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 RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Apr
8
residents
Apr|8|2025-04-08
Apr
12
public
Apr|12|2025-04-12
Apr
12
public
Apr|12|2025-04-12
Apr
12
public
Apr|12|2025-04-12
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Family Nature Day: Pond Life
Free | All Ages | Easy
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Apr
13
residents
Apr|13|2025-04-13
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Apr
15
residents
Apr|15|2025-04-15
Apr
17
public
Apr|17|2025-04-17
Apr
22
public
Apr|22|2025-04-22
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Apr
22
residents
Apr|22|2025-04-22
Apr
26
public
Apr|26|2025-04-26
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Apr
29
residents
Apr|29|2025-04-29
FOR PUBLIC
Air Bird & Bug Interpretive Hike at Ranch Camp
$5 | 6 and up | Easy - Moderate
9:00 - 10:30 AM
May
3
public
May|3|2025-05-03
May
6
public
May|6|2025-05-06
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
May
6
residents
May|6|2025-05-06
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Mud Kitchen Morning
Free | All Ages (recommended 3-5)
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
May
13
residents
May|13|2025-05-13
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
May
13
residents
May|13|2025-05-13
May
14
volunteer
May|14|2025-05-14
May
17
public
May|17|2025-05-17
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
May
20
residents
May|20|2025-05-20
FOR RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS
Tuesday Afternoon Open Access on Chiquita Ridge
Free | 10 and up | Moderate-Strenuous
2:00 - 5:00 PM
May
27
residents
May|27|2025-05-27
May
31
public
May|31|2025-05-31
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)
Jun
9
public
Jun|9|2025-06-09
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)
Jun
16
public
Jun|16|2025-06-16
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)
Jun
23
public
Jun|23|2025-06-23
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
April 8, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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.)
WHEN
April 12, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Join us for a springtime walk through The Nature Reserve. We'll be checking out what's budding and blooming along the trails, and keeping an eye out for native wildlife.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 2 miles
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 11.
show moreWHEN
April 12, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE
The Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Take in moonlit coast live oaks and sycamores on a naturalist-led hike through The Nature Reserve.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up
Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 11.
show moreWHEN
April 12, 2025, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE
Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy
Ponds are bursting with life! Frogs leap, ducks dive, fish swim, and insects buzz! Discover life in a pond on a family-friendly walk around Boulder Pond. Create your own pond habitat craft and play fun pond-themed activities.
Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All
Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 11th.
show moreWHEN
April 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
WHERE
Boulder Pond & Playground
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
April 15, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Come hear how what was once known as "California's Greatest Rancho" has become a habitat reserve dedicated to the conservation of native species. Learn the colorful history of Rancho Mission Viejo and the handshake that started it all.
Ages: 8 and up
show moreWHEN
April 17, 2025, 7:00PM - 8:30PM
WHERE
The Garage and Studios
Rancho Mission Viejo
Join Rosy the snake and Buckwheat the tortoise to celebrate Earth Day! Discover what gifts we get from the Earth and make Happy Earth Day cards. We'll be reading Care for the World by, Karen S. Robbins, and One Earth by Eileen Spinelli.
Ages: All (Recommended 3-5) w/accompanying adult
show moreWHEN
April 22, 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
April 22, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Soar to new heights, play games, meet animals, enjoy the outdoors, be inspired, and make great memories at the annual Earth Day Festival at The Pavilion!
Click Register for more information. Registration NOT required.
This event is rain or shine!
show moreWHEN
April 26, 2025, 2:00PM - 6:00PM
WHERE
The Pavilion
2 Tierno Road, 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
April 29, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
Join us at The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo for our Air Bird & Bug hike! We'll start by learning about how you can help make your house and yard friendlier to the birds and insects that migrate to and through your neighborhood. Then head out on a guided hike along the trails around Ranch Camp, to learn more about some of our wildlife tourists.
Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Trail Length: 1.1 miles
Ages: 6 and up
WHEN
May 3, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 AM
WHERE
Ranch Camp, Rienda
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
May 6, 2025, 9:00 AM - 11:30 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
May 6, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
WHERE
Chiquita Ridge
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
May 13, 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
May 13, 2025, 2:00 - 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
May 14, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE
The Ranch House in Rancho Mission Viejo
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.)
WHEN
May 17, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 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
May 20, 2025, 2:00 - 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
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
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
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
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