Newport Bay Walk/Hike, Lunch at Vibe Organic Kitchen in Costa Mesa, and ENC Walk

Greetings Nature Enthusiasts!

Enjoy a beautiful Sunday with three options (1, 2, or all 3):

Option 1: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve trail walk at 10am-11:30am-ish

We will take a gently sloping path near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretative Center towards an oasis with an optional small hill climb, if some hikers are keen. All fitness levels and ages accommodated with the group walk/hike with dogs permitted. This path takes 1 hour - 1.5 hours, depending on the size and walking pace of the group members. If you would like to take breaks inside the Muth Interpretative Center to see the exhibits or dip out early, we are quite flexible!

LOCATION with Google Maps link:
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

The parking lot is free or curbside parking can b be found on University Drive near the YMCA if it is full. Bathrooms are located inside the interpretative center.

TIME: We'll meet at 10am in front of the wooden trail map next to the parking lot by the large rocks and main trailhead. We will wait until 10:15am and do introductions as a friendly group!

It's a bluff trail with little shade, so it's handy to come ready with:
1. Plenty of water
2. Layers of clothing and sturdy, closed-toed shoes/hiking boots
3. A sun hat

**An approximate trail map of where we will go, though we may diverge slightly depending on group needs: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/upper-newport-bay-ecological-reserve-loop

***FYI, this area is next to John Wayne airport, so airplanes will be taking off regularly nearby and you will hear them—just so you or any companion animals are aware of the noise in case you may be bothered by takeoffs when the volume can interrupt conversation.

Option 2: Lunch at Costa Mesa Vibe Organic Kitchen from approximately 12pm to 2pm-ish

Vibe is an all organic, gluten-free restaurant serving plant-based food & juice. It specializes in heathy and delicious bowls, burritos, burgers, smoothies, and juices. The food and drinks are super high-quality and there is a rewards program where you can earn free organic salad bowls and more!

Lunch address with Google Maps link:
263 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone: 949-423-7070
Menu

Option 3: Mini-forest walk inside the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) nearby in Newport Beach from around 2pm-3pm.

ENC address with Google Maps link:
1601 E 16th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The ENC parking lot is a bit tucked away next to the Newport Harbor High School football stadium and baseball fields.

Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center, known simply to thousands of visiting students through the years as “The ENC”, is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities (ranging from desert, to oak woodland, to fresh water marsh, to redwood forest); wildlife habitats; walking trails; and sustainably designed, LEED Platinum certified learning center. For over four decades the ENC has been shaped and caressed into a 5 acre landscape for learning, a sanctuary from life’s pressures and a place of preservation and instruction. Serving over 28,000 students and thousands of visitors annually, the ENC is recognized as a leader in science and social science education providing opportunities for increasing our community’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Happy trails and look forward to seeing you there!

-Jade, host

DISCLAIMER: Group organizers and assistant organizers assume no liability; come at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.