A walk through The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is never just a walk when a volunteer is leading the way. Along the trail, they help visitors notice the details that make the landscape come alive: a bird overhead, the scent of native plants, the quiet movement of wildlife, and the stories of the historic Ranch lands. These small moments often become the spark that turns a visitor into a lifelong nature enthusiast. 

Volunteers are an essential bridge between conservation work and public discovery. They support Reserve staff through trail maintenance, habitat care, and invasive species management, thereby helping protect the land. They also contribute to citizen science by participating in bird counts and tracking migration patterns, turning careful observations into valuable information for The Nature Reserve. 

Fire Watch volunteers serve as safety lookouts and community ambassadors across open space areas. Program volunteers lead walks focused on wildflowers, butterflies, fungi, tarantulas, birds, and more. Volunteer astronomers invite participants to learn the constellations while peering through their telescopes at the night sky.  By sharing their passion and knowledge, volunteers inspire visitors to ask questions and learn more about The Nature Reserve.   

If you have a passion for nature and enjoy helping others discover the outdoors, we would love to welcome you to the volunteer community. To learn how to get involved, contact Linda Bensadoun, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at Lbensadoun@rmvreserve.org.