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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public
Apr|20|2024-04-20
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public
Apr|20|2024-04-20
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public
Apr|23|2024-04-23
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
Apr|23|2024-04-23
FOR PUBLIC
Presentation: Frogs and Toads - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
$20 | 21 and over | Indoor presentation
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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public
Apr|25|2024-04-25
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public
Apr|26|2024-04-26
FOR PUBLIC
Open Access on The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy - Sycamore Trails
Free | All Ages. Recommended 6 and up | Easy - Moderate
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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99
residents
Apr|28|2024-04-28
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
Apr|30|2024-04-30
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
May|7|2024-05-07
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
May|14|2024-05-14
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
May|21|2024-05-21
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99
public
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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public
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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99
public
Jun|17|2024-06-17
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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public
Jun|24|2024-06-24
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.
Enjoy a morning of service with The Nature Reserve staff and fellow volunteers as we beautify the grounds of our headquarters' teaching areas and gardens. Volunteer efforts make an impact! (BRING: Work gloves if you have them).
show moreWHEN
April 20, 2024, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters
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
April 20, 2024, 8:30 PM -10:30 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
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
show moreWHEN
April 23, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rienda
This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up
If event registration does not meet required participation minimums, the event may be cancelled.
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.
show moreWHEN
April 23, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
The Nature Reserve is home to several species of toads and frogs some of which are native and common, a couple are native and rare, and another couple are non-native and invasive. Come join us as we learn all about frogs and toads - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Find out what you can see in The Nature Reserve or maybe in your neighborhood! Hear what The Nature Reserve is doing to protect populations of the endangered Arroyo Toad and rare Western Spadefoot.
Admission includes light bites, one drink ticket (beer, wine, or themed cocktail), and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional beverages available for sale.
WHEN
April 25, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Canyon House
75 Esencia Dr.
Rancho Mission Viejo
Celebrate Arbor Day with a twilight hike through the oaks and sycamores of The Nature Reserve. Trees provide essential habitat for wildlife. They produce oxygen for the air we breathe. They give us shade and a place for kids to play. Experience sunset among trees, enjoy their beauty and learn more about their significance.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm, April 25.
show moreWHEN
April 26, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Open Access on The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy - Sycamore Trails
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of spring on The Nature Reserve at your own pace! Participants explore by hiking or walking through designated trails available for self-guided access. Take time to view late blooming wildflowers along the Shady Canyon, Sycamore Loop, and North Ridge trails. These single track trails meander out to Wilson's Camp, where you can learn more about the historic Portola Ride and the legacy of the vaqueros.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: All. Recommended 6 and up
During open-access events, participants explore without a guide or docent. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. No admittance will be allowed 45 minutes prior to the event end time. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.
show moreWHEN
April 28, 2024, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up
If event registration does not meet required participation minimums, the event may be cancelled.
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.
show moreWHEN
April 30, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up
If event registration does not meet required participation minimums, the event may be cancelled.
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
May 7, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up
If event registration does not meet required participation minimums, the event may be cancelled.
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.
show moreWHEN
May 14, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up
If event registration does not meet required participation minimums, the event may be cancelled.
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
May 21, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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.
show moreWHEN
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.
show moreWHEN
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.
show moreWHEN
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
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.
show moreWHEN
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