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
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
May|27|2025-05-27
NAN
99
public
May|31|2025-05-31
NAN
99
public
Jun|1|2025-06-01
NAN
99
residents
Jun|3|2025-06-03
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jun|3|2025-06-03
FOR PUBLIC
Sunday Open Access on Cristianitos Road
Free | All Ages (recommended 8 & up)
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
NAN
99
residents
Jun|8|2025-06-08
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: Outdoor Explorers!
$225-$250/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
NAN
99
public
Jun|9|2025-06-09
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jun|10|2025-06-10
NAN
99
public
Jun|11|2025-06-11
NAN
99
volunteer
Jun|14|2025-06-14
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: Nature Artists!
$225-$250/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
NAN
99
public
Jun|16|2025-06-16
NAN
99
public
Jun|17|2025-06-17
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jun|17|2025-06-17
NAN
99
residents
Jun|21|2025-06-21
FOR PUBLIC
Summer Day Camp: California Animal Adventures!
$225-$250/4-day week | 6-11 years | Easy-Moderate
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
NAN
99
public
Jun|23|2025-06-23
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jun|24|2025-06-24
NAN
99
public
Jun|28|2025-06-28
NAN
99
residents
Jun|29|2025-06-29
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|1|2025-07-01
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|8|2025-07-08
NAN
99
volunteer
Jul|9|2025-07-09
FOR PUBLIC
Weekend Open Access, Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Free | All Ages. Recommended 6 and up | Easy-Moderate
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|13|2025-07-13
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|15|2025-07-15
NAN
99
public
Jul|19|2025-07-19
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|22|2025-07-22
NAN
99
residents
Jul|27|2025-07-27
FOR PUBLIC
Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | All Ages (recommended 10+) | Moderate - Strenuous
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NAN
99
residents
Jul|29|2025-07-29
NAN
99
public
Aug|2|2025-08-02
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 policies.
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 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
May 27, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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
May 31, 2025, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Admire the expansive views on a moderately-paced, 3.5 mile morning hike along North Ridge and Middle Ridge trails on the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy.
Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate with some strenuous hills
Ages: 10 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 30.
show moreWHEN
June 1, 2025, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Get muddy and messy creating mudpies and dirt cakes, explore nature looking for birds and bugs, or enjoy a book together under an oak tree - your choice. Mud Kitchen Mornings are opportunity for RMV kids (and their accompanying adults) to enjoy a morning on Nature Reserve Headquarters grounds playing in our natural playscape. This is an open access style event for residents to visit anytime during the event time. There are no activities planned but visitors are welcome to explore and play together in this fun outdoor setting.
show moreWHEN
June 3, 2025, 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
June 3, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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.
show moreWHEN
June 8, 2025, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
Cristianitos Road
Step into adventure and become an outdoor explorer! Identify wildlife clues on the trail and meet our live animal ambassadors. Build shelters and practice kid-friendly outdoor skills to be safe and smart on the trail.
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 9 - June 12, 2025
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 Friday, June 6.
show moreWHEN
June 9, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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
June 10, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Enjoy spring's last full moon with stroll on the Nature Reserve. We'll enjoy a walk through oak and sycamore trees. As we explore, we'll watch the full moon rise and bathe the hillsides and trails in moonlight.
show moreWHEN
June 11, 2025, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
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, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WHERE
The Ranch House at Rancho Mission Viejo
Craft colorful works of art inspired by the outdoors, using natural and recycled materials. Create your own nature art notebook and learn to draw native animals with our own animal ambassadors. Take a color walk to San Juan Creek to discover a rainbow of colors in nature!
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 16 - June 19, 2025
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 Friday, June 13.
show moreWHEN
June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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
show moreWHEN
June 17, 2025, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
WHERE
The Nature House at Ranch Camp in 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
June 17, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Enjoy an early 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 21, 2025, 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
WHERE
Chiquita Canyon
Adventure awaits as we discover the amazing animals around us! Meet our California animal ambassadors, including locally rescued hawks and owls from the OC Bird of Prey Center. Investigate local wildlife using magnifying glasses, binoculars and sweep nets during daily adventures on the trail!
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 23 - June 26, 2025
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 Nature House & 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 Friday, June 20.
show moreWHEN
June 23, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Drop off begins 8:30 AM)
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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
June 24, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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 28, 2025, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Get ready for summer at The Nature Reserve as we play outdoor games and make a craft perfect for summertime adventures on the go! Meet live animals on a family-friendly walk to San Juan Creek and discover how animals stay cool in the hot, dry summer season.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 27th. Spaces are limited. Please register all attendees, adults and children.
show moreWHEN
June 29, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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 1, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 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
July 8, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
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 9, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Weekend Open Access, Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
REGISTER
Explore the beauty of The Nature Reserve at your own pace! Participants explore by hiking or walking through designated trails available for self-guided access. Take time to explore summer's beautiful scenery on the Richard & Donna O'Neill Conservancy.
show moreWHEN
July 13, 2025, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
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 15, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Hoots, howls and other cries in the night are what we'll be listening for on this nighttime adventure on The Reserve. Enjoy a night hike, as we learn about nocturnal animals and listen for the calls of the wild.
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm, July 18.
show moreWHEN
July 19, 2025, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
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 22, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Heat and light, energy to grow a flower…. this is what we call Solar Power! Learn how plants, animals and people use sunlight energy as we meet a live reptile, make sun prints and a solar oven craft.
show moreWHEN
July 27, 2025, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
WHERE
The Nature Reserve Headquarters
33101 Ortega Hwy
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, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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
August 2, 2025, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy