Laguna Canyon Foundation Gets a Big Gift for Trail Upkeep

Story provided by the Laguna Canyon Foundation.

The announced today, Tuesday, that they received a $15,000 grant from outdoor retail chain REI to help maintain safe and sustainable trails in .

"We have seen a dramatic increase in the park’s use over the past 10 years," said LCF Executive Director Max Borella. "We estimate more than 200,000 hikers, bikers, equestrian and dog walkers use Aliso and Wood Canyons’ 30-plus miles of trails alone. With this use comes trail erosion, rutting, and trail widening, which exasperates trail user conflicts, makes the trails less safe and reduces habitat. In addition, there is an increase of user conflicts every month which we would like to reduce.”

Specifically, the funds will be used to expand LCF’s volunteer presence in Aliso and Wood Canyons, work with OC Parks to help coordinate trail maintenance projects, and conduct outreach to user groups about safe trail practices.

"The Foundation really needs to do a better job informing the various user groups how rare and unique this habitat is, and how lucky we are to have this open space," says Borella. "We need to empower park users to protect it and become better stewards of the land. Having a safe and sustainable network of trails is paramount to this effort."

REI has been a supporter of trail maintenance, stewardship and open space in South Orange County.

“We are so fortunate to have a great partner in REI,” Borella says. “Thanks to REI, the trails and habitat in Aliso and Wood Canyons will get some needed attention, and the park rangers will get some needed help as well.”