Orange County starts a Green PLACE Hiking Spree: 40 trails, Sept. 26, 2026 to April 22, 2027

Orange County's Green PLACE Hiking Spree began on Sept. 26, 2026, and runs through April 22, 2027. The county's program page calls it "the first Green PLACE Hiking Spree", and its press release calls it a "New Annual Hiking Spree".

What changed

• A hiking challenge on county conservation land. The county invites residents to hike "any of the 40 trails" on its Green PLACE properties. Green PLACE stands for Park Land Acquisition for Conservation and Environmental Protection.
• Rewards by the number of trails:
• 3 trails: a limited-edition vinyl sticker;
• 10 trails: the sticker and a choice of a pin or a hiking stick medallion;
• 15 trails: all three, including a limited-edition bandana.
• Guided hikes. The county's Environmental Protection Division, which runs the spree, will also host "free monthly guided hikes from September through April". The program page says to sign up for them on its event registration page.

When

• Runs: from National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26, 2026, through Earth Day, April 22, 2027.
• Announced: in a county press release dated October 1, 2026, five days after the start.
• Completion forms due: May 1, 2027.

Where

Orange County's Green PLACE properties. The county's rules for them: "Open from sunrise to sunset. Motor vehicles are prohibited. Pets must be leashed at all times."

What it means if you live here

• To take part: hike the trails, then submit the county's completion form by May 1, 2027, to receive your rewards.
• One form covers a household: "Only one survey is needed to record all hikes during the 2026-2027 Hiking Spree."
• Cost: the county lists no fee for the spree; the guided hikes are free.