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

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

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

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!

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.)

Explore the plants, birds, bugs, and fungi of winter on a walk led by two incredible guest leaders, Joanne Schwartz and Bob Allen. Visit the Mother Oak, the oldest oak tree on the habitat reserve which supports many flora, fauna, and fungi throughout the wintertime.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 16 and up

More about our Guest Leaders:

Joanne Schwartz is a very avid, amateur mycologist who has studied fungi since the 1960’s. She has collected and photographed fungi throughout the new and old world and has participated in field studies in Japan, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia as well as the Redwoods and islands of coastal California, the Sierra, Wyoming, Montana … everywhere she goes! Always searching for fungi to study, photograph and identify, Joanne is often found looking down while hiking. She is also an eager mycophagist (fungi-eater) and prepares wild fungi for tasting and for the dinner table whenever possible. Joanne served on the Board of the Fungal Diversity Survey (FunDiS) which empowers Citizen Scientists to study (document, voucher and sequence) fungi in their local areas. She has received funding for fungal DNA sequencing projects here in Orange County and on the Channel Islands.

Bob Allen is an adjunct professor of biology at Santiago Canyon College and Orange Coast College. He is a Research Associate in Entomology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and at the California [Rancho Santa Ana] Botanic Garden. He is also an author of, Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains: occnps.org/wildflower-book.html

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 7.

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

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

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

Calling Rancho Mission Viejo resident bird watchers of all levels - beginner to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching on the Watermelon Trail as we offer you hot tea or coffee. This easy trail winds through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. It is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.

Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own reusable mug.

Ages: 12 and up

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.

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

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

Local wildflower expert, Bob Allen, will lead an exploration of The Nature Reserve looking for early wildflowers like the Padre's Shooting Star. Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm, February 21.

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.

Slow down and take a mindful walk through our native oak woodlands. Connect with nature through the practice of Forest Bathing - a (fully clothed) slow walk through the woods to immerse yourself in nature and sit quietly as you "bathe" yourself in sunlight breaking through a canopy of oak trees. Through a series of invitations, participants may practice sitting quietly using mindful observation, and use their senses to explore the surrounding environment. Spend time among the trees, breathing deep, and building a deeper connection with Nature.

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

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

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

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.)

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.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 14.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 14.

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 spring wildflowers and beautiful scenery on the Richard & Donna O'Neill Conservancy.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate. You choose the route.
Ages: All. Recommended 6 and up.

Spring is here, let's find out what's blooming near! Take a color discovery walk along the Oak Canyon trail to search for vibrant native wildflowers and their colorful pollinator friends. Create springtime art with color mixing fun!

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Ages: Recommended 2 - 5 years

Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 28.