Bird Watching, Tot-Walking: OC Parks Events Near RSM

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Are you looking to get out more in Orange County?

OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of February designed to get Orange County residents out and engaged with all of the natural beauty the county's parks, beaches and trails have to offer.

Here's a rundown on the schedule of OC Parks events for March near Rancho Santa Margarita:

Friday, March 3 – Down on the Farm Preschool Program

• 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
• Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! This program is for ages 3-4 only. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle on weekdays.
• Registration: Call (714) 973-6846

Saturday, March 4 – Wilderness Access Day

• 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Silverado
• Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families as well as challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. A variety of trail loops offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minute walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.
• Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Tuesday, March 7 – Full Moon Hike in Peters Canyon

• 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park, Orange.
• Half the park is after dark! Come explore nocturnal sights and sounds as we hit the trails on this leisurely night hike. It’s chilly after sunset so wear warm layers, sturdy footwear and bring water. If possible, also bring a red filtered flashlight as this will help keep our night vision from being impacted by any bright light.
• Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Saturday, March 11 – Animal Art for Ages 5-6

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
• Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! This program is for ages 5-6 only. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking fee is $5 per car on weekends.
• Registration: Call (714) 973-6846

Wednesday, March 15 – Bird Walk in Peters Canyon

• 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park
• Stroll the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet song and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. This program is geared for all levels, though focused for a beginner-intermediate level birder. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!
• Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Thursday, March 16 – Preschool Paleontology: Art and Storytime

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Clark Regional Park, Buena Park
• Listen to stories about ancient animals, make a craft and enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park! Activities are designed for ages 2-5 but all are welcome. Space is limited and parents must register themselves and each child. This event is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle.
• Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Friday, March 17 – Tot Walk: Aliso and Wood Visitor Center

• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
• Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and to the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! OC Parks staff may even lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun!
• More information: ocparks.com/events

Monday, March 20 – Spring Equinox Hike in Santiago Oaks

• 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange
• Spring into the new season at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. On Monday, March 20, winter will transition into the spring season at about 2:24 p.m. We will take a stroll to look for signs of spring and greet the new season along the trails! Bring binoculars if you’d like, water and wear sturdy shoes and sun protection for our stroll.
• Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Tuesday, March 21 – Toddler Treks: Springtime Babies

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park
• Spring has sprung in Irvine Regional Park and that means more baby animals! Not all baby animals look like their parents; some may have spots, like a fawn, or look completely different, like a tadpole to a frog! Hear a fun tale about springtime and go on a walk to look for signs of spring. This program is geared for ages 2-6. Space is limited; parents/guardians must register themselves and each child. Program is free though there is a $3 Park Entrance Fee per vehicle.
• Registration: Call (714) 973-6625

Friday, March 31 – Spring Fling Preschool Program

• 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
• Come learn about animals associated with springtime including birds, insects, bunnies and more! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! This program is for ages 3-4 only. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle on weekdays.
• Registration: (714) 973-6846