Calendar

Slow down and take a mindful walk through our native oak woodlands. Connect with nature through a slow walk through the woods to immerse yourself in nature and sit quietly under a canopy of oak trees. Through a series of invitations, participants may practice sitting quietly using mindful observation, and how to use their senses to explore the surrounding environment. Spend time among the trees, breathing deep, and building a deeper connection with Nature.

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, February 6.

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

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, February 13 at 4:00 pm.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at Orchard Loop Trail, as we offer you hot tea or coffee. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.

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

Ages: 12 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

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!

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 Friday, February 27 .

Slow down and take a mindful walk through our native oak woodlands. Connect with nature through a slow walk through the woods to immerse yourself in nature and sit quietly under a canopy of oak trees. Through a series of invitations, participants may practice sitting quietly using mindful observation, and how to use their senses to explore the surrounding environment. Spend time among the trees, breathing deep, and building a deeper connection with Nature.

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.

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

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.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13.

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 13.

Join The Nature Reserve and the Orange County Bird of Prey Center for a special evening learning about Birds of Prey - with LIVE owls, hawks, and falcons. Learn about local raptor species, their ecological role, and their efforts to aid them.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at Ranch Camp Loop, as we offer you hot tea or coffee. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.

Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own reusable mug. Nature Reserve mugs will also be available for purchase for $10.

Ages: 12 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.