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.
Reading with Rosy the Snake
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
| When: | January 13, 2026, 9:00 am – 9:45 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 14 (out of 25) |
Coffee, Tea, and the Birds
Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at The Nature Reserve Headquarters, 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
| When: | January 22, 2026, 8:30 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 8 (out of 20) |
Cougars, Conservation, and Cocktails
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
| When: | January 23, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Canyon House |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 44 (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: | January 24, 2026, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 22 (out of 30) |
February Full Moon Hike
Take in moonlit coast live oaks and sycamores on a docent-led hike through The Nature Reserve. We’ll be serenaded by the sounds of the outdoors at night, as we search for nocturnal creatures by the light of February's full moon.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on January 30.
| When: | February 1, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 15 (out of 20) |
Fun Finding Fungi Mushroom Walk
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.
| When: | February 7, 2026, 9:00 am – 11:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 22 (out of 24) |
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: | February 11, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (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, December 12 at 4:00 pm.
| When: | February 14, 2026, 8:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 15 (out of 20) |
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: | February 21, 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 30 |
Shooting Stars Wildflower Walk
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.
| When: | February 28, 2026, 8:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 14 (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, December 12 at 4:00 pm.
| When: | March 7, 2026, 8:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 19 (out of 20) |
Leprechaun Hunt: 10:00am - 11:30am
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.
| When: | March 15, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (out of 25) |
Leprechaun Hunt: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
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.
| When: | March 15, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (out of 25) |
Coffee, Tea, and the Birds
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
| When: | March 19, 2026, 8:30 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 20 |
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: 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: | April 22, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |