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.
Sendero Fire Watch Deployment: 10AM - 12PM Shift
| When: | September 1, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Sendero Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 1 (out of 2) |
Cox Sports Park Fire Watch Deployment: 12PM - 2PM Shift
| When: | October 1, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Cox Sports Park Fire Watch Deployment: 10AM - 12PM Shift
| When: | October 3, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Sendero Fire Watch Deployment: 12PM - 2PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Sendero Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Sendero Fire Watch Deployment: 2PM - 4PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Sendero Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Esencia Fire Watch Deployment: 12PM - 2PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Esencia Fire Watch Deployment: 2PM - 4PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Talega Fire Watch Deployment: 2PM - 4PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Talega Fire Watch Deployment: 12PM - 2PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Cox Sports Park Fire Watch Deployment: 2PM - 4PM Shift
| When: | October 16, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
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: | November 7, 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 18 (out of 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: | November 18, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 18 (out of 25) |
Esencia Fire Watch Deployment: 10AM - 12PM Shift
| When: | November 30, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Talega Fire Watch Deployment: 10AM - 12PM Shift
| When: | November 30, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Esencia Fire Watch Location |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 2 |
Winter Solstice Celebration
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 2026. Then gather around our solstice spiral and sip hot cider or cocoa, as we tell stories of the solstice.
| When: | December 21, 2026, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 27 (out of 29) |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
Ready to make a difference, meet new people, and spend more time outdoors? Take the first step toward becoming an official Nature Reserve Volunteer and join a community helping protect South Orange County’s natural open spaces.
Discover The Nature Reserve’s mission and the many ways you can get involved—from inspiring students and supporting community programs to caring for trails, restoring habitat, and sharing your own skills and interests. There’s a place for you to make an impact, connect with nature, and help preserve these special lands for the future.
Ages: Adult, 18 and up
| When: | January 16, 2027, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| 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: | February 17, 2027, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |
Volunteer Orientation and Training
Interested in making an impact in your community, meeting new people, and spending time in nature? Take the first step to become an official Nature Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Nature Reserve's philosophy and mission, as well as 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: | March 13, 2027, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| 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: | April 14, 2027, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |