Be a part of protecting the land you love.
When you’re out in our canyon, take a minute to think about what could have been. In 1989 organized protesters marched down Laguna Canyon Road to prevent the development of shopping centers, golf courses and thousands of homes throughout the open space.
They succeeded. Today, we have 22,000 acres of wilderness to preserve and protect for future generations and for the flora and fauna that make these canyons their home.
Advocacy
Habitat fragmentation, invasive species, increased trail use and urbanization: our open space faces threats every day. It’s vital that we come together to find a balance between our community and and the delicate habitat.
Conservation
Designated as a biodiversity hotspot, just like the Amazon Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, our canyons’ coastal sage scrub habitat of our canyons is some of the last of its kind and supports native plants and animals, including several endangered species. Our staff biologists and ecologists, along with all of our colleagues, partner with like-minded organizations and dedicated volunteers to conserve and preserve this precious land.
Trails
In 2024, Laguna Canyon Foundation celebrated 10 years of maintaining and improving the 26-miles of singletrack trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The mission of the Trails Program is to bring all South Coast Wilderness trail users together to find common ground, learn about what it takes to build and maintain trails, develop a sense of stewardship for their parks, and improve the trails for all.
Entering our 12th year, the Trails Program will continue raising the standards of trail stewardship in wildland-urban interface areas. We lead volunteer trail work days from October to June. Click “Volunteer” to join us in addressing impacts from weather and trail users. You’ll never look at trails the same way again!
Trail in Need: Old Emerald
Every trail season the LCF Trails Program identifies one or more trails that require major improvement projects.
This year’s trail in need is Old Emerald in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Trails staff will install rock-armored drains in steep sections and improve severely damaged tread.
Click “Support Our Trails” to provide the financial support we need to do the job right (and get a sweet T-shirt)!
Education
Each school year, Laguna Canyon Foundation brings second through fifth grade students from our Title 1 partner schools for a day on the trails to develop a sense of love and responsibility for the land and all the plants and animals that make this open space their home. Following Next Generation Science Standards, our program offers the students both a healthy wilderness experience and real-life lessons to complement their classroom studies.
We connect people to the land through guided rides, hikes and other events, as well as many volunteering options.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a biker, a hiker, a birder, a photographer, a lover of plants and animals, or just want to get out and enjoy the open space, we have something for you!
