Activity Cards

Earth Day is a celebration and a reminder that the natural world is worth protecting. Join OC Parks and LCF naturalists as we hike the James Dilley Preserve. We will learn about the history of how this park was saved and why this park is worth protecting.

We will be hiking about 2.5 miles on moderately steep trails with interpretation stops along the way.

Age: 7 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5  

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 and shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions. 

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

*Please note that this program takes place on paved trails. 

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to get their heart rate up and pedal around the Bay, all while learning about local ecology and history.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10 mile section of the Back Bay Loop trail over the course of 2 and a half hours. We will remain on the paved portion of the trail and will have interpretative stops along the way.

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. E-bikes are welcome. Please note that the pace and talking points are geared towards individuals aged 14 and up. Minors must have a parent/guardian present at all times.

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Change: 175 feet

Advance registration required. The parking and program are free. Rain or adverse weather will cancel the event.

This land stewardship activity will focus on hand pulling of a highly invasive strain of mustard known as Saharan Mustard (different from black mustard) within Orchard Hills open space. This highly invasive plant recently spread into Orange County. The recent rains have allowed this year’s plants to grow quite large, some producing seed pods containing thousand of seeds. With a germination rate of over 90%, this will create a significant problem next year if these seeds are not removed.

The activity involves hand pulling of plants that range in size between 6″ and 3′ tall, clipping off the root and putting the part of the plant with all the seed heads into a large plastic trash bag. Hiking up to 3 miles on hilly terrain, frequent stooping and some kneeling are required.

Gloves, hand shears, and bags will be provided.

Please wear closed toed shoes and long pants, and bring plenty of water to sustain you for 3.5  hours.

Coordinated with Isaac Ostmann