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.
Sunset, Moonrise Hike
Experience life out on The Nature Reserve during that magical time of the evening where shadows become long and the sky fades from fiery orange to a soft blue. Be on the lookout for wildlife as the day comes to end and the evening just begins.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 2 miles (1 mile each way)
Ages: 8 and up
| When: | March 25, 2024, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |
Once in a Blue Moon Hike
Join us for summer night hike under the light of a blue moon as we explore Verdugo Canyon at night. Learn about what makes a blue moon unusual and what other rarities can be found on The Nature Reserve.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 30.
| When: | May 31, 2026, 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Verdugo Canyon |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 13 (out of 20) |
North Ridge/Shady Canyon Hike
Explore the North Ridge and Shady Canyon trails! Hike along North Ridge trail while taking in sweeping views of the Nature Reserve and the expansive open space of the Ranch lands beyond, before heading back through the oaks and grasslands of Shady Canyon.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Trail Type and Length: Single track. 2 miles.
Ages: 8 and up
Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on June 5.
| When: | June 6, 2026, 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (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 13, 2026, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 27 (out of 30) |
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: | June 13, 2026, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 23 (out of 25) |
Summer Day Camp: California Creatures!
California is home to many different animals from the mountains to the desert to the ocean. Meet live animals, make animal-themed crafts, and explore cool critters on outdoor adventures!
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.
Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and camp group photo each week. Campers attending multiple weeks may exchange t-shirt for another available item.
Dates: June 15 - June 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Campout & The Pavilion playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 14.
| When: | June 15, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 10 (out of 40) |
Reading with Reptiles
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
| When: | June 16, 2026, 9:00 am – 9:45 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 23 (out of 25) |
Summer Solstice Sunset Hike
Celebrate the Solstice with a sunset hike on The Nature Reserve. Surround yourself in nature and watch the sunset.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 20.
| When: | June 21, 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 19 (out of 22) |
Summer Day Camp: Outdoor Engineers!
Use your imagination to design, create, and build projects to help wildlife. Let nature inspire your designs as we look at how plants and animals survive and thrive in their environments.
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.
Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and camp group photo each week. Campers attending multiple weeks may exchange t-shirt for another available item.
Dates: June 22 - June 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Hangout & The Backyard playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 21.
| When: | June 22, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 15 (out of 40) |
Summer Day Camp: Savvy Survivalists!
Get ready for outdoor adventures on the trail! Build shelters, bake a treat in your own solar oven and practice kid-friendly wilderness safety.
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 29 - July 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at Ranch Camp and Boulder Pond playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.
For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.
Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 28.
| When: | June 29, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 14 (out of 40) |
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: | July 8, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 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: | July 18, 2026, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 30 |
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: | July 18, 2026, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where: | The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 30 |
Colorful Critters & Crafts! at Ladera Ranch Library
Camouflage, warning, or just pretending, animals use colors in so many ways! Meet live animals and explore hands-on activities to see how animals’ colors help them in their habitat.
The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities, crafts and live animals. Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. Please sign-in upon arrival. Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.
The program activities are geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
| When: | July 20, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ladera Ranch Library |
| Information: | Available Spaces: Unlimited |
"Hiking 101" Interpretive Hike at Ranch Camp
Join us at The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo for Hiking 101! We'll start by learning about the "Ten Essentials" you should have when hiking, trail tips, and make a minimalist first aid kit! Then head out on a guided hike along the trails around Ranch Camp, to learn more about the local plants and animals.
Interpretation Level: High | Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate | Trail Length: 1.7 miles | Ages: 6 and up
| When: | July 25, 2026, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch Camp, Rienda |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 24 (out of 25) |
Nature Buddies! at Ladera Ranch Library
Nature buddies are all around us as woodpeckers gather acorns and butterflies visit flowers. Spend a morning being a nature buddy to understand how nature works together!
The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities, crafts and live animals. Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. Please sign-in upon arrival. Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.
The program activities are geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
| When: | July 27, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ladera Ranch Library |
| Information: | Available Spaces: Unlimited |
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: | August 22, 2026, 9:00 am – 10:30 am |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo |
| Information: | Available Spaces: 25 |