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
Dec|21|2024-12-21
FOR PUBLIC
Getting Friendly with Fungi Presentation - Food, Drinks, and Fun(gi)!
$20 | 21 & up
7:00PM - 8:30PM
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99
public
Jan|9|2025-01-09
FOR PUBLIC
Winter Hike on the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
$5-$10 | 10 & up | Moderate
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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99
public
Jan|11|2025-01-11
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99
public
Jan|12|2025-01-12
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99
public
Jan|14|2025-01-14
FOR PUBLIC
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
Jan|15|2025-01-15
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99
volunteer
Jan|15|2025-01-15
FOR PUBLIC
Thursday Morning Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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99
residents
Jan|16|2025-01-16
NAN
99
public
Jan|18|2025-01-18
FOR PUBLIC
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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99
residents
Jan|22|2025-01-22
FOR PUBLIC
Thursday Morning Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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99
residents
Jan|23|2025-01-23
FOR PUBLIC
Saturday Morning Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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99
residents
Jan|25|2025-01-25
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99
residents
Jan|26|2025-01-26
FOR PUBLIC
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|29|2025-01-29
FOR PUBLIC
Thursday Morning Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
Free | All Ages (recommended 6 & up) | Easy
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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99
residents
Jan|30|2025-01-30
NAN
99
public
Feb|8|2025-02-08
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99
public
Feb|11|2025-02-11
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99
volunteer
Feb|15|2025-02-15
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99
residents
Feb|22|2025-02-22
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99
public
Feb|22|2025-02-22
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.
Welcome Winter with a Winter Solstice Celebration on The Nature Reserve! Celebrate the official beginning of winter with this family friendly event. Make and take a solstice themed craft. Go "wassailing" in our orange orchard and create wishes to hang on our new year's Wish Tree. Take an easy winter wildlife walk to San Juan Creek to watch the sunset on the shortest day of 2024, then gather around our "bon-spiral" for hot cider, stories and songs.
show moreWHEN
December 21, 2024, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
Explore the fascinating world of the kingdom Fungi with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. We’ll start by exploring what fungi are and how they are connected to other life forms. Oaks, pines, orchids and many more plants are dependent on fungal associations. Joanne will describe methods for locating and identifying wild mushrooms in Orange County and beyond. Enjoy fungi themed appetizers and cocktails!
show moreWHEN
January 9, 2025, 7:00PM - 8:30PM
WHERE
The Canyon House, Rancho Mission Viejo
Breathe in the cool, crisp air and take in the stunning views of winter on the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy, a special place on The Nature Reserve. Start the year right with a moderately-paced hike in nature.
Interpretation Level: Low
Trail Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Ages: 10 and up
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 10th.
show moreWHEN
January 11, 2025, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
What are mushrooms and why do we care? Why do they grow with oaks? Can I touch them, pick them, eat them? Explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. Learn how to find, photograph, and identify fungi on the trail. Click here for Joanne's fungi resources.
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 16 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 10.
show moreWHEN
January 12, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Join Rosy the snake 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
January 14, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rienda, Rancho Mission Viejo
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 15, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
Please join us for our 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
January 15, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 16, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
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
January 18, 2025, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 22, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 23, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 25, 2025, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
Hopping rabbits and dashing deer...let's explore the animals living here! Did you know southern California has as many different species as a rainforest? Let's play games along the trail to learn about the animals around us and how they compare to animals found around the world. Meet a live animal native to Orange County.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 2 - 5 years
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 24th.
Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.
show moreWHEN
January 26, 2025, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
(located near Sendero Marketplace, RMV)
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Wednesday Afternoon Open Access on Watermelon Field Trail
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 29, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
WHEN
January 30, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
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.)
WHEN
February 8, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Join Rosy the snake 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
February 11, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rienda, Rancho Mission Viejo
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
February 15, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
Birds are one of the few animals that are often visible when hiking with kids. Take a family-friendly walk with binoculars to learn about a few of our favorite feathered friends and how to identify them when you're outdoors. Look for bird evidence along the way such as bird nests, owl pellets, and tracks. Learn how to become a "bird buddy" to help our local bird species, including some that are endangered and protected on The Nature Reserve.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 21st.
show moreWHEN
February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
Watermelon Field Trail
(near Sendero Marketplace, RMV)
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
February 22, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy