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.
Twilight in the Trees Sunset Hike
Celebrate Arbor Day with a twilight hike through the oaks and sycamores of The Nature Reserve. Trees provide essential habitat for wildlife. They produce oxygen for the air we breathe. They give us shade and a place for kids to play. Experience sunset among trees, enjoy their beauty and learn more about their significance.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm, April 25.
| When: | April 26, 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 11 (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: | June 8, 2024, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 23 (out of 27) |
Summer Day Camp: Animal Explorers!
Go Wild! Explore the amazing animals native to California and learn how to protect them. 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 10 - June 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 7.
| When: | June 10, 2024, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 0 |
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 15, 2024, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (out of 25) |
Summer Day Camp: Archaeology Adventures!
Dig into the past on an adventure in archaeology! 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 17 - June 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 14.
| When: | June 17, 2024, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 9 (out of 40) |
Summer Day Camp: Nature's Palette
Create works of art inspired by nature's colorful palette. 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 24 - June 27, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 21.
| When: | June 24, 2024, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 21 (out of 40) |