Exploring local wilderness trails early in the morning means that not only will you beat the heat, but you might spot some local wildlife before they head deeper into the canyon. On September 7, the bimonthly Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon begins at 7 a.m., just when animals such as mule deer, rabbits and a variety of birds are starting to stir.
Wilderness Access Days are held monthly in Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. The location switches between the two sites each month, offering visitors the chance to explore much of the OC Parks Irvine Ranch Open Space each month. This month, visitors to the Baker Staging Area used for the Wilderness Access Day will see major improvements in progress, including preparations for a 48-foot shade sail, restroom enclosures and an improved interpretive area.
Wilderness Access Days are held monthly in Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. The location switches between the two sites each month, offering visitors the chance to explore much of the OC Parks Irvine Ranch Open Space each month. This month, visitors to the Baker Staging Area used for the Wilderness Access Day will see major improvements in progress, including preparations for a 48-foot shade sail, restroom enclosures and an improved interpretive area.
Black Star Canyon is part of 20,000 acres of open space given to the County of Orange in 2010, and the land is part of nearly 40,000 acres of the former Irvine Ranch that have been designated as both a National and California Natural Landmark for its rare biological and geological features. OC Parks partners with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to manage these open space areas and to provide public access through Wilderness Access Days and docent-led programs.
The “DIY” experience of Wilderness Access Day begins 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. From an easy nature walk for families to more challenging routes, opportunities for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts are available. There is also a docent-led hike for visitors who want to learn more about locally-native plants, beginning at 9 am.
The Black Star Wilderness Access Day is 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 7, with the last trail entry at noon. Wilderness Access Days and docent-led hikes are free, and while registration for the access day is strongly encouraged, registration for docent-led hikes is required. Participants can register online at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
The “DIY” experience of Wilderness Access Day begins 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. From an easy nature walk for families to more challenging routes, opportunities for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts are available. There is also a docent-led hike for visitors who want to learn more about locally-native plants, beginning at 9 am.
The Black Star Wilderness Access Day is 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 7, with the last trail entry at noon. Wilderness Access Days and docent-led hikes are free, and while registration for the access day is strongly encouraged, registration for docent-led hikes is required. Participants can register online at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
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