Laguna Canyon Foundation

Laguna Canyon Foundation April Newsletter
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting,
    enhancing, and promoting the 20,000-acre South Coast Wilderness
                   www.lagunacanyon.org

April, 2011

Dear Friends of the Laguna Canyon Foundation and South Coast Wilderness,

Spring is here and we do not have to look far to see its signs. The sycamores are budding, birds are chirping, and bobcats are playing (read Ranger Portia's story below). It 's time to dust off the boots and head out into the park where an incredible network of over 70 miles of trails awaits you in Aliso and Wood Canyons and Laguna Coast Wilderness parks. No matter what your interest - hiking, biking, birding, or painting - I guarantee once you leave the hustle behind you, you will find yourself rejuvenated. To help you get out on the trails and to say thank you to LCF Friends, we have arranged a special series of donor hikes with an incredible group of naturalists. These hikes are only available to our donors and will fill up fast - so sign up now or call Guine at 949-497-8324. Our spring series donor hikes are:

Celebrate Earth Day Hike with Dr. Allan Schoenherr, Willow Staging, 9:00 a.m., April 22^nd
Birding Safari with Tom Eastman, Super Naturalist, Willow Staging, 8:00 a.m., April 30^th
Laguna Canyon History with Dr. Elisabeth Brown, Dilley Preserve, 10:00 a.m., May 11^th
Native Flowers and Plants on the Mariposa Trail, Karin Klein, Naturalist and author of 50 Hikes in Orange County, James Dilley Preserve, 8:00a.m., May 29^th

If you are not a Friend of Laguna Canyon Foundation and would like to join us on a hike, not to worry, you can easily become a friend by visiting our website or reading the information provided below. As we all know, spring is an amazing time in the South Coast Wilderness. We look forward to seeing you one the trails and appreciate all you have done to help Keep it Wild!

Max Borella
Executive Director

Critter of the Month - the Western Spadefoot Toad

Spadefoot Toad (photo courtesy of

Katherine Baumberger, USGS)

The following is adapted from Katherine Baumberger's Spadefoot Toad Master's Thesis proposal. The Laguna Canyon Foundation is actively searching for donors interested in contributing to her research project.

The western spadefoot toad is a small, burrowing toad that occurs only in California and Baja California. It is a US Fish and Wildlife Service species of concern and a species of interest in the County of Orange Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). Historically, spadefoot toads inhabited lowlands such as river floodplains and breed in vernal pools, ephemeral water bodies that occur after California's winter rains. Those pools must last for three weeks for the tadpoles to metamorphose successfully. Unfortunately, about 90% of California's vernal pools have been lost, leaving spadefoot toads to breed in road ruts, with detrimental consequences for the tadpoles. Locally, spadefoot toads are found on ridgetops in Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness State Park. It is not known if spadefoot toads move off or along the ridge tops to connect to other breeding populations.

Katherine's research looks to determine the home range and activity patterns of spadefoot

toads to provide land managers biologically-based management strategies for preserving toad populations. If you would like to learn more about Katherine's project, volunteer with toad surveys, or contribute funding please contact LCF.

A Bobcat's Dilemma - Update from Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

by Ranger Portia Arutunian

While on patrol on the paved road along Aliso Creek near the Meadows Trail entrance, I noticed a bobcat pouncing in the tall grass several times. Seemingly frustrated, he gave up and began sauntering along the paved road. A great blue heron was standing in the tall grass next to the road five feet away. The bobcat stopped and stared at the heron. The heron stared back and began to stretch his neck and head higher, looking four feet tall. The stare-down continued for several minutes.

Bobcat thoughts: "A nice BIG meal?" Heron thoughts: "It's too late to fly away. I will make myself look really BIG." Bobcat second thoughts: "What is that sharp pointy thing sticking out of his head? I think I will pass on this one." Bobcat continued on his way and soon pounced again near the road. Success! A yummy, chubby meadow vole.

Animal Stories from Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park Resource Specialist Laura Cohen

Click here to see lizard courting

Spring is here! The emerging new Sycamore leaves cover branches that have been barren all winter. Nearer the ground, spring buds appear. California towhees appear in pairs, as do the red-tailed hawks and the western fence lizards...and rabbits jump playfully together.

The western fence lizards are courting now. Watch the nodding display of the male as he approaches the female. Discover her demonstration of acceptance in this video filmed on the bridge along Mary's Trail:

Two weeks ago, Supervising Ranger Barbara Norton, for the first time, saw a bobcat hunting in the meadow behind Nix Nature Center. It spent two minutes chasing California ground squirrels and Audubon's cottontails - as Ranger Barbara watched! And I missed it!

How did the mammals protect themselves from this crafty bobcat? Ranger Barbara said it was bedlam, with all squirrels and rabbits running in different directions. The bobcat had a difficult time deciding where to go. Our California ground squirrels have a preventative alarm system. One squirrel sits at a place with a view and sounds the alarm if things look threatening.

Remember, it's spring, the time of renewal. Come and renew yourself in the natural world!

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

Receive Laura's Updates

Update from Crystal Cove State Park naturalist, Winter Bonnin

Visit our friends at Crystal Cove

I am accustomed to being stared at. After 14+ years wearing a California State Parks uniform and several more dressed in National Park Service attire, the green garb feels like a second skin. I don't mind the whispers and sideways glances for although I am conscious of being stared at I am not self-conscious. My job as an interpreter often takes me out of the park and into the world. I can be found at schools, shops or even office buildings. I go to pet stores for Roosevelt's weekly meal, Home Depot, Staples, and occasionally out to lunch. Yesterday, I visited the

Braille Institute with Crystal Cove Alliance Education Coordinator Sue Magdziarz and several volunteers and from the number of curious looks I knew I wasn't in "Kansas" anymore.

Sue has designed a wonderful interpretive program for Braille Institute students who have taken a sensory awareness class and this pre-visit session was to familiarize the students with what to expect when they visit the park which will include exploring beach animals, exploring different types of sand (using sand from a high energy beach vs. a low energy beach,) and a lesson focusing on the measurement of wave frequency. The ultimate goal is to help empower those who are visually impaired to lead more fulfilling lives by offering the tools and confidence to be comfortable in the coastal environment. For some of these people the visit next week will reawaken their childhood memories and for others it will be a foreign experience. They are excited and we are excited too. I salute Sue for embracing this partnership and providing this awesome opportunity to those who may never otherwise have the chance.

Click here to read Winter's full update. To join her email list mail her at wbonnin@parks.ca.gov.

2011 Funding Goals and Special Offers for LCF's Friend Program

Laurel Falls is at is again!

Thank you to all of our dedicated donors. Your support enables LCF to support the parks, coordinate volunteer-led programs and activities, provide education programs, and restore lost and damaged habitat. We have lofty funding priorities for 2011 that include:

Purchasing a tractor for Laguna Coast and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Parks to assist in trail maintenance, flood damage repairs, and habitat restoration
Complete funding of a shade sale at the Nix Nature Center to cover the donor courtyard
Purchasing educational outreach materials including Cornell Lab's eBird Trail Tracker project and field naturalists kits
Providing supplemental funding to pay for school busses for local school classes
Funding active biological and geological research in the park
Providing back country educational and location (map) signage

In order to achieve these goals, LCF looks to expand our donor base through our expanded Friends Program and offering new benefits. We have four levels of Friends Donors, they are:

$50 Friends Membership: You receive LCF's monthly online newsletter, a Friends of Laguna Canyon Foundation decal, and a Keep it Wild t-shirt.
$100 Coyote Level Friend: You receive a Friends package plus a copy of Nature's Laguna Wilderness, a stunning pictorial book by Laguna local Ron Chilcote.
$250 Cactus Wren Level Friend: You receive a the basic friends package plus a copy of Nature's Laguna Wilderness and Dr. Allan Schoenherr's latest book, Wild and Beautiful - A History of Open Spaces in Orange County
$1000 Bobcat Level Friend: You receive major donor benefits that include the basic friends package, both books, a lapel pin plus recognition at the Donor Courtyard at the Nix Nature Center in Laguna Coast Wilderness park.

Many hands make any task easier. If you have not renewed your Friends membership, you may do so by visiting LCF's friend page. Additionally, if you believe in our mission please feel free to get others involved by sending them this newsletter or having them contact us with any questions they may have. Your support will help us meet our goal to Keep It Wild and ensure that generations to come will enjoy the splendor of our coastal canyons open space.

April Public Programs

April 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 reservations

Click here for April programs at Crystal Cove State Park

Click here for April programs at Irvine Open Space Preserve and Irvine Ranch Conservancy

04/1, Sat. Fri. 9:00-11:30 am, Laguna Coast: Lake Stroll -Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this leisurely paced, 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.

04/2, Sat. 8:30-10:30 am, Laguna Coast:Fitness Hike -Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5.0-mile hike (1185-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Not for beginners, appropriate hiking shoes and hiking poles strongly recommended. For ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Big Bend Staging Area (ask for directions when making reservations). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

04/3, Sun. 8:00-10:30 am, Laguna Coast: Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride -Catch beautiful canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. This is for INTERMEDIATE riders with mountain biking experience. Appropriate mountain biking equipment required. Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. This bike ride is not for beginners! 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person

04/3, Sun., 8:00 - 11:00 am, Aliso and Wood Canyons: Edible and Useful Plant Hike - Learn about edible and useful plants and on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 2.4-mile hike (100-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 12 and up. 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.

04/3, Sun., 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Aliso and Wood Canyons: Family Sun Day Fun Day - Families are invited to come play, explore, touch, listen, and connect with each other and nature. LCF volunteer naturalist and nature mentor Kimberly Leeds will guide you through nature activities and games to enliven your wilderness awareness. Bring your curiosity! Wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Hats and water are a must! The terrain will be uneven and steep in some areas, be prepared to possibly get dirty, and get up close and personal with nature! The walk will be a maximum of 1 mile round trip. 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. Donation: $2/person.

04/5, Tue. 9:00-10:30 am, 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. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. 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.

04/7, Thur., 8:30 - 10:30 am, Aliso and 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.

04/8, Fri., 9:00 - 12:00 pm, Aliso and 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.

04/9, Sat., 9:00 - 10:30 am, Aliso and Wood Canyons: Explore the Trails - 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.

04/9, Sat. 7:30-11:30 am, Laguna Coast:Backcountry Flora and Exploration Hike - Join Laguna Canyon Foundation in exploring the backcountry of the park to discover the hidden treasures that few venture far enough to see. Spring Wildflowers, fossils and more will be discussed on this rigorous 6-mile hike on steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain).This hike is for experienced and conditioned hikers only. Proper footwear, at least 2 liters of water and a snack are required to attend this hike. 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.

04/12, Tue. 9:00-11:00 am, Laguna Coast:Exploring Biodiversity Hike -Learn about the diversity of animal and plant species as you explore our ever-changing wilderness on a 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.

04/13,Wed., 9:00 - 10:30 am, Aliso and 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. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. 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.

04/14, Thurs. 8:30-10:30 am, Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft. elevation gain) 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.

04/15,Fri., 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Aliso and 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.

04/15, Fri. 9:00-10:00 am, 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.

04/15, Fri. 9:00-11:30 am, Laguna Coast: Lake Stroll - Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life 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.

04/16, Sat., 8:00 - 11:00 am, Aliso and Wood Canyons: Keep It Wild Volunteer Day - Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. 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).

04/16, Sat. 8:00- 11:00 am, 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).

04/16, Sat. 8:00-11:00 am, Laguna Coast: Spring in the Park Hike - Winter rains have given the park a new look. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer Naturalists as they point out new plant-life as well as other ecological and geological changes. Moderately, strenuous 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-feet elevation gain). 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.

04/17, Sun. 8:00-11:00 am, Laguna Coast: Birding Hike - Spot local native and spring migrant birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain (400 ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. For ages 12 and up. Bring your binoculars. 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.

04/17, Sun. 8:30-10:30 am, Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5-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.

04/18, Mon., 9:00 - 11:00 am, Aliso and 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. 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.

04/19, Tue. 9:00-10:30am, 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. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. 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.

04/19, Tue. 3:30-4:30pm, 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.

04/21, Thur. 8:30-10:30am, 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.

04/23, Sat., 10:00 - 11:30 am, Aliso and 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.

04/23, Sat. 9:00 - 12:00pm, Laguna Coast: Geology Hike - Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. Emphasis will be placed on how the rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park's ancient environments. This is a 2-mile hike (400 ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. 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.

04/24, Sun. 9:00 - 12:00pm, Laguna Coast:California Native Plants and Wildflower Hike - Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate, fast-paced, steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike. 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.

04/26, Tue. 9:00 - 11:00am, Laguna Coast: Dilley Loop Hike - Get close to nature on this leisurely 2-mile hike (370-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants, animals or maybe their tracks and signs along the way. 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.

04/28, Thur. 8:30 - 10:30am, Laguna Coast: Fitness Hike - Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5-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.