Calendar

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.)

Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, December 12 at 4:00 pm.

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.

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 2025. Then gather around our solstice spiral and sip hot cider or cocoa, as we tell stories of the solstice.

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.

The Volunteer Orientation and Training is a fun, informational meeting to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through The Nature Reserve.

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: 18 and up

We look forward to having you volunteer with us!

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

Join The Nature Reserve for an evening learning about Cougars and how they shaped the Nature Reserve. While you sip on specialty cocktails and nibble on hearty appetizers, Reserve Manager Laura Coley Eisenberg will talk about Cougar life, status across the State, research that The Nature Reserve is participating in and much more. Admission includes presentation, food, and one drink ticket. Additional beverages available for purchase. Hope to see you there!

Ages: 21 and up

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

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.

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.)

Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, December 12 at 4:00 pm.

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

Local wildflower expert, Bob Allen, will lead an exploration of The Nature Reserve looking for early wildflowers like the Padre 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 on Saturday, March 22.

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.