Blog Archives

New Kids Activities and Hikes at OC Parks Wilderness Access Days

2/22/2013

Enjoy self-guided access to protected open space, or choose from docent-led hikes and kid-friendly nature activities.

Wilderness Access Days have gained a reputation as “DIY” open space experiences, with the support of friendly volunteers to help you along. However, for those not ready or too young to go it alone, OC Parks is introducing docent-led hikes and kids’ activities during their monthly Wilderness Access Days.

These events are held monthly, switching each month between Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon. On Saturday, March 2, the Wilderness Access Day is in Black Star Canyon, beginning at the Baker Canyon Staging Area. These unique outdoor adventures begin with check-in at the staging area, where friendly volunteers from Irvine Ranch Conservancy are on hand to help guide visitors to the right trails for their interest, experience and time available. Volunteers are also stationed out on the trails, to provide assistance along the way.

Winner Announced in Love the Landmarks Photo Contest

2/15/2013

Alex Gurrola wins 2013 OC Parks annual pass with photo of Limestone Canyon.

Photographers from all walks of life traversed tens of thousands of acres of open space to capture just the right shot. After public votes and a judges panel final decision, a panoramic shot of a group of hikers in Limestone Canyon has captured the grand prize in the inaugural Love the Landmarks Photo Contest.

The public contest asked for photos that reflect the locations within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and the connections people have to them. Anaheim resident Alex Gurrola’s winning shot depicts hikers on a docent-led trek to The Sinks, known as OC’s mini-Grand Canyon. The stunning image combines the beauty of The Sinks rock formation with the action of people enjoying natural surroundings. Gurrola will receive a 2013 OC Parks Combination Pass for his winning entry.

Love is in the Air…and on the Land

2/8/2013

Take your Valentine outdoors in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Who needs a lavish meal and roses when you and your love can discover a new trail, help care for open space, or enjoy the sunset from a hilltop?

Break the traditional Valentine’s Day structure by taking advantage of the nearly 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Programs coming up next week will help you and your sweetie (or your sweet kids) celebrate.

For an early celebration, discover a new trail together in Buck Gully on Monday. During the “Flora and Fauna Hike,” you can learn about this unique trail, its plants and local wildlife from a trained naturalist, then use that knowledge to enjoy your future hikes together. Bucky Gully in Newport Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk, so it’s ready for discovery anytime.

Upper Newport Bay Programs Get Kids in Touch with Nature

2/1/2013

Programs at the OC Parks Muth Interpretive Center help kids learn through crafts, hands-on activities and fun.

Using words to explain how a toad flicks out its tongue to snatch up food might not entice kids to learn about nature. But give them a blowout noisemaker and ask them to use it to snatch up foam “insects,” and that’s a lesson they can get into. Finding relatable ways to teach kids about the natural world is key to the weekly programs at OC Parks’ Muth Interpretive Center at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.

The programs are the perfect way for kids (and their parents) to learn about the biological and ecological significance of the seaside portion of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. From storytelling to crafts to fun activities and hands-on experience, OC Parks Resource Specialist Sue Stoffel uses a variety of techniques to pique kids’ interest in the ecology of the Back Bay. Since 2006, Stoffel has led weekly programs that highlight the flora and fauna in the preserve in a way that kids can learn from.

New Kids Activities and Hikes at OC Parks Wilderness Access Days

Winner Announced in Love the Landmarks Photo Contest

Love is in the Air…and on the Land

Upper Newport Bay Programs Get Kids in Touch with Nature

About

Archives

Categories