Volunteers Hit the Paths for Cleanup

It was close, but Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park was spared the flames of last fall’s fires, which scorched nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park and destroyed hundreds of homes in Laguna Beach.

The fire reached a ridge on the boundary of Aliso and Wood Canyons before the wind shifted and turned the flames back to the southwest.

That bit of luck saved the park from sure calamity, but it still suffers from the usual wear and tear, accelerated in the past few months by increased use while Crystal Cove was closed. So, a full-scale volunteer work day is being launched Saturday to whip the park back into shape.

Tools, training and lunch will be provided, with free T-shirts to volunteers who register ahead of time.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park comprises 3,400 acres of open country running north and south between the communities of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel. Its canyons, grasslands, oak woodlands and other natural features are connected by an extensive trail network, used by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

Volunteers will repair erosion damage and clear overgrown trails. Those with some training might also be asked to help re-cut a portion of the Five Oaks Canyon Trail to increase its safety.

The event is sponsored by outdoor equipment store REI, along with the county Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department and Sierra Sage, a South Orange County sub-chapter of the Sierra Club. Sierra Sage, formed just 1 1/2 years ago, has adopted Aliso and Wood Canyons and has had small, monthly volunteer work parties since December.

REI will offer a free training session at 7 p.m. today at its Santa Ana store, 1411 S. Village Way.

Volunteers are encouraged to register for Saturday’s task. Participants should bring drinking water, work gloves, sturdy footwear and sunscreen.

What: Trail-service project.

When: Saturday, June 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park.

Whereabouts: From the San Diego (5) Freeway, exit at Alicia Parkway and head west. Just past Aliso Creek Road, turn right at Awma Road and park in the lot.

Wherewithal: Free.

Where to call: (714) 543-4142.

* RECREATION LISTINGS, Page 23