Visitation and exploration of The Nature Reserve is managed by The Reserve Connection. The Reserve Connection is a public 501(c) (3) non-profit, that serves to provide opportunities to the community to visit and enjoy The Nature Reserve. Through the many hikes, walks, astronomy programs, family events, and volunteer opportunities offered, visitors can discover and learn about the importance of the habitat reserve.
Upcoming Events
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May|7|2024-05-07
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May|17|2024-05-17
FOR PUBLIC
Trail Mixer - Get to Know The Nature Reserve
Free | All Ages (recommended 8 & up)
7:00PM - 8:00PM
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May|21|2024-05-21
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residents
May|22|2024-05-22
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residents
May|29|2024-05-29
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public
Jun|1|2024-06-01
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Jun|2|2024-06-02
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Jun|8|2024-06-08
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: Animal Explorers!
$220/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
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Jun|10|2024-06-10
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volunteer
Jun|15|2024-06-15
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: Archaeology Adventures!
$200-$220/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
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Jun|17|2024-06-17
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Jun|21|2024-06-21
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: Nature's Palette
$200-$220/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
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Jun|24|2024-06-24
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Jun|29|2024-06-29
FOR PUBLIC
Sunday Morning Open Access on Cristianitos Road
Free | All Ages. Recommended 8 and up | Easy - Moderate
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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residents
Jun|30|2024-06-30
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volunteer
Jul|10|2024-07-10
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Jul|13|2024-07-13
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Jul|20|2024-07-20
Rancho Mission Viejo Resident Only Events:
- Some events are exclusively for residents of Rancho Mission Viejo.
- Registration for these events require proof of a current address in Rancho Mission Viejo.
All Events Specify A Minimum Age For Participation:
- Six (6) is the minimum age for most Nature Reserve programs.
- Refer to specific event listing for details.
- Be sure to review our age limit policy.
Pre-Registration Required For All Programs:
- Contact us for large groups or to arrange a special group outing.
- Your registration enables us to contact you about program changes or cancellations. Please see our policy on Cancellations and Refunds.
- All visitors to The Nature Reserve must present a signed release waiver upon entry to the property. Families may submit a single form, as long as all entrants are identified on the form. Waivers are also available at the event.
Join Rosy the snake and Buckwheat the tortoise for a fun morning at The Nature House. We'll be reading a nature-themed book, playing games, and exploring the Nature House at Ranch Camp.
Ages: All (Recommended 3-5) w/accompanying adult
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May 7, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rienda
Explore Nature at Night with The Nature Reserve. Join us for a family friendly evening learning about nocturnal native animals. Meet our animal ambassadors, Rosy the snake and Squeakers the toad. Make and take a fun nature craft and take a twilight trek along San Juan Creek.
Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 16.
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May 17, 2024, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at The Nature Reserve Headquarters, as we offer you hot tea or coffee. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.
Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own reusable mug. Nature Reserve mugs will also be available for purchase for $10.
Ages: 12 and up
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May 21, 2024,
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters, San Juan Capistrano
Join us for an evening learning about The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo! Find out how you can explore the lands and the trails that make up The Nature Reserve. Hear about The Nature Reserve’s role in local habitat conservation and how you can have a part in this effort.
- Get local wildlife and trail information
- Meet staff and volunteers
- Enjoy some hot coffee, tea, and desserts
- Ask all your Nature Reserve questions
Presentation from 7:10 pm – 7:40 pm. Stop by for short time or stay for the entire program. Staff are available for questions before and after the presentation. All ages welcome (presentation recommended for ages 10 and up)
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May 21, 2024, 7:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
The Ranch Camp in Rienda, Rancho Mission Viejo
Come along as we go "Off The Reserve"! Join a Nature Reserve Naturalist as we explore local hiking trails not on The Nature Reserve. On this hike, we’ll hike the San Juan Loop trail in the beautiful Cleveland National Forest.
From Rancho Mission Viejo, the trailhead is only a 30 minute drive along Ortega Highway. At the trailhead, we'll follow a scenic trail as it traverses along seasonal creeks and waterfalls, old growth chaparral, and small meadows of grasses and wildflowers.
This hike is perfect for anybody wanting to check out other local hiking trails, but you are not sure where to go, or what to expect. Let us be your guide!
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate, with many uneven steps
Trail Length: 2.1 mile loop, 500' elevation gain
Ages: 10 and up
WHEN
May 22, 2024, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
San Juan Loop Trail, Cleveland National Forest
Explore new trails, on this summer hike through Verdugo Canyon. This 2.5 mile guided hike will travel along a creek and winds its way through oak woodland, riparian, and flood-plain scrub ecosystems
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy - moderate
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May 29, 2024, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
WHERE
Verdugo Canyon
Volunteer to spend a few hours in beautiful surroundings helping The Nature Reserve. Join the crew dedicated to protecting our native ecosystems by clearing trails, restoring habitats, and eliminating weeds. Volunteer efforts make an impact! (BRING: Work gloves if you have them).
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up (Volunteers under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.)
Please note: participants must be registered by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 31.
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June 1, 2024, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Get ready for summer at The Campout as we play outdoor games and make a craft perfect for summertime adventures on the go! Walk to the casting pond to meet a live animal ambassador and discover how animals on The Nature Reserve stay cool in the hot and dry summer season.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 31st.
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June 2, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
The Campout - 6 Andaza St.
Rancho Mission Viejo
Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the night sky, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our guest astronomers. The Nature Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. (What to bring: warm clothing, flashlight with red cellophane/lens to reduce light pollution, binoculars, optional beach chair.)
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 8 and up
WHEN
June 8, 2024, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Explore the amazing animals native to California and learn how to protect them. Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Dates: June 10 - June 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 7.
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June 10, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
Please join us for Volunteer Orientation and Training!
This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining us as an official Nature Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Nature Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public. Meet other volunteers and learn how you can help preserve Nature Reserve lands through conservation and education.
Ages: Adult, 18 and up
Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering for The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.
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June 15, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Ranch House at Rancho Mission Viejo
Dig into the past on an adventure in archaeology! Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Dates: June 17 - June 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 14.
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June 17, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
Enjoy summer's first full moon with stroll on the Nature Reserve. We'll enjoy a walk through oak and sycamore trees. As we explore, we'll watch the full moon rise and bathe the hillsides and trails in moonlight.
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June 21, 2024, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Create works of art inspired by nature's colorful palette. Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Dates: June 24 - June 27, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 21.
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June 24, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
Admire the expansive views on a 3.5 mile morning hike along North Ridge and Middle Ridge trails on the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate with some strenuous hills
Ages: 10 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 28.
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June 29, 2024, 7:00-9:30 AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Enjoy a Sunday morning stroll on The Ranch. This open access event allows you to walk, run, or bike (kids only) the length of Cristianitos Road. Cristianitos Road is a paved road with views of Ranch pastures and preserved habitat on The Nature Reserve. Explore the entire 6.8 miles (round trip) or just a mile or two - your choice.
Non-motorized scooter and bikes permitted for kids under the age of 12.
This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event.
Participants must exit by event end time, regardless of arrival time. Please plan your selected arrival time accordingly.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
Trail Length: 3.4 miles (one way)
Ages: All. Recommended 8 and up
WHEN
June 30, 2024, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE
Cristianitos Road
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Please join us for Volunteer Orientation and Training!
This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining us as an official Nature Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Nature Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public. Meet other volunteers and learn how you can help preserve Nature Reserve lands through conservation and education.
Ages: Adult, 18 and up
Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering for The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.
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July 10, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House at Rancho Mission Viejo
Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the night sky, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our guest astronomers. The Nature Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. (What to bring: warm clothing, flashlight with red cellophane/lens to reduce light pollution, binoculars, optional beach chair.)
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 8 and up
WHEN
July 13, 2024, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Hoots, howls and other cries in the night are what we'll be listening for on this nighttime adventure on The Reserve. Enjoy a night hike, as we learn about nocturnal animals and listen for the calls of the wild.
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm, July 19.
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July 20, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy