Activity Cards

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. 

Earn yourself an Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Jr. Ranger Badge by completing this Jr. Ranger adventure! You’ll learn to use your senses and make observations to experience and learn about nature.   

Age: Designed for 7 to 12 years of age, but all are welcome to participate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Visitor Center, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677) 

Parking: $3/car at Laguna Niguel Regional Park parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. 

Safety precautions and protocols: 

• • Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.

• • Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org 

• • Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. 

• • To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill. 

Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or richard.schaffer@ocparks.com with any questions. 

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Bommer Canyon is home to a variety of birds whose unique songs and calls fill the air to enhance our experience in nature. In this activity we will focus on identifying birds by their vocalizations, making it an inclusive and accessible experience for all, including those with visual impairments.

The activity will start at the Cattle Camp with an introduction on how to recognize and distinguish bird sounds by pitch, tone, and pattern. Then embark on a short walk to immerse yourself in the audible sounds of nature and practice identifying birds by their distinct vocalizations. We will walk slowly for about half a mile through a maintained hard packed dirt trail about four feet wide.

No prior experience is necessary. Participants can bring their own birding enhancement equipment and extra binoculars will be available. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and join us in appreciating and enjoying our feathered friends through the power of sound.

Be sure to bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our activity. If you need any specific accommodations, please email info@irconservancy.org.

Join us for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water and a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.