
While rain has eluded us this year, in 2010 the storms were so strong that local trails sustained heavy damage. One of those affected was Emerald Canyon Trail in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and now OC Parks has announced a trail restoration and construction project that will repair this popular trail.
Volunteers are needed to help complete the project, which includes trail trimming, re-routing and maintenance along with the bridge installation. The first, up-trail bridge is a 16-foot long wooden structure, while the second bridge will span a 60-foot wide, 20-foot deep gully created by the storm damage. The work will span approximately 1.75 miles of the Emerald Canyon Trail. The first volunteer opportunity is February 1.
“Laguna Canyon Foundation is so happy to be a part of this wonderful partnership to open up Emerald Canyon Trail. We want to do everything we can to make sure parks and trails stay open for all the dedicated hikers and bikers who love being outside, and this is a great example of different entities coming together to do what’s best for the open space,” said Hallie Jones, Executive Director of Laguna Canyon Foundation.
The trail was closed last week, and work has already begun. Heavy equipment is being used along the trail to repair the damage, so visitors should make sure to obey trail closure signs. To participate in the volunteer work day on February 1, click here. For more information on the project and how to volunteer, visit LetsGoOutside.org orLagunaCanyon.org. For more information about Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, go to OCParks.com.