.com/oneillpark/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2260 Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance. Event is conditional on weather.
November 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 – Redwood Grove Hike 9:30 – 11 a.m. Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1-mile hike to the park’s Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the way. The hike begins each Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. from the park’s Nature Center. Don’t forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too! Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-3160 Special Instructions: All ages. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of the park. Reservations preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or email [email protected].
November 2 – Walk in Our Wild Side Nature Walk 10 – 11 a.m. Join a Park Naturalist on an easy walk approximately 1 mile long in our Natural Area. See birds, hawks, insects, butterflies, and native plants. Recommended: Hat, binoculars, drinking water, and comfortable shoes. Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/milesquare/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6600 Special Instructions: Meet at the entrance of the Natural Area located next to parking Lot F. Rain will cancel walk.
November 2-3 – Tot and Me Camp 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Autumn is here, there is no better time to join your tot (ages 3-5 roughly) for a weekend of fun! Camp will run Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 12 p.m. at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Our two days will include lessons about the season and feature a local animal! Each Day will include songs, stories, hiking and crafts. All activities are based on Kindergarten preparation skills and science. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: $30 per child Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right on Awma, left into parking lot). If we have to cancel the event due to weather or other circumstance we will notify you through your provided email address, camp will be rescheduled or refunded.
November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Ranger Led Campfire Program 8 – 9 p.m. Join us Saturday night at the amphitheater for this Ranger led talk on local animal life, set to the glow of fire light. This event is only open to those camping at O’Neill Regional Park. No access for day use after sunset. Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 Website: www.ocparks.com/oneillpark/ Cost: Free Contact: (949) 923-2260 or (949) 923-2256 Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Event is outdoors and dependent on weather conditions.
November 3 – Edible & Useful Plant Hike 8 – 11 a.m. Early pioneers found their uses for local and introduced plants, and now science is finding out about potentially valuable medicines in our wild backyard. Learn about these edible and useful plants during a moderate, but steep, uneven 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist, Karin Klein (author of 50 Hikes in Orange County). Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). For questions call (949) 497-8324.
November 3 – Nature Center Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Nature Center is open the 1st Sunday of each month. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the nature center and learn about local history, flora and fauna. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://ocparks.com/santiagooaks/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6620 Special Instructions: All ages.
November 5, 9, 19, 23 – Modjeska House Tour 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Docent-led tour of the historic house and grounds. Mailing Address Online: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/modjeskahouse/ Contact: (949) 923–2230 Cost: $5 per person Special Instructions: Advance reservations required, call (949) 923-2230. Directions provided with reservations.
November 6 – Bimonthly Bird Walks 8 – 11 a.m. Join Naturalist Mike Clayton on a bird walk at Riley Wilderness Park. All levels of birders welcome. As a wildlife sanctuary, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is a home to an abundant number of native plants and old groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks which border the park’s two seasonally flowing creeks. The remaining land features rolling hills and canyons of Coastal Sage Scrub and grasslands. Come prepared for a morning of exploring this delightful park and its abundant bird life. Location: Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, CA 92679 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/rileypark/ Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923–2265 Special Instructions: Bring your binoculars and wear shoes with good traction, some of the trails are steep.
November 7 – Animal Art I – Toddler Program 10 – 11 a.m. Join us for an hour of creativity and fun with an animal theme! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. Come ready to get a little messy! Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/ Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6846 Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
November 8 – Discovery Hike 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Explore beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky 5-mile hike (200-ft. elevation gain). Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 8 – Night Owl Hike 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come see Irvine Regional Park in a completely different setting, in the dark! Park rangers will lead a starlit hike showcasing the natural wonders that can only be seen at night. The Night Owl Hike will feature many fun activities, including: a visit to the nature center, a live animal presentation, hot cocoa and cookies, a hike through the wilderness area. Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/ Contact: (714) 973-6847 Special Instructions: This is an outdoor event. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
November 9 – Family Hike 3 – 5 p.m. Join us on this very enjoyable, easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Families welcome. You will hike in one of the most diverse areas in the park, through a canopy of oaks past Barbara’s Lake and back. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). For questions call (949) 497-8324.
November 10 – Second Sunday Restoration Program 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided. Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register. Program will be cancelled if inclement weather is present.
November 12 – Book Hike 9 – 11 a.m. Engage your brain along with your body on a 4-mile hike (300-ft. elevation gain) over uneven and rocky terrain in beautiful Aliso & Wood Canyon while we share our favorite books. Come prepared to contribute a title or two and leave with the anticipation of some great new reads as well as a relaxed and exercised body. Led by a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist and reader. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. A hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, water and snack are recommended. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 14, 21 – Tideland Tykes 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join our preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years recommended. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register.
November 15 – Tot Walk 9 – 11 a.m. Join Ranger Zak with your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. We’ll see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun! Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Ages 0 to 3 years. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right Awma, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 16 – Kids’ Fishing Clinic 7 – 11 a.m. OC Parks would like to invite you and your kids to a fun morning of fishing at Irvine Regional Park! This Kids’ Fishing Clinic (for ages 16 and under) is designed to teach kids how to fish, while giving them an opportunity to catch a few from our pond. Whether this is your first time fishing or you’re a regular, you will have fun trying to catch some fish! Instructors will be on hand to demonstrate, assist and answer questions. Please bring your own fishing pole and bait. Prizes will be available for tagged fish! Stocked with Rainbow Trout and there will be a two fish limit. Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/ Contact: (714) 973-6847 Special Instructions: If you do not have a fishing pole, there will be some available for loan. Registration is required at the OC Parks check-in table on the day of the event. For more information, visit: https://ocparks.com/civicax/inc/blobfetch.aspx?BlobID=30548.
November 16 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day 8 – 11 a.m. Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: Free Parking: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Nix Nature Center (Little Sycamore Staging Area) 1 mile north of the 73 toll road on the west side of the 133. For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 16 – Geology Hike 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. We’ll examine a cave, several faults, sandstones from the Topanga and Vaqueros Formations, laminations in the sandstone, fossil scallops, modern and prehistoric landslides, and huge lava-filled fissures (or dikes) radiating across the landscape. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-ft. elevation gain). Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack, and wear proper hiking shoes. For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 16 – Weekends at the Nix Nature Center: American Indian Stories, Toys & Games 1 – 4 p.m. Join the talented Acjachemen performer, Jacque Nunez, as she transports you into the traditional life of the Acjachemen people–and into the world of our shared past. Presentation at 2 p.m. Make your own Acjachemen toys and games to take home or give as gifts (1-2p.m. & 3-4 p.m.). Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: Free, donations appreciated Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. No hiking involved. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
November 22 – Feathery Friends – Toddler Program 10 – 11 a.m. Come learn about birds that can fly and even those that can’t fly! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/ Cost: $5 per child (one adult included) Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6846 Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
November 23 – Wieder Work Days 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join park staff and other volunteers with enhancing Wieder Regional Park’s natural resources. Located on the coastal bluffs of Huntington Beach, this unique habitat overlooks the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Pacific Ocean. Activities may include non-native plant removal, trail maintenance or trash cleanup. No experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided. Location: Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park. 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/wiederpark/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register. Rain cancels the event.
November 23 – Family Hike at Dilley 3 – 5 p.m. Join us on this very enjoyable, easy 3-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Families welcome. You will hike in one of the most diverse areas in the park, through a canopy of oaks past Barbara’s Lake and back. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions call (949) 497-8324.
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OC Parks: The OC Parks system encompasses 26 regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring nearly 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County’s award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves. OC Parks offers wilderness hikes. Campgrounds. World-class mountain biking. Nature centers. Nationally recognized historic sites. Fishing. Surfing. And the list goes on. Whether a visitor comes to jog or camp; whether a family holds a reunion at a park or meets friends at the beach, OC Parks offers everything you need to make every day a great one.
https://www.ocparks.com
