All events specify a minimum age for participation.
- Eight (8) is the minimum age for most Reserve events.
- Some events require participants to be ages 12 & up.
- FAMILY events welcome children aged 6 & up.
- Refer to specific event listing for details.
- Be sure to review our age limit policy.
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 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.
Astronomy Night
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: | March 21, 2026, 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 8 (out of 30) |
Wildflower Happy Hour - Science, Discussion, and Libations
Discover California native wildflowers with botanist and author, Bob Allen. Bob will discuss common wildflowers blooming on the Nature Reserve and some of the butterflies that depend on them. Admission includes light bites, one drink ticket (beer, wine, or wildflower themed cocktail), and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional beverages available for sale.
| When: | April 10, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Canyon House |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 53 (out of 55) |
Spring Sunrise Hike
Enjoy an early spring morning on this 3.25 mile hike. This hike will traverse along Gato Road to Middle Ridge, and provide some breathtaking views.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate with some strenuous hills. Participants must be able to hike 3.25 miles at an average rate of 2.5 miles per hour. Elevation gain 575 feet.
Ages: 10 and up
| When: | April 11, 2026, 6:00 am – 8:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (out of 25) |
Reading with Reptiles
Join Rosy the snake and Buckwheat the tortoise 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
| When: | April 14, 2026, 9:00 am – 9:45 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 11 (out of 25) |
Trail Stewardship
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, March 6 at 4:00 pm.
| When: | April 18, 2026, 8:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 19 (out of 20) |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
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.
| When: | April 22, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 23 (out of 25) |
Astronomy Night
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: | April 25, 2026, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 30 |
Celebrate Earth Week! Family Walk to Mother Oak
Celebrate Earth Week on a family-friendly walk outdoors to the Mother Oak tree and along Gato road trail. Learn how together we can protect habitats for plants and animals on The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Create a recycled nature craft and say hello to a live animal ambassador.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Ages: 6 and up
| When: | April 26, 2026, 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 20 (out of 25) |
Presentation: From Rancho to Reserve-The History of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo
Come hear how what was once known as "California's Greatest Rancho" has become a habitat reserve dedicated to the conservation of native species. Learn the colorful history of Rancho Mission Viejo and the handshake that started it all.
Ages: 8 and up
| When: | May 13, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Canyon House |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 54 (out of 55) |
Astronomy Night
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: | May 16, 2026, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 30 |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
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.
| When: | June 13, 2026, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |
Summer Day Camp: California Creatures!
California is home to many different animals from the mountains to the desert to the ocean. Meet live animals, make animal-themed crafts, and explore cool critters on outdoor adventures!
Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and camp group photo each week. Campers attending multiple weeks may exchange t-shirt for another available item.
Dates: June 15 - June 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Campout & The Pavilion playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 14.
| When: | June 15, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 35 (out of 40) |
Summer Day Camp: Outdoor Engineers!
Use your imagination to design, create, and build projects to help wildlife. Let nature inspire your designs as we look at how plants and animals survive and thrive in their environments.
Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and camp group photo each week. Campers attending multiple weeks may exchange t-shirt for another available item.
Dates: June 22 - June 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Hangout & The Backyard playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 21.
| When: | June 22, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 35 (out of 40) |
Summer Day Camp: Savvy Survivalists!
Get ready for outdoor adventures on the trail! Build shelters, bake a treat in your own solar oven and practice kid-friendly wilderness safety.
Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.
Dates: June 29 - July 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at Ranch Camp and Boulder Pond playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 28.
| When: | June 29, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 32 (out of 40) |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
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.
| When: | July 8, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
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.
| When: | August 15, 2026, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |