Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by exploring trails in Black Star Canyon, or take the kids to learn how to play chess at the Oak View Branch Library.
On Sunday, consider taking your grandchild to a Grandparent’s Day storytime, or hear from master gardeners on how to grow cool season vegetables.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County — funded by public tax dollars.
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Every week, Voice of OC reporters work hard to help residents stay connected to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable.
You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.
You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings during the week.
That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
Saturday, September 7
Wilderness Access Day
Explore Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space, on a wilderness access day. Hikers, bikers and equestrians will have access to designated trails.
Registration is required.
When: 8:o0 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
[Read: Discovering Orange County’s Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park]
Children and Teens: Learn to Play Chess
Children ages 7 and up are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn how to play chess from volunteers.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068.
Prepare to Go Back to School
Visit the Villa Park Library to learn about online homework help, digital resources and other programs to help K-12 students succeed this school year. Attend the presentation, or pick up available literature on programs.
When: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 17865 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park, CA 92861
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 998-0861 or ocpl.villapark@occr.ocgov.com
Sunday, September 8
Grandparent’s Day Storytime
Celebrate Grandparent’s Day with a 30-minute storytime, activities and light refreshments at the Cypress Branch Library.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-0350 or ocpl.cypress@occr.ocgov.com
Learn About Cool Season Vegetables
Get gardening and vegetable growing tips from the UCCE Master Gardeners at the Anaheim Central Library. Attendees will receive seeds to grow at home from the Anaheim Heritage Center’s Seed Library.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Join OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation in tending to the land at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Participants must be 16 or older, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Tools will be provided, but volunteers are asked to ear closed-toe shoes, long pants and sun protection, in addition to bringing water.
Registration is required.
When: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Laguna Canyon Foundation at (949) 497-8324
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.