Nature Walks, Bugs Up Close: OC Parks Events In RSM

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Now that the weather is changing with the seasons, it's time to get out in Rancho Santa Margarita.

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 the first half of September across Orange County:

• Sept. 4: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Adaptation Spotlight: Bees and Honey, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
  • Join OC Parks naturalists and learn about bees! We will search for bees during a short hike and discuss their role in nature, how they function and how they make honey! This program is for ages 7 and older. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water. Advance registration required. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Wild Tales, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
  • Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve —Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about Upper Newport Bay. Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors. The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is recommended.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 7: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – BioBlitz!, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
  • Learn how to be a scientist and join OC Parks in celebrating Biodiversity Day! Did you know California is a biodiversity hotspot? Help scientists and OC Parks staff document the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist, a smartphone app that allows people to share biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The program will also include a self-guided hike so you can document the species you find along the way! Advance registration required. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 7: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon, Black Star Canyon.
  • 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. Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly recommended. Advance registration is only required for equestrian use.
    • More info.
• Sept. 7: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Adapted California Sagebrush, Mile Square Regional Park.
  • Join us at Mile Square Regional Park to learn how California Sagebrush is built to survive Southern California’s harsh climate! Our program includes a short walk within Mile Square’s Nature Area where we'll discuss how California Sagebrush has adapted to the region and a creative drawing exercise using watercolor paint and colored pencils. Advance registration is recommended. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 12: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Little Explorers - Stars!, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
  • This program is for ages 3-6. Join OC Parks naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones as we explore the Willow Staging Area. Our theme of the month is stars! Advance registration is required for all participants, including children. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 13: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — Native Garden Stewardship, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park.
  • Join us as we work towards restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park. We will come together to maintain the native garden by removing invasive plants and expand the garden as conditions permit. We will meet in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • Register here.
• Sept. 13 & 14: 9 a.m. to noon — Chess and Checkers in the Nature Area, Mile Square Regional Park.
  • Drop by Mile Square Regional Park's Nature Area for chess, checkers, art and fun! A limited amount of chess and checkers sets will be available for free play as well as an array of art supplies including colored pencils, coloring pages, paper and watercolors. Feel free to bring your own materials! The program will take place on the south side of the Nature Area at the picnic tables. No registration required. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • More info.
• Sept. 14: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, Gypsum Canyon.
  • Come explore six miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration. Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
    • More info.
• Sept. 14: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Backyard Bugs, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
  • Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined! Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Advance registration required. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
    • Register here.