Hit the Open Spaces in April

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Learn about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the 20,000-acre wilderness area around us with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists and Orange County Parks staff. Water, hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes are essential, along with any needed medications. Wilderness areas may be closed during rain or high fire danger, so check http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast prior to a scheduled activity. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the parking fee is $3, the donation per person for each activity is $2, and reservations are required for most activities by calling 949-923-2235.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Activities:

Friday, May 20 – Lake Stroll, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this leisurely paced, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Meet at Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).

Friday, May 20 – Tot Walk, 9 – 10 a.m. Bring your wee ones to explore our wild backyard on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For babies to age 3. Meet at Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection).

Saturday, May 21 – Geology Hike, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. Emphasis will be placed on how the rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. As evidence of these stories in stone, we’ll examine a cave, polished rock along a fault, laminations in the sandstone, and scallop fossils, modern and prehistoric landslides, and huge lava filled fissures radiating across the landscape. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain). Meet at Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection).

Saturday, May 21 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day, 8 – 11 a.m. Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. Free for volunteers. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 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).

Sunday, May 22 – Birding Hike, 8 – 11 a.m. Spot local native and spring migrant birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. Bring your binoculars. Meet at 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). Reservations required: 949-923-2235.

Tuesday, May 24 – Dilley Loop Hike, 9 – 11 a.m. Get close to nature on this leisurely 2-mile hike (370-ft. elevation gain) on steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants and animals or maybe just their tracks and signs along the way. Ages 12 and up. Meet at James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).

Thursday, May 26 – Fitness Hike, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.5-mile hike (1,000-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Meet at 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).

Saturday, May 28 – California Native Plants & Wildflower Hike, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate, fast-paced, steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike. Ages 12 and up. Meet at Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection).

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park:

Saturday, May 28 – Family Bike Ride, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger, Portia Arutunian. Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy. (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd. turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA Rd., left into parking lot).

For more information, visit OCparks.com/lagunacoast (click on Events and Programs)

 

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