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
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00PM - 8:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|8|2025-07-08
NAN
99
volunteer
Jul|9|2025-07-09
FOR PUBLIC
Early Morning "Beat the Heat" Hike
$5-$10, Free/Supporter | 8 and up | Moderate
7:00AM -9:00AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|12|2025-07-12
FOR PUBLIC
Weekend Open Access, Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Free | All Ages. Recommended 6 and up | Easy-Moderate
7:30AM - 11:30AM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|13|2025-07-13
FOR PUBLIC
Wonderful Wildlife! at Ladera Ranch Library
Free | Recommended 4 and up | Indoor Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|14|2025-07-14
NAN
99
residents
Jul|15|2025-07-15
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00PM - 8:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|15|2025-07-15
NAN
99
public
Jul|19|2025-07-19
FOR PUBLIC
I Dig Rocks & Fossils! at Ladera Ranch Library
Free | Recommended 4 and up | Indoor Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|21|2025-07-21
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00PM - 8:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|22|2025-07-22
FOR PUBLIC
"Home Sweet Oak" Interpretive Hike at Ranch Camp
$5 | 6 and up | Easy - Moderate
9:00AM -10:30AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|26|2025-07-26
NAN
99
residents
Jul|27|2025-07-27
FOR PUBLIC
Inspect an Insect! at Ladera Ranch Library
Free | Recommended 4 and up | Indoor Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|28|2025-07-28
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00PM - 8:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|29|2025-07-29
NAN
99
public
Aug|2|2025-08-02
NAN
99
volunteer
Aug|7|2025-08-07
FOR PUBLIC
Moonrise on Middle Ridge Hike
$5-$10, Free/Supporter | 8 and up | Moderate
7:30PM - 9:30PM
NAN
99
public
Aug|9|2025-08-09
FOR PUBLIC
Sycamore Loop and Shady Canyon Hike
$5-$10, Free/Supporter | 8 and up | Easy-Moderate
8:00AM - 10:00AM
NAN
99
public
Aug|23|2025-08-23
NAN
99
residents
Aug|24|2025-08-24
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|2|2025-09-02
NAN
99
volunteer
Sep|6|2025-09-06
NAN
99
residents
Sep|7|2025-09-07
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free |10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|9|2025-09-09
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|16|2025-09-16
FOR PUBLIC
Knee-High Naturalists: Goodnight, Nature Reserve
Free | Recommended 2 - 5 | Easy - Moderate
9:30AM - 10:30AM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|21|2025-09-21
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|23|2025-09-23
NAN
99
public
Sep|27|2025-09-27
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NAN
99
residents
Sep|30|2025-09-30
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 policies.
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.
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
July 8, 2025, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
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
July 9, 2025, 7:00PM - 8:30PM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
Take advantage of the cool early summer morning and experience summer in the quiet wilds of The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy on The Nature Reserve. This 2-mile round trip takes you along the hillsides of grasslands and coastal sage scrub. We'll visit a monument to "the vaquero" of California before returning on the Shady Canyon trail.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate, with some strenuous hills
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 11.
show moreWHEN
July 12, 2025, 7:00AM -9:00AM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Weekend Open Access, Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of The Nature Reserve at your own pace! Participants explore by hiking or walking through designated trails available for self-guided access. Take time to explore summer's beautiful scenery on the Richard & Donna O'Neill Conservancy.
show moreWHEN
July 13, 2025, 7:30AM - 11:30AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Discover the wonderful wildlife around us! Meet a live desert tortoise, snake, and toad.
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 14, 2025, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
29551 Sienna Pkwy
Get muddy and messy creating mudpies and dirt cakes, explore nature looking for birds and bugs, or enjoy a book together under an oak tree - your choice. Mud Kitchen Mornings are opportunity for RMV kids (and their accompanying adults) to enjoy a morning on Nature Reserve Headquarters grounds playing in our natural playscape. This is an open access style event for residents to visit anytime during the event time. There are no activities planned but visitors are welcome to explore and play together in this fun outdoor setting.
show moreWHEN
July 15, 2025, 8:00AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
July 15, 2025, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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 18.
show moreWHEN
July 19, 2025, 8:00PM - 10:00PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Discover rocks, minerals, and fossils as we become geologists! Dig for your own shark tooth and learn about sharks from long ago. Meet a live snake and tortoise and find out how rocks are important to animals on earth.
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 21, 2025, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
29551 Sienna Pkwy
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
July 22, 2025, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Join us at The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo for our "Home Sweet Oak" hike! We'll start by learning about how the oaks in your neighborhood and on The Nature Reserve form the neighborhoods for our local wildlife. Then, we head out on a guided hike along the trails around Ranch Camp, to meet some of your wildlife neighbors.
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Trail Length: 1.1 miles
Ages: 6 and up
Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, July 25 at 4:00pm.
show moreWHEN
July 26, 2025, 9:00AM -10:30AM
WHERE
Ranch Camp at Rienda, Rancho Mission Viejo
Heat and light, energy to grow a flower…. this is what we call Solar Power! Learn how plants, animals and people use sunlight energy as we meet a live reptile, make sun prints and a solar oven craft.
show moreWHEN
July 27, 2025, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
Fly, hop, crawl or soar... we’re talking about butterflies, beetles, ants, and more! Learn about the largest animal group on the planet, insects, as we bring out the magnifying glasses and explore these amazing, tiny creatures! Meet live beetles, worms, and a Western toad!
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 28, 2025, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
29551 Sienna Pkwy
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
July 29, 2025, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
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
August 2, 2025, 9:30PM - 11:30PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Help out your community by becoming a South Orange County Fire Watch volunteer!
Offered only once a year, this training is the first step to join our fire watch team. The session will focus on: understanding basic fire behavior, identifying signs of wildfire, dealing with suspect behavior, providing useful fire information, and contacting proper fire authorities.
Ages: 18 and up
show moreWHEN
August 7, 2025, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Fire Station 58 (58 Station Way, Ladera Ranch)
Let's hike up to the top of Middle Ridge to watch the moonrise! This moderate hike will give us views of the ocean and Saddleback as we watch the sun set and moon rise.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate, with some strenuous hills
Ages: 8 and up
WHEN
August 9, 2025, 7:30PM - 9:30PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
This single track trail follows along hillsides of grassland, coastal sage scrub and oak woodland. Enjoy this two-mile hike out along our Sycamore Loop Trail and back along Shady Canyon.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate. 2 miles, loop.
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, August 22.
show moreWHEN
August 23, 2025, 8:00AM - 10:00AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Coyote, rabbit, bobcat, deer...who is that walking near? Look for animal footprints on the trail and learn to identify tracks of our most common local animals. Make and take your own animal track craft.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
All attendees must be registered or on the wait list on or before Friday, August 22 at 4:00PM.
show moreWHEN
August 24, 2025, 9:00AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
September 2, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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
September 6, 2025, 9:00AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
Enjoy a morning hike along the valley floor of Chiquita Canyon. This hike will take place along an old ranch road which runs along the canyon floor. Take in views of Chiquita Ridge above and Ranch agriculture along the way.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Trail Length: 4 miles (2 miles each way)
Ages: 10 and up
WHEN
September 7, 2025, 7:30AM - 9:30AM
WHERE
Chiquita Canyon
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
September 9, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
September 16, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Goodnight, Nature Reserve. Goodnight Moon. Goodnight owl and the striped raccoon. Join us for a morning hike on Oak Canyon trail as we say “goodnight” to animals that sleep all day and are awake all night! Learn how nighttime animals see in the dark and make a nocturnal animal craft.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: Recommended 2 - 5 years
Children must attend with a participating adult. However, please only register the participating children.
show moreWHEN
September 21, 2025, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
Esencia Farm Tables/Oak Canyon Trail
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
September 23, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
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
show more
WHEN
September 27, 2025, 8:00PM -10:00PM
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
Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only
show moreWHEN
September 30, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge