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

Explore new trails on this winter hike through Verdugo Canyon. This 2.5 mile guided hike winds its way through oak woodland, riparian, and flood-plain scrub ecosystems.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy - moderate
Ages: 8 and up

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.

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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Explore the fascinating world of the kingdom Fungi with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. We’ll start by exploring what fungi are and how they are connected to other life forms. Oaks, pines, orchids and many more plants are dependent on fungal associations. Joanne will describe methods for locating and identifying wild mushrooms in Orange County and beyond. Enjoy fungi themed appetizers and dessert!

Click here for Joanne's fungi resources.

Local wildflower expert, Bob Allen, will lead an exploration of The Nature Reserve looking for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star. Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm on Friday, February 27.

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.

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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Slow down and take a mindful walk through our native oak woodlands. Connect with nature through a slow walk through the woods to immerse yourself in nature and sit quietly under a canopy of oak trees. Through a series of invitations, participants may practice sitting quietly using mindful observation, and how to use their senses to explore the surrounding environment. Spend time among the trees, breathing deep, and building a deeper connection with Nature.

Explore new trails on this winter hike through Verdugo Canyon. This 2.5 mile guided hike winds its way through oak woodland, riparian, and flood-plain scrub ecosystems.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

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.)

Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, March 06 at 4:00 pm.

Join Rosy the snake 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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Would you like to learn to identify some of our local feathered friends? Are you ready to start your “life list?” Enjoy a spring morning with docent and bird expert Gary Meredith while quietly combing The Nature Reserve for our resident and migrant birds.

This is a birding 101 event and will partially take place alongside a private road overlooking oak groves, grasslands and more. Participants will initially drive on the road from site to site to look and listen for a variety of birds and later take a stroll to view other birds on our trails.

We encourage you to wear neutral/natural colored clothing and to bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday March 13.

The Volunteer Orientation and Training is a fun, informational meeting to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through The Nature Reserve.

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: 18 and up

We look forward to having you volunteer with us!

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13.

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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Join The Nature Reserve and the Orange County Bird of Prey Center for a special evening learning about Birds of Prey - with LIVE owls, hawks, and falcons. Learn about local raptor species, their ecological role, and the efforts to aid them.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at Ranch Camp Loop, 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. Nature Reserve mugs will also be available for purchase for $10.

Ages: 12 and up

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: 4 miles (2 miles each way)
Ages: 10 and up

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

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.

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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

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: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Discover California native wildflowers with botanist and author, Bob Allen. Bob will discuss common wildflowers blooming on the Nature Reserve and some of the butterflies that depend on them. Admission includes light bites, one drink ticket (beer, wine, or wildflower themed cocktail), and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional beverages available for sale.

Enjoy an early spring morning on this 3.25 mile hike. This hike will traverse along Gato Road to Middle Ridge, and provide some breathtaking views.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate with some strenuous hills. Participants must be able to hike 3.25 miles at an average rate of 2.5 miles per hour. Elevation gain 575 feet.

Ages: 10 and up

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

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.

The Volunteer Orientation and Training is a fun, informational meeting to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through The Nature Reserve.

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: 18 and up

We look forward to having you volunteer with us!

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