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Orange County was once a beautiful wilderness, with vast fields of grasslands, sage scrub, wildflowers, and native plants overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Today, only 1/10th of the sage scrub and1 percent of our grassland remains. One out of three of our native flowers or plants are classified as endangered. And yet, you can still visit the natural beauty of Orange County without driving for hours. The research team at Visser’s Florist and Greenhouses in Anaheim has come up with a seven day itinerary to visit the hotspots of nature’s glory that still exist in our midst. Get up early, put on some comfortable walking shoes and follow us for a whirlwind tour.
Day One – The Fullerton Arboretum. The arboretum was founded in 1979 on the grounds on Cal State University Fullerton. It is located at 1900 Associated Road in Fullerton (714) 278-3579. It is open every day from 8:00 to 4:45. Admission is free, but they do request a $2.00 donation.
The arboretum is 26 acres of beautiful gardens, with rare plants and flowers from around the world arranged in different collections. There are peaceful garden paths that meander through the major groups: Cultivated, Woodlands, Mediterranean and Desert. As you tour the facility, be sure to visit the Rare Fruit Grove, the Channel Islands Garden, the extensive Cycad Collection, and the Children's Garden.
Day Two – Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949)923-2200. The park offers nature hikes lead by Rangers, as well as 30 miles of riding and hiking trails. It’s a great place to take your mountain bike or ride horses. It is officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
Home to Orange County’s Natural History Museum, this park represents a large natural buffer between Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Niguel. The trails follow the hills and canyons and feature some spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. There is an extensive variety of native plants, flowers, and wildlife. It really provides a good representation of what Orange County once looked like. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day, although it can be quite hot in the Summer- bring water and wear your hat!
Day Three – The Flower Fields in Carlsbad California. (760) 431-0352. Ok, technically The Flower Fields are south of Orange County, but from March to May every year it is simply one of the most spectacular displays of flowers in Southern California, and well worth the extra drive.
For eight weeks every spring, the giant renunculus are in bloom and the land is changed into a sea of vibrant colors. There are currently 50 acres of planted renunculus and also 10 acres of gladioli, watsonia, and many other flowers that make the area even more beautiful. The impact of so much color and beauty is difficult to describe. Once you go, you will never forget it. Also, be sure and visit the All-American Rose Selection test garden. The Flower Fields conducts group tours and wagon rides—especially popular with the kids. If you love flowers, this is truly a worthwhile drive—and fun for the entire family.
Day Four – Oak Canyon Nature Center. 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd., Anaheim (714) 998-8380. The Oak Canyon Nature Center is 60 acres of natural parkland located in the hills of Anaheim. The park is made up of three canyons, joined by four miles of hiking trails and a year-round creek. It is a beautiful example of Orange County’s past, featuring the oaks, sage scrub, flowers, and plants native to the area. There is lots of wildlife in the area which makes your hike more enjoyable. This park is a little less rugged than other wilderness areas, and is appropriate for less experienced hikers.
Day Five – Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road Brea, CA 92823 (714) 973 3160. Redwoods? In Orange County? That’s right folks. At the end of this 1.1 mile nature hike is a magnificent 10 acre coastal redwood grove. Although they are not native to southern California, they were planted in 1975 and do great in this protected environment. Along the way to the top is a great view of Carbon Canyon Dam and thousands of native flowers and plants. In addition you will see rare Monterey Pines, elderberry, California Walnut trees. Carbon Canyon creek runs across the trail, but rock hopping is easy. Take a lunch as the giant trees make a great picnic spot. A picnic table and water fountain awaits you at the top. Parking is only $2.00. The park also has a small lake and plenty of sporting facilities. In the summer it will be hot, and keep your eyes open for snakes. This park makes a great day trip.
Day Six - Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660 (949) 923-2290. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is one of Southern California’s last estuaries - a place where fresh and salt water meet. It contains about 1,000 acres of open space and has magnificent views of the coastal wetlands. This is regarded as one of the best bird watching sites in North America. It is home to over 200 species of birds, and during the winter migration months as many as 35,000 birds have been seen here on a single day. Two important plant communities are found here - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. The reserve also contains the Muth Interpretive Center, a 10,000 square foot educational facility offering a series of exhibits and interactive displays. They also offer guided walking and water tours. It’s a great place for young and old!
Day Seven - Sherman Library & Gardens 2647 East Pacific Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, (949) 673-2261. Sherman Gardens is a 2.2 acre oasis of tranquility in the middle of an urban area. The Gardens are comprised of thousands of plants, cactus and flowers set amid beautiful fountains, brick covered pathways, arbors and trees. The Tropical Conservatory contains many beautiful orchids, heliconias, and other flowers native to that region. Seasonal flowers are everywhere. The Library is a specialized research center devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest and contains over 25,000 books, maps, pictures and other printed items. Sherman Gardens provides a wonderfully peaceful setting to enjoy nature’s bounty at its finest. This is truly an amazing place.
So there you have it. Seven days, seven unique opportunities to view Nature’s wonderland in Orange County. |
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