Calendar

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.)

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

This class may be taken on its own for $25/class or as part of the entire 6-week Nature Journaling course for $130. All classes include nature journaling notebook. 6-week course includes additional support books and supplies.

No experience or materials necessary. First class (10/15) is at Nature Reserve Headquarters. All subsequent classes on The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy (10/22-11/19)

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

No experience or materials necessary. All Materials Included. All classes include nature journaling notebook. 6-week course includes additional support books and supplies.

First class (10/15) is at Nature Reserve Headquarters. Participants choose from six of the weekday or weekend options. All subsequent classes on The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy (10/22-11/19)

October’s full moon provided the light needed for hunting during the night. Come learn about local Native American hunting techniques and enjoy a moonlit hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up

Join us at The Nature Reserve for International Archaeology Day! Learn about the field of archaeology and how the past helps us understand the present. Hands-on, kid-friendly activities include traditional games, pottery conservation activity and mock archaeology site. Learn how to use ancient tools like rabbit sticks and a fire-bow!

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Ages: All. Recommended 6 and up.

Please note: participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, October 18th at 4:00 PM.

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

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

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching in Sendero in Rancho Mission Viejo, 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.

Ages: 12 and up

Join The Nature Reserve for a special evening learning about Birds of Prey - owls, hawks, and falcons. We'll begin the evening hearing from Tom Millington from The Nature Reserve, as he shares photos and stories about The Nature Reserve's most common bird of prey, the red-tailed hawk. Then, see live birds of prey with the Orange County Bird of Prey Center as they discuss local raptor species, their ecological role, and their efforts to aid them.

The evening includes small bites and one drink ticket. Additional beverages available for purchase. Non-alcoholic beverage options will also be available.

Ages: 21 and up

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

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

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

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.

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

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

Take a look at nature with intentional curiosity through nature journaling. Spend mornings on The Nature Reserve observing and recording your observations, questions, and explanations. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Each class will focus on a different journaling technique and time spent in our "sit spots" practicing what we've learned. Enhance your observation, curiosity, and memory, and connect yourself more deeply with nature.

All classes include nature journaling notebook. No experience or materials necessary. This event can be done with little to no hiking and has accessibility options, email staff@rmvreserve.org for more information.

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.