Octa's transportation blog

Enjoy An Autumn Wilderness Hike in the OCTA Preserves

Now that the weather has cooled, it’s a perfect time to get outside and explore beautiful Orange County. On November 6, please join OCTA for a free, docent-led hike at Wren’s View Preserve.

One of the permanently protected areas purchased and preserved by OCTA as open space, the Wren's View Preserve is a 116-acre parcel located northwest of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Trabuco Canyon, and immediately north of O’Neill Regional Park and Trabuco Creek. To date, OCTA has acquired more than 1300 acres in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon. A total of 12 restoration projects, resulting in 350 acres of restored open space, was funded throughout Orange County.

These properties are part of the OC Go (also known as Measure M) Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program, which allocates funds to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects in exchange for streamlined environmental approvals for all OC Go freeway improvement projects.

The OCTA preserves are only open to the public during the docent-led hikes and equestrian rides so that the land’s wildlife and important plant life can be protected for generations to come. The hikes and rides were halted as a safety precaution at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Later in November, an equestrian ride will be conducted at Trabuco Rose Preserve in Trabuco Canyon at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

All participants must be 12 years or older and equestrian riders must bring their own horse. Adults must sign a liability waiver and minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To register for the hike and learn more about these properties, click here.