Volunteering has many individual benefits: making new friends, learning new skills, feeling a sense of purpose, and improving your mental and physical health; but it also helps create community. Volunteering strengthens neighborly bonds and embodies the “culture of care” for each other and for the land. 

We asked Nature Reserve volunteers why they volunteer and how they feel connected to their community through volunteerism. Longtime volunteer Soussan Ahmadi said, “I believe volunteering provides me with a sense of purpose and to be able to connect with the community by being involved with other aspects of my community. It's a great way to meet new friends and increase my social skills in addition to gaining knowledge about new things.”  Volunteer Paul De Capua added, “I volunteer mainly to help connect the community (RMV and surrounding areas) to the land. The 75/25% Agreement to keep the majority of the land as open space is really unique. In SoCal where land is at a premium and tends to be over-developed, RMV stands out. The Nature Reserve with its Outreach Programs gives me a chance to tell people about the unique environment they live in. Many already know, but some don't...and they are pleasantly surprised.” Volunteer Julie Seery shared, “I love volunteering in the community I live in. I see children and adults at many community functions that I have met through volunteering. They tell me how much they enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities they can participate in. I'm very happy that I had a part in giving them enjoyment in those programs by being a volunteer for the Nature Reserve.”

Many volunteers feel a strong sense of community living in a place with such a rich history. Sendero resident and volunteer Bud Carter mentioned, “There’s something very special about living on a ranch with a storied history such as ours.  My introduction to The Ranch came when we bought our home. I immediately felt as though my wife and I were not only joining a new neighborhood but also being invited to become part of the history of Rancho Mission Viejo. This sense of inclusion has strengthened the bond we have with all of our neighbors. We feel very fortunate to, “ride for the brand.” 

Others connect through teaching and sharing knowledge with the community.  School programs volunteer Harold Rosenson shared, “Volunteering with the school program and occasionally the outreach program means I have an opportunity to provide additional information to students, teachers and especially parents regarding the benefits and opportunities of the preserved land and animals surrounding them.”   

The Nature Reserve volunteer program continues to strengthen the community’s love for the outdoors. Volunteer Brent Seaton commented, “I've volunteered to help maintain trails and "trail sweeping" on the Chiquita Ridge and other hikes because I enjoy the hiking opportunities we have in Orange County and I wanted to be a part of providing that to other residents in our community.” Volunteer Julie Stokes added, "I like volunteering with the Nature Reserve because I can help my neighbors discover the natural places in our community that they might not otherwise know about. I find being out in nature such an important part of my everyday life, and anything I can do to encourage others to find the same appreciation and relaxation is a special feeling. We are so lucky in RMV that we have "secret" areas of natural beauty which are being preserved." 

Last year, over 55 active volunteers from Rancho Mission Viejo and the surrounding areas contributed more than 1500 hours of service helping build community through The Nature Reserve programs. Contact us at staff@rmvreserve.org to learn more about how you can join The Nature Reserve volunteer community.