Programs & Park Info

An example of an Interpretive Program is a Guided Hike, looking for:

• • • Wildflowers

    • Native Plants and their Uses

    • Animal Tracks & Scat

    • Birds

Nature Center

Part museum, part interactive learning space, the Nature Center is staffed on weekends by Caspers Park Foundation volunteers. Features include animal displays, live snakes, park maps and information, souvenirs and drinks for sale, and plenty of activities for kids of all ages. The Nature Center is an ideal first-stop after entering the park. It is also an excellent homeschooling resource for lessons ranging from geology, ethnobotany, and local flora and fauna. Hours vary based on volunteer availability.

Examples of Kids Activities may include:

• Scavenger Hunts

• Junior Ranger Activity Books

• Coloring Books & Pages

• Puzzles

• Interpretive Q&A with a Volunteer

Vista Ridge Trail

Located just steps from the Nature Center, next to the Butterfly Garden picnic table (a great place to picnic). The Vista Ridge Trail is a self-guided interpretive loop that is enhanced with plant and animal information signposts. It is suitable for nearly all ages, but because of its natural surface and slight grade it is not advisable for wheelchairs. Trail guide pamphlets are available in the Nature Center.

Monthly Nature Presentations

The foundation holds a members-only meeting on the first Saturday of each month* which is followed by a public Nature Presentation. Keynote speakers are experts in their field of study and topics relate to the natural elements and social impact of the park. Recent presenters and topics have included:

• Domingo Belardes, Indigenous History of Caspers Park

• Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, Yellow Jackets

• Laura Eisenberg, The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

• Lynn Hillman and Kelly Christiansen, Invasive Tree Pests

• Eric Jessen, The History of OC Parks and Caspers

• Ron Vanderhoff, The Plants of Caspers Park

• Eldon Gath, Prehistoric Orange County

• Vic Leipzig, California Condors

• Tony Pointer, Fire Watch Program

Want to know what presentation will be next? We give time, date, and topic in our Monthly Newsletter!

Weekly Campfire Program / Star Party

Join us every Saturday night at the Nature Center for either a Campfire gathering with our OC Parks Volunteers and Ranger Staff, or a evening under the stars with our amateur Astronomers! Camping is not required, though Day Use fee will be collected at the park entrance. Visitors may stay past Sunset only while attending these programs and are required to exit the park thereafter. Program specifics and times can be found in our Newsletter. Sign up today! Events are subject to weather or other conditions, please call ahead to our entrance booth at (949) 923-2210

Playground

Shaded by the majestic oak and sycamore trees at Caspers, the all-ages playground is a perfect place to start or finish your field trip with your little ones. There are many first-come-first-serve picnic tables, a charcoal barbeque, garbage collection bins, and a portable restroom.