This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only

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
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.

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

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only

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.

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 beverages options will also be available.

Ages: 21 and up

This family friendly event will celebrate Halloween and the nocturnal creatures that live on The Nature Reserve. Discover the unique ways owls hunt in the dark and how coyotes communicate with their pack. Make a “spook-tacular” Halloween craft to take home.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Participants (adults and children) must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, October 25th.

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.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: Recommended 10 and up

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only

Ground yourself to the earth! Breathe in fresh air! Stretch to the sky!  Join us at Nature Reserve Headquarters Outdoor Yoga. Certified teacher Dale Eisenberg will guide you through traditional standing poses, breathing exercises and meditation practice. This class is currently being featured in the pole barn, which is an open-air, covered area with a paved floor. Oak trees, sycamore trees, and mountains in the foresight provide a peaceful nature setting.

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.

Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature through the practice of Forest Bathing. This exploration will take place throughout our native oak woodlands with self-paced and guided activities.

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

Enjoy a Sunday morning stroll on The Ranch. This open access event allows you to walk, run, or bike* (kids only) the length of Cristianitos Road. Cristianitos Road is a paved road with views of Ranch pastures and preserved habitat on The Nature Reserve. Explore the entire 6.8 miles (round trip) or just a mile or two - your choice.

*Non-motorized scooter and bikes permitted for kids under the age of 12.

This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
Trail Length: 3.4 miles (one way)
Ages: All. Recommended 8 and up

Participants must exit by event end time, regardless of arrival time. Please plan your selected arrival time accordingly.

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.

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

Be a “forest friend” and learn how to help our mighty trees and the animals that live in them. Discover fur, bones, feathers and more on a kid-friendly adventure walk all about our local forest friends. Make a fall forest craft to take home.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: Recommended 2-5 years

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, November 22nd.

Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.
This program is available to RMV Resident kids, including grandchildren of RMV Residents.

THANKSGIVING DAY - Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 8:00AM to 10:30AM 
10K - 8:00AM | 5K - 8:30AM  | Little Gobbler's 1K - 10:00AM 

Rancho Mission Viejo’s 8th annual Turkey Trot on The Ranch features a 10K, 5K, and a Little Gobbler’s 1K that takes participants through the beautiful pathways and walkways of the Community of Rancho Mission Viejo. 

All proceeds from the run will benefit The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, the entity responsible for education and conservation of the historic land of Rancho Mission Viejo. This run will happen, rain or shine! 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at ranchlife@rmvranchlife.com

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.

Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature through the practice of Forest Bathing. This exploration will take place throughout our native oak woodlands with self-paced and guided activities.