Thousands of visitors explored The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo in 2018. Visitors to The Reserve took part in over a hundred interpretive events as part of The Reserve’s community education programs. Visitors went on Bird Safaris, Butterfly Walks, and discovered native wildflowers on one of the many of the yearly Wildflower Walks offered on The Reserve.
In the summer of 2018 The Reserve hosted a Nature-based Summer Day Camp for local kids, ages 6-11. The camp theme was Wild Earth Artists and was centered on fostering creativity while exploring and learning about nature. Many visitors also took advantage of the warm summer evenings and joined us for our many nighttime adventures including full moon hikes, twilight treks, and monthly Astronomy Nights.
Over 3,500 students also visited The Reserve in 2018. The Reserve’s diverse plant and animal life provide the perfect outdoor classroom for students to learn. School aged children from all around southern California visit the Reserve to participate in our School Programs.
In partnership with the community of Rancho Mission Viejo, exclusive programs were offered to residents of Rancho Mission Viejo. Residents were offered 37 exclusive programs in 2018. These included monthly Knee-High Naturalists programs, Open Access Events (e.g. Ramble the Reserve, Chiquita Ridge Hikes), and outreach events. These programs are part of a special effort to create a direct Culture of Care for The Reserve among Rancho Mission Viejo Residents.