State of the Trails: The Dilley Loop

No, this is not in the Dilley - but the boulder did fall down on Laurel Canyon Trail!

The Dilley Loop, (Canyon Trail and Mariposa Trail in the James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve), experienced significant damage in the December storms. A large mudflow at the head of the canyon completely covered a significant portion of the trail. Water flowing from side canyons also caused severe erosion along the trail's entire length.

During our January 15^th Keep It Wild day (our monthly public volunteer program), volunteers worked to clean up the slide area and route drainage across the trail in four locations.  We installed several water diversions to divert water off the trail during future storms, which will lessen the chance of erosion. Later in the month,  volunteers came out again to reroute several short sections of trail out of low spots with poor drainage.  Then, on February 13th, the Trail Crew, a specialized group of 8 heavy-lifting volunteers worked on the Mariposa Trail, adding water diversions and clearing brush.

As Tom Eastman, a lead trail volunteer, says, "the trail is still not in perfect condition, but it's much better than after the storms. Most important, it's open to the public again!" Thanks so much to the OC Park Staff and all of the Volunteers who worked hard to re-open the Dilley Loop!

South Coast Wilderness Education Program Update

3rd graders at play during program introduction

In January and February, 402 fourth-graders from four elementary schools in Santa Ana and Tustin visited the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center as part of our South Coast Wilderness Education Program for underserved youth. We set up various stations along the trails and at Barbara's Lake to help students understand the adaptations animals and plants need to survive in the habitats of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For example, using binoculars, students learn how adaptations to bird beaks and feet help them eat certain types of food. In March, we look forward to welcoming 4^th grade students to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

Flower Update From Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park Resource Specialist Laura Cohen

On Bommer Ridge Popcorn Flower and California Suncup contrast the green of Emerald Canyon.

They are here! You can't find them everywhere and only occasionally in profusion, but I've already seen more than 25 species of plants in bloom!

Would you like to see photos of the twenty-five flowers I've found blooming at Laguna Coast? 

Last week, as I walked to Barbara's Lake, checking to see if it was dry enough to open the trails, I noticed the first young Audubon's Cottontails of the season.   Ducks, like the Northern Shoveler, currently are paddling Barbara's Lake.   

(You can get a look at this beautiful duck, hear its voice and find out about its natural history here)  

After each rain, the birds around the Nix Nature Center create a complex chorus of songs and calls; the Wrentit, California Thrasher, Western Scrub Jay, and White-Crowned Sparrow all celebrate, often accompanied by a drumming woodpecker.

To receive monthly updates from Resource Specialist Laura Cohen follow the link below!

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Special Events: Wild and Beautiful - Allan Schoenherr's Book Signing a Big Success.

Super volunteer Marty Sorkin shows off newly signed Wild and Beautiful!

Over 80 people came to the The James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center to listen to local author and natural historian Dr. Allan Schoenherr give a 30-minute presentation on the area's natural history. He also signed his latest Book, Wild and Beautiful-A Natural History of Open Spaces in Orange County. It was a fantastic event, and raised over $1,000 that will be put towards buying a new tractor for the Rangers of Laguna Coast and Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park. If you'd like to help us raise money for the tractor as part of our Friends Fundraising Goals, call us at.

 March Public Programs   

March Programs for Aliso and Wood Canyons and Laguna Coast Wilderness Parks

For more information: Visit lagunacanyon.org, www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast or www.ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons .   

Call 949-923-2235 to make your reservation for all program!

03/8, Tues., 9 a.m.-11 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Exploring Biodiversity Hike - Learn about the diversity of animal and plant species and enjoy the early wildflowers as you explore our ever-changing wilderness on an easy, 1.5-mile, slow and easy hike over rocky and uneven terrain. For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/9, Wed., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Yoga Hike -Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 12 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, 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.

03/10, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/11, Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Discovery Hike - Explore beautiful Wood Canyon as you discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 5-mile hike (200-ft. elevation gain). 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.

03/12, Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.,Laguna Coast: Wildflower Hike - Learn to identify native plants and wildflowers with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate, but steep and rocky 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/12, Sat., 9-10:30 a.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Trailside Encounters -There are always new encounters along the trail! Hear the latest wildlife gossip on this easy, approximately 1-mile hike with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. 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.

03/13, Sun., 8-11 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Geology Hike - Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area on this strenuous, 3.5-mile hike (700 ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/15, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m., Laguna Coast: Yoga for Adults - Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches and breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/16, Wed., 3:30-4:30 p.m.,Laguna Coast: Yoga for Kids - Children ages 6-10 will explore a fun-filled yoga experience in a wilderness setting with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $18 for 6-class series; $3/child drop in.

03/17, Thurs., 8:30-10:45 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate.) Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

03/18, Fri., 9-11:30 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Elder Trek - Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life and the early wildflowers. on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 10 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/18, Fri., 3:00-5:30 p.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Stress-Free Early Evening Hike -Come and enjoy a stress-free end to your day on this 2.4-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most biologically diverse areas. 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.

03/18, Fri., 9-10 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Tot Walk - Bring your wee ones, babies to 3 years, to explore our wild backyard on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/19, Sat., 8-11 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Keep It Wild Volunteer Day - Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult .Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).

03/19, Sat., 8-11 a.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Keep It Wild Volunteer Day -Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).

03/20, Sun., 8:30-10:45 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate.) Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

03/21, Mon., 9-11 a.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: 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. Sorry, 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.

03/22, Tues., 9-11 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Dilley Loop Nature Hike - Get close to nature on this leisurely 2.0 mile loop hike (370-ft. elevation gain) on steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants and animals or maybe just their tracks and signs along the way. Enjoy the early wildflowers. For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/24, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m.,Laguna Coast: 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.

03/26, Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.,Laguna Coast: California Native Plant and Wildflower Hike - Enjoy our coastal canyons while exploring the biodiversity of Laurel and Willow Canyons on this 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) through an oak canopy with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/26, Sat., 10-11:30 a.m.., Aliso & Wood Canyons: 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.

03/27, Sun., 9-11:30 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Cultural Resource Hike - Learn how Native Americans used various plants on this rigorous, steep and uneven 2-mile hike (400-foot elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

03/27, Sun., 8-11:30 a.m.,Laguna Coast: Birding Hike - Spot local native and winter migratory birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 3.5 mile hike over uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. 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.

03/31, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Aliso & Wood Canyons: Fitness Hike -Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, 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.