Calendar

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

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.

Enjoy a moderately-paced hike on the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy, with stops along the way to take in the scenery of leaves falling and colors changing.

Hike Description: This hike will begin along the Sycamore Loop trail and return along Shady Canyon trail. The single-track Sycamore Loop trail is an easy-moderate trail. Shady Canyon is an easy trail through the lower areas under the canopy of oaks and open grasslands.

Interpretation Level: Low
Trail Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: 8 and up

Once registered, please refer to the confirmation email for important event information.

Join us for a slow paced Sunday afternoon walk on The Nature Reserve. On our walk, we'll be on the lookout for fallen acorns, cactus fruits, local wildlife, and other fall happenings in the wild. It will be a great morning to savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of November on the habitat reserve.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: 8 and up

Join our guest speaker, Kathleen Adelia Sandoval, as she speaks about the history of the Acjachemen people and how they are preserving their culture today. Adelia Sandoval is the Spiritual Overseer (Púula) of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians/ Acjachemen Nation and a lineal descendant of her Tribal Ancestors, the indigenous people of Orange County, CA. She is also the Cultural Director and the Director of the Women’s Tribal singing group the Tushmaluum Heleckatuum. The evening includes small bites and beverages inspired by indigenous ingredients.

Ages: 10 and up

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

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.

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.

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.