Orange County Blog

National Trails Day 2012 - "America’s Largest Trailgating Party” “This year's annual trail event marks the 20th anniversary of the American Hiking Society's trail awareness program.  National Trails Day is America’s largest trail celebration and it is still going strong after 20years!"  (http://www.backcountryattitude.com/national-trails-day.html)
On Saturday, June 2, 2012 take some time to participate in a local hike, dog walk, cycling event, horse-back ride, trail maintenance project, paddle trip, health fair, geocaching activity, photo safari, birdwatching expedition, or some activity in our beautiful environment. Whatever you like to do outdoors, there is bound to be an event that will match your interests. (Adapted from http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD/Events/)

There are loads of great and worthy events all over Southern California, but as OC is near and dear to our hearts, here is a local OC event:
REI Orange County will be partnering with local non-profits to support trail restoration in Aliso Woods Canyon Wilderness Park. Highlighting the efforts of SHARE Mountain Bike Club and Laguna Canyon Foundation, volunteers will work to plant native species and brush removal from the trail, along with non native plan removal from the area of the new bridge in the Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park.
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Pre-registration is required  at http://www.rei.com/tustin

Did you know Orange County is home to 14 Regional Parks, 7 Wilderness Parks, and 7 Historical Parks? And besides miles and miles of hiking trails, most of the parks offer amazing community programs.  Today let’s focus on Riley Wilderness Park…

“As a wildlife sanctuary, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is home to an abundant number of native plants and animal life. Old groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks border the park's two seasonally flowing creeks. The remaining land features rolling hills and canyons of Coastal Sage Scrub and grasslands.”  http://www.ocparks.com/wildernessparks/

Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
30952 Oso Parkway
Coto de Caza, CA 92679
(949)923-2265 or (949)923-2266

Astronomy Night - Star Program
October 1st  - 6:45 pm (Sunset) to 9:30 pm
Have you ever been curious about the stars and planets that are visible in the night sky? Have you wondered what they would look like through a telescope? If so, come participate in our Astronomy Night program led by our Volunteer Astronomers for an evening under the stars!
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $3.00 per vehicle
Special Instructions: Dress for the night weather; Bring beach chairs and maybe a picnic dinner. Please note: Overcast or cloudy conditions cancels event.

Sunset Hike
October 15th - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Experience Riley Wilderness Park at Sunset by joining a Ranger for a leisurely 1 hour hike through Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub and Grassland communities. Enjoy the wide variety of plants and animals that make their home here.
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $3.00 per vehicle
Special Instructions: Be sure to wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing and hiking shoes. Bring water and insect repellent. Please - No stroller or Baby Joggers.

Be sure to visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/beaches-parks.html to explore all the offerings that OC brings to its residents!