Visitation and exploration of The Nature Reserve is managed by The Reserve Connection. The Reserve Connection is a public 501(c) (3) non-profit, that serves to provide opportunities to the community to visit and enjoy The Nature Reserve. Through the many hikes, walks, astronomy programs, family events, and volunteer opportunities offered, visitors can discover and learn about the importance of the habitat reserve.
Upcoming Events
FOR PUBLIC
Certified Volunteer Training: Public Interaction and Elements of Interpretation
Free | 18 & up
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
NAN
99
volunteer
Dec|6|2023-12-06
NAN
99
public
Dec|9|2023-12-09
NAN
99
public
Dec|9|2023-12-09
NAN
99
public
Dec|10|2023-12-10
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Dec|12|2023-12-12
NAN
99
volunteer
Dec|13|2023-12-13
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|9|2024-01-09
NAN
99
volunteer
Jan|13|2024-01-13
NAN
99
public
Jan|15|2024-01-15
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|16|2024-01-16
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|23|2024-01-23
FOR PUBLIC
Knee-High Naturalists: Bird Buddies
Free | 2-5 years | Easy - Moderate
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|28|2024-01-28
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jan|30|2024-01-30
Rancho Mission Viejo Resident Only Events:
- Some events are exclusively for residents of Rancho Mission Viejo.
- Registration for these events require proof of a current address in Rancho Mission Viejo.
All Events Specify A Minimum Age For Participation:
- Six (6) is the minimum age for most Nature Reserve programs.
- 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 Nature 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.
This class is for Nature Reserve Volunteers who have already taken Volunteer Orientation and Training and want to become a Certified Volunteer with The Nature Reserve. This workshop will focus on how to work with visitors on The Nature Reserve. During the class we'll learn skills for interpreting the natural world for others as well as group management and public interaction techniques.
show moreWHEN
December 6, 2023, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House
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.)
Please note: participants must be registered by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 8th.
show moreWHEN
December 9, 2023, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
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
December 9, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Create treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Enjoy making winter plant bundles, pinecone crafts, handprint paintings, and more!
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 8th. Due to limited spacing, all attendees (crafters and non-crafters) must register and pay in advance.
show moreWHEN
December 10, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE
Ranch Camp, Rienda
Rancho Mission Viejo
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
show moreWHEN
December 12, 2023, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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.
show moreWHEN
December 13, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House at Rancho Mission Viejo
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
show moreWHEN
January 9, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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.
show moreWHEN
January 13, 2024, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Outpost in Sendero
Enjoy a morning of service with The Nature Reserve staff and fellow volunteers as we beautify the grounds of our headquarters and gardens. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off."
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up (Volunteers under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.)
Please note: participants must be registered by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 12.
show moreWHEN
January 15, 2024, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
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
show moreWHEN
January 16, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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
show moreWHEN
January 23, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Feathers, beaks, nests and wings...come explore these amazing bird things! Learn about the birds that call The Nature Reserve home in the winter and year round. Take home your own toy binocular craft to continue the bird watching fun at 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, January 7th.
Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.
show moreWHEN
January 28, 2024, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
Ranch Camp, Rienda
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
show moreWHEN
January 30, 2024, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge