Home | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is a growing habitat reserve located in South Orange County. Over time The Nature Reserve will grow to include over 20,000 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands, inclusive of The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy. This protected open space is managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to "preserve and enhance Reserve lands for ecological, educational, charitable, conservation, open space, scientific, and recreational uses."

20 Years & Over 32 Species Protected

What began as a promise to preserve 75% of The Ranch's rolling canyons, meadows, and oak groves has grown into a vibrant ecological preserve rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. Lace up for a nature walk, take an astronomy class under the stars, or volunteer alongside friends and neighbors. A working ranch with thriving communities, surrounded by nature and connected to the land, this was always the vision. Twenty years later, the trails are still here, the canyons are still wild, and we're just getting started!