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
NAN
99
residents
Jun|10|2023-06-10
NAN
99
public
Jun|12|2023-06-12
NAN
99
volunteer
Jun|14|2023-06-14
NAN
99
public
Jun|19|2023-06-19
NAN
99
public
Jun|24|2023-06-24
NAN
99
public
Jun|26|2023-06-26
NAN
99
residents
Jul|8|2023-07-08
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
Free | Recommended 10 & Up | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|11|2023-07-11
FOR PUBLIC
Magnificent Morning Interpretive Hike at Ranch Camp
FREE | 6 and up | Easy - Moderate
9:00-10:30 AM
NAN
99
public
Jul|15|2023-07-15
NAN
99
volunteer
Jul|15|2023-07-15
NAN
99
public
Jul|17|2023-07-17
NAN
99
public
Jul|22|2023-07-22
NAN
99
public
Jul|24|2023-07-24
FOR PUBLIC
Saturday Morning Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
FREE | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
7:00-11:00 AM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|29|2023-07-29
NAN
99
public
Jul|31|2023-07-31
FOR PUBLIC
Knee-High Naturalists: Leaping Lizards!
Free | 2-5 years | Easy - Moderate
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
NAN
99
residents
Aug|5|2023-08-05
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access Chiquita Ridge
Free | Recommended 10 & Up | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Aug|8|2023-08-08
NAN
99
volunteer
Aug|10|2023-08-10
NAN
99
volunteer
Aug|16|2023-08-16
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.
Enjoy a morning hike along the valley floor of Chiquita Canyon. This hike will take place along an old ranch road which runs along the canyon floor. Take in views of Chiquita Ridge above and Ranch agriculture along the way.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 6 miles (3 miles each way)
Ages: 12 and up
WHEN
June 10, 2023, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Chiquita Canyon
Dig into summer as we become paleontologists exploring the world of fossils! Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! 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 12 - June 15, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 9.
show moreWHEN
June 12, 2023, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
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
June 14, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
Discover how to survive the wild if you find yourself lost. Build shelters, find water, and learn trail safety with our animal ambassadors. Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! 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 19 - June 22, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 16.
show moreWHEN
June 19, 2023, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
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 24, 2023, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Go wild! Explore amazing native animals and meet our awesome animal ambassadors. Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! 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 26 - June 29, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11
For a discounted price on a week of camp, sign up for a yearly Family Level Supportership! Receive a discount on camp and attend most Nature Reserve events for FREE throughout the year. Contact us for more details.
Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 23.
show moreWHEN
June 26, 2023, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
Wacky, wild, wonderful…WATER! Join us for a morning of water play as we discover the wonders of water on our planet. Create wacky watercolor art as we explore with water and oil mixtures. Please wear water play clothes/swimsuits and water play shoes.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 2 - 5 years
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 7th.
Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.
show moreWHEN
July 8, 2023, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano
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
July 11, 2023, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Join us at The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo for a magnificent morning hike! We'll start by learning about the "Magnificent Seven" endangered species that The Nature Reserve helps to protect and head out on a guided hike along the trails around Ranch Camp, to learn more about the local plants and animals.
show moreWHEN
July 15, 2023, 9:00-10:30 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rienda
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
July 15, 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
Wonder why owls fly silently or why deer hide their young alone? Uncover the mysteries of wonderful wildlife living around us in Southern California. Learn about the seven endangered species of The Nature Reserve and how you can help protect wildlife and their habitats.
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. 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.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 17, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
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 22, 2023, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Bring the outdoors inside and get creative! Use natural and recycled materials to make one-of-a-kind works of art, inspired by nature. Learn to draw California native animals and sketch a few of our animal ambassadors.
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. 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.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 24, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
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
July 29, 2023, 7:00-11:00 AM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Fly, hop, crawl or soar... we’re talking about butterflies, beetles, ants, and more! Learn about the largest animal group on the planet, insects, as we bring out the magnifying glasses and explore these amazing, tiny creatures!
Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities and crafts. 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.
This program is geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
show moreWHEN
July 31, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Ladera Ranch Library
What are covered with scales and can grow new tails? Leaping lizards! Join us for an exploration walk on the Ranch Camp Loop Trail as we look for lizards and learn about this special group of animals that live on The Nature Reserve and in our own backyards. Create a loveable lizard craft to take home.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate (Must be able to walk the Ranch Camp Loop trail. No strollers.)
Ages: 2 - 5 years
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, August 4th.
Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. However, please only register the participating child/ren.
show moreWHEN
August 5, 2023, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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
August 8, 2023, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Help out your community by becoming a South Orange County Fire Watch volunteer!
Training will focus on: understanding basic fire behavior, identifying signs of wildfire, dealing with suspect behavior, providing useful fire information, and contacting proper fire authorities.
show moreWHEN
August 10, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Station 58 - 58 Station Way, Ladera Ranch, California 92694
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
August 16, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House