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

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

This year is our 20th year as a habitat reserve and we want you to join us to celebrate two decades of wildlife conservation and connecting people with the land.

What the day includes:

• Guided Nature walks
• Outdoor games and playtime in our Mud Kitchen
• Nature inspired crafts
• Food and drinks
• Meet and Greets with Nature Reserve Animal Ambassadors
• Presentation by the Orange County Bird of Prey Center with live hawks, owls, and falcons!

How to join us for the party:

There are a many ways to join us for this fun celebration.

• Try our 20 Year Connection Challenge by interacting with us on hikes, events, social media, or through donations. Learn more HERE.
• Kids can earn an invitation for their whole family by doing a fun scavenger hunt at home or around their neighborhood. Download the Scavenger Hunt HERE. When you are finished, just snap a photo and email it to staff@rmvreserve.org. You can also pick up a printed Scavenger Hunt in The Nature House at 30225 Ranch Cyn, Rancho Mission Viejo.
• Make a donation in any amount. Suggested donations include $20/individual or $30/family. Donate HERE.

Join our 20 Connections Challenge to help us celebrate 20 years of local habitat conservation and connecting people with The Nature Reserve.

To complete the challenge, either use the notebook or the Google Form to play the game and add up your points! Choose your own way(s) to connect with and explore The Nature Reserve. Each connection has a point value, and the goal is to reach 20 points by combining connections. The deadline is October 17, 2026.

Everyone who finishes the challenge will receive your choice of our 20th year Anniversary bandanna or carabiner as a prize. You’ll also be invited to our 20th Year Celebration Party on October 24! We’ll be celebrating in true Nature Reserve style with food, music, crafts, nature walks, opportunity drawings, and live animal presentations.

From the Jurassic to the Pleistocene, join geologist Aron Taylor on a journey through Rancho Mission Viejo’s spectacular geologic history. This special evening includes a meet and greet with our speaker and a look at the unique geological features of historic Rancho Mission Viejo lands. 

Enjoy geology themed cocktails, beer, wine, and small bites. Admission includes one drink ticket and food. Additional drinks can be purchased. Non-alcoholic beverages options will be available. This is for adults 21 years of age and older.

Registration closes October 27 at 4:00pm.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.