
Today Olympians are awarded medals for their achievements, but original Greek winners were awarded a simple olive wreath crown. This gift from nature, along with bragging rights, was their only prize. Before you watch this year’s Olympic games, learn how the first Olympiad events were connected to nature during the first of this summer’s “Celebrate Cultures in Nature” hiking series.
On Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 am, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will present the first hike of the ongoing series, called “Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Greek Olympics.” The educational hike will lead participants through Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and will explore the original Olympic Games. While traversing a distance of just over 5 miles with some steady inclines, participants 16 and over are welcome to come and work out like an Olympian while learning the origin of the Games.
The summer portion of this hiking series wraps up with “Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Chinese Moon Festival” on Sunday, September 30. While walking through Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine under a full moon, participants will learn more about this popular festival and explore its cultural and regional traditions. This hike is open to participants 15 and over.
“Celebrate Cultures in Nature” is an ongoing series, and will continue in the fall. These programs are free, and pre-registration is required. To learn more and to register, visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.