Activity Cards

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a sitting material if you wish (i.e. tarp, seating pad, small chair, etc.). The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is recommended. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Come and learn how to be a scientist by joining OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation Naturalists in a BioBlast! Did you know California is a biodiversity hotspot? Help document the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna, and get comfortable with using iNaturalist. Then you will go out and hike on your own while documenting the species you find along the way!

Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program!

This event is part of a whole day exploring the different habitats of Laguna Beach as we count and record as many species we can find in one day! Click here to see the whole schedule of events for the day led by Laguna Ocean Foundation. Please register through their website (in addition to your registration below) for the “Plant Hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation” event. Register here.

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

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area 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. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and create an account before arriving to the program!

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 with any questions.

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

Certificated Animal Behavior and Tracking Volunteers will be observing and analyzing tracks and scat found on and near the trails of Fremont Preserve and in Santiago Creek on the Landmarks.

If you have attended the ABAT class and are a graduate, we encourage you to attend monthly workshops to keep your tracking skills fine-tuned. We look forward to seeing you.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:

• • Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
  • Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
  • Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.