On April 23, come see how nature is thriving in Orange County with free guided tours of pristine, protected wilderness. OCTA will host a hike at O’Neill Oaks Preserve and an equestrian ride at Ferber Ranch Preserve, both in Trabuco Canyon.
OCTA’s preservation of the 118-acre O’Neill Oaks Preserve helps conserve coastal sage scrub, southern cactus scrub, riparian, woodlands, and chaparral and other increasingly rare habitat.
The Ferber Ranch Preserve contains nearly 400 acres of open space and is home to mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and grey foxes. The native habitat, full of coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and chaparral, offers a protected environment for the coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren.
These are two of the seven properties acquired by OCTA as part of the Measure M Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program, a comprehensive plan that preserves and restores natural habitats and allows for expedited delivery of freeway projects. The properties are located in Trabuco Canyon, Brea, Silverado Canyon, and Laguna Beach. Together, they total more than 1,300 acres.
Hikers and riders must be over age 12 and sign a liability waiver. Space is limited. Register online or contact Marissa Espino at 714-560-5607.
