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

                   www.lagunacanyon.org

 May, 2011

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

Big BendI am happy to report that through the efforts of our President, Derek Ostensen, the City of Laguna Beach accepted our proposal to preserve a 3.7-acre city parcel as open space. This unique property is located in the  Big Bend area of Laguna Canyon and serves as the primary wildlife corridor between the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Everything from tennis courts to skate parks and soccer fields have been proposed for this parcel; but, due to traffic constraints, all proposals have been denied by the city. Derek's proposal to the council was perfect. In fact, we proposed two options: 1) preserve the entire parcel and 2) at the request of city staff that would preserved approximately 60% of the parcel. Both Derek and I were unsure of how the council would vote, and we were we pleased when the council voted 5-0 to preserve the entire parcel as open space.

"No tennis courts or skateboard parks or parking, no bakery, no coffee shop," said mayor pro tem Jane Egly.

"I want to see it as open space and beautiful with wildlife," added Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson. For more information follow this link to the Laguna Beach Independent Article on Big Bend Property

The task now is to restore this parcel to native habitat aided by a $100,000 grant the Laguna Canyon Foundation received from the Orange County Transit Authority. In addition, we hope to engage local groups, businesses and individuals to join our volunteer ranks to help restore this land. If you are interested in becoming a LCF volunteer to help us with this project then follow this link.

We congratulate Derek for his incomparable commitment to the South Coast Wilderness!

Critter of the Month - Bobcat Sightings 

Bobcat

Click to see bobcat at night

Thanks to LCF and IRC Volunteer Kevin Herbinson,who has been maintaining a series of motion activated cameras within the park, these images and videos of a bobcat are available for all to enjoy.  It is estimated that between 30 and 50 bobcats roam the San Juaquin Hills. Bobcats can live more than ten years eating small mammals (mainly rabbits). Each year, numerous bobcats are killed in vehicular accidents, poisonings and habitat fragmentation. Let's hope Kevin's friend lives a long and safe life within the South Coast Wilderness.

Bobcat

Click to see bobcat in day


For more information on bobcats within the wilderness area visit United States Geological Survey's Western Ecological Research Center Site. 

 

Earth Day Thank You   

Earth Day

Kendra and Gianluca Keep it Wild!

On behalf of the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, I thank all the volunteers who joined us for this year's Keep it Wild Earth Day Stewardship event. Twenty volunteers pulled mustard plants under the hot sun for three hours at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. At Aliso and Wood Canyons, more than 20 volunteers worked to eradicate thistle and plant native species. A special thank you to those who organized the Aliso and Wood Canyons Keep it Wild Earth Day--Ranger Porsche, Kendra Jones, Paul Doyle and Guine Breeding. Below is an email I received from a family attended the Earth Day stewardship event with their son:

"I wanted to tell you about the great experience we had in Aliso & Wood Canyons Keep it Wild Volunteer Day last Saturday.  My 7-year-old son, Gianluca, has to do a community service project for his class at Top of the World School. We selected that activity and showed up Saturday, not sure what to expect.  We were greeted cheerfully by the rangers and showed how to distinguish non-native plants.  Portia was very helpful, explaining to Gianluca why it is necessary to remove the non-native plants.  He is now ready to share his knowledge with his classmates.  Both Kendra and Portia took their time to find tasks that would engage Gianluca and teach him at the same time.  Kendra showed him how to properly plant a native plant. Kendra assigned him the joyful task of watering the new plantings.

 

The extra time Kendra & Portia gave him the special attention, but it was well worth it.  As we were leaving, he told me that this was the best choice for community service....better than anything else he could have chosen.  He said he would like to go back and do it again, which is a significant feat considering he pulled ragweed for about 45 minutes.   

 

We plan to share our positive experience with the whole class during a presentation next week.  We took a few photos of the experience that we will show the class and maybe recruit some additional volunteers for next time."

In addition, LCF sends a special thanks to Irvine Ranch Conservancy's volunteers who spent Earth Day working to restore native habitat near Willow Canyon. They did a great job pulling weeds and working under a hot sun. We appreciate all your efforts.

Donor Hike Series  


Two hikes remain for our springtime donor hike series. The first two events were outstanding - exploring the natural history of Laurel Canyon with Allan Schoenherr and birding with Tom Eastman in Willow Canyon. If you have time, please join us on the trail for the last two events. Several spots are available.

  • Laguna Canyon Natural History with Dr. Elisabeth Brown, James Dilley Preserve, 10:00 a.m., May 11th
  • Native Flowers and Plants on the Mariposa Trail, James Dilley Preserve with Karin Klein, Author of 50 Hikes in Orange County, May 29th at 8:00 a.m.
To sign up follow this link

May Public Programs   

Bobcat

May Programs for Aliso and Wood Canyons and Laguna Coast Wilderness Parks - New
Online Registration System 

 

LCF has introduced an online registration system for public programs. For May, you may register by phone 949-923-2235 or try our new online system. We hope this new system provides a more efficient manner to sign up.  

 

To view programs online visit:Visit our website 

 

Click here for April programs at Crystal Cove State Park 

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

 


May 5            Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast            Thur. 8:30-10:30 am

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.

Register for Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 6            Lake Stroll - Laguna Coast            Fri. 9:00 - 11:30 am

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.

Register for Lake Stroll - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 7            Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast            Sat. 8:30 - 10:30 am

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5.0-mile hike (700-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.

Register for Advanced Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 10            Exploring Biodiversity Hike- Laguna Coast            Tue. 9:00 - 11:00 am

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.

Register for Exploring Biodiversity Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 11            Yoga Hike - Aliso and Wood            Wed. 8:30 - 10:30 am

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.

Register for Yoga Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 12            Fitness Hike - Aliso and Wood            Thur. 8:30 - 10:30 am

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.

Register for Fitness Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo, CA  on Eventbrite 

May 13            Discovery Hike - Aliso and Wood            Fri. 9:00 - 12:00 pm

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.

Register for Discovery Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 14            Backcountry Flora and Exploration Hike - Laguna Coast            Sat. 7:30 - 11:30 am

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation's volunteer naturalists in exploring the backcountry of the park and 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, 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.

Register for Backcountry Flora & Exploration Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 15            Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast            Sun. 8:30 - 10:30 am

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.

Register for Ridge Park Advanced Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Newport Coast, CA  on Eventbrite 

May 16            Baby and Me Hike - Aliso and Wood            Mon. 9:00 - 11:00 am

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.

Register for Baby and Me Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 17            Yoga for Adults - Laguna Coast                        Tue. 9:00 - 10:30 am

Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches, 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.

Register for Yoga for Adults, 2 - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 17            Yoga for Kids - Laguna Coast             Tue. 3:30 - 4:30 pm

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.

Register for Yoga for Kids - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 19            Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast            Thur. 8:30 - 10:30 am

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, 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

Register for Dilley Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 20            Lake Stroll - Laguna Coast            Fri. 9:00 - 11:30am

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.

Register for Lake Stroll 2 - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 20            Stress-Free Early Evening Hike - Aliso and Wood            Fri. 4:00 - 6:00 pm

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.

Register for Stress Free Early Evening Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo, CA  on Eventbrite 

May 21            Keep It Wild Volunteer Day - Laguna Coast            Sat. 8:00 - 11:00am

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).

Register for Keep it Wild Stewardship Day - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 21            Keep It Wild Volunteer Day - Aliso and Wood            Sat. 8:00 - 11:00 am

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).

Register for Keep it Wild Stewardship Day - Aliso and Wood in Laguna Niguel, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 21            Geology Hike - Laguna Coast            Sat. 1:00 - 4:00pm

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. As evidence of these stories in stone, we'll examine a cave, polished rock along a fault, laminations in the sandstone, and scallop fossils, modern and prehistoric landslides, and huge lava filled fissures radiating across the landscape. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. 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.

Register for Geology Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 22            Birding Hike - Laguna Coast            Sun. 8:00 - 11:00am

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, 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.

Register for Birding Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 24            Dilley Loop Hike - Laguna Coast            Tue. 9:00 - 11:00am

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.

Register for Dilley Loop Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite 

May 26            Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast            Thur. 8:30 - 10:30am

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.5-mile hike (1,000-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, 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.

Register for Nix Fitness Hike - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 28            California Native Plants & Wildflowers Hike - Laguna Coast            Sat. 9:00 - 12:00pm

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, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike. For ages 12 and up. 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.

Register for California Native Plants and Wildflowers - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

May 28            Family Bike Ride - Aliso and Wood            Sat. 10:00 - 11:30 am

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.

Register for Family Bike Ride - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Laguna Niguel, CA  on Eventbrite  

 

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