Orange County Blog

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!

Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists partner with Orange County Parks’ staff to bring amazing outdoor activities each month designed to educate OC residents about local flora, fauna, geology, and history of this 20,000 acre wilderness area.  Take a look at just some of Orange County weekend events as well as week day events during the month of September: 

September 19, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 20, Mon., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Baby and Me Hike: Explore Mother Nature on your way to fitness. This brisk, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) is for expectant women and mothers with babies in arms, packs or slings. No toddlers. (Trails not accessible for strollers.) Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person

September 25, Sat., 8:30-10 a.m., Family Bike Ride: Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 30, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

Laguna Canyon Foundation http://www.lagunacanyon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the South Coast Wilderness.

And now that you have your hiking boots on, why not take a look at Orange County’s other Regional and Wilderness parks.http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/beaches-parks.html

Take note all of you OC runners and yes, walkers also.  Here is a wonderful chance to lace up your shoes and participate in a worthwhile activity!

-- NEW LOCATION --
Orange County Sheriff Regional Training Academy
15991 Armstrong Avenue, Tustin, CA 92782

Special Guests include Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Robin Sax, Author, Legal Analyst, and Victims Advocate

http://www.surviveandthriverunwalk.org/

But what is Crime Survivors all about?  Take a look at www.Welcome2OC.com and see how they are empowering victims of crime to survive and thrive!

Orange County, with its 42 miles of coastline, is a spectacular place to live. A day at the beach washes away cares and concerns while watching the sun set over the vast ocean offers a new perspective to life.  All in all, there is no such thing as a bad day at the beach.  And Orange County has a multitude of beaches from which to choose to spend a day.

But before heading out to enjoy sea and sand, take a look at these important reminders from the American Academy of Dermatology at www.WelcomeToOC.com

According to the Urban Dictionary, glamping is defined as “Shorthand for glamorous camping; luxury camping”.  The roots of glamping can be traced back to Africa decades ago.  Tourists yearning for safaris, but not willing to give up the comforts of home , found an entire industry willing to cater to their needs.  They could enjoy the wild setting while enjoying high tea.  Now glamping has risen to a whole new level with luxury camping resorts, safari camps, eco-resorts and campgrounds complete with 5 star amenities.

Take a look at http://www.welcometooc.com/ and discover whether camping or glamping is in your future.