Get Out In Rancho Santa Margarita: OC Parks Events Near You

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 September 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 September near Rancho Santa Margarita:

Event: "Bats: Heroes of the Night."

• Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado.
• Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Information: Do you want to learn more about bats? For this event, residents can come out to Limestone Canyon and hear fascinating tales of bats. Participating residents will then walk to a popular roosting location as day turns to night and the bats begin to awaken.
• Note: Residents are asked to dress warmly and bring a camping chair if they are unable to stand for long periods of time. Residents should also be prepared to walk about a half mile.

Event: "Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon."

• Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado.
• Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Information: Black Star Canyon, park of OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space, offers both introductory trails for families and beginners and challenging trails for more experienced hikers. On Sept. 3, residents can take the time for a community hike and explore local plant communities, appreciate beautiful scenery and walk at their own pace.
  • Note: To register, visit this website.

Event: "Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Mid-Autumn Festival."

• Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado.
• Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Information: This event will celebrate the Chinese practice of a "Mid-Autumn Festival." This night of commemoration enjoys the middle of autumn with lanterns and lion dances. Residents who attend can also expects an evening hike in Round Canyon, and discover historical tales about the natural landmarks at Irvine Ranch.

Event: "Sunset Cinema Series: 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.'"

• Location: Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 E Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point.
• Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Information: Residents can join OC Parks as it hosts its Sunset Cinema Film Series with an outdoor screening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."
• Note: Event and parking are free, and food and beverage will be available onsite for purchase. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6 p.m., and the film will begin at roughly 7:45 p.m. after sundown.

Event: "Keep it Wild: Native Plant Nursery."

• Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.
• Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Information: Residents can join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park inside the park's native plant nursery. Residents can gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside plant-lovers.
  • Note: Residents interested in participating in this event should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protections. Residents should also bring their own water. The event is suitable for resident ages 16 and up, and residents ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Event: "Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay."

• Location: Upper Newport Bay Preserve, 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach.
• Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Information: Residents can lend a helping hand and join Newport Bay Conservancy members and local volunteers around the world for Coastal Cleanup Day. On the day of the event, residents will work to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches in Newport Beach.
  • Note: Residents are asked to wear old clothes and closed-toed shoes or rain boots, as most locations are muddy. Residents are also asked to register via EventBrite.

For a full run-down on OC Parks events for September, visit its website.