Growing Kids in the Outdoors

Recently, my youngest kid had a yearly checkup. While at the appointment, the doctor ticked off all the markers of growth. Height and weight were measured, and other developmental milestones assessed and discussed. Everything was normal, he was growing and developing as he should.
The day after the appointment we headed out for a week of camping in Yosemite. We joined the same group of families we go with each year. Each with kids just a little bit older than my youngest. Last year was full of falls and crashes as he tried to keep up with older kids who were more agile and confident while playing near the campsite. There was always a trip over a tree branch, a stumble on a rock, or a slip on loose soil. This year was different.

A Growing Nature Reserve

The theme for this Summer 2024 newsletter is “Flourish and Grow”. I’ve previously written about how we manage The Nature Reserve to ensure that both the land itself and the species that live on it “flourish”. In Laura’s Line this time, I’d like to share how The Nature Reserve “grows”. The Nature Reserve grows bigger through implementation of the Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV) Phased Dedication Program. This program is the cornerstone of our county, state and federal approvals. In a nutshell, the program requires that certain lands be dedicated to The Nature Reserve as certain other lands are developed. Each development planning area that was approved by the various regulatory agencies has a certain amount of open space lands associated with it.

Least Bell's Vireo

The federally- and state-listed endangered least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus; LBVI) is a small songbird (4 - 5 inches in size) with white eye rings, short, rounded wings, straight bills, and feathers that are dull olive-gray with paler shades of gray running to white along their bellies. LBVI are insectivorous and prey on a wide variety of insects including flies, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, butterflies, and caterpillars. They forage mostly by plucking (gleaning) insects from leaves, twigs, and branches throughout the dense, lower level of the canopy, but will also feed on insects while in flight or hovering midair (hawking or flycatching).

Native Plant Pollinator Garden

The plants at the Nature Reserve Headquarters are flourishing as we move into summer, and all the local pollinators such as bees and butterflies, have a new place to gather. This May, we finished the installation of our Native Plant Pollinator Garden at The Nature Reserve Headquarters. The project began last year in April when we were approached by scout Brianna Kramer as she was looking to complete her Eagle Scout requirements. After reviewing the various project needs for The Nature Reserve, she decided to work on planting a pollinator garden in one of the fenced-in areas that was an earlier Eagle Scout project. Once she submitted her proposal to The Nature Reserve staff and it was accepted, she began to raise funds and conduct research for the garden.

Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Dinner

This May, The Nature Reserve celebrated our dedicated volunteers and partners at our Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Dinner. Thank you to all that support our staff and help us bring nature-based programs to the community.

The Nature Reserve depends on dedicated volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities including community outreach events, trail stewardship days, and education programs.

To learn more, join us at our:

Volunteer Orientation and Training:

July 17, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Favorite Summer Outdoor Activity

Summer is here and the days are perfect for spending time outside. The Nature Reserve staff share our favorite summertime outdoor activities.

STAFF PICKS

Games & Crafts: Backyard and On the Trail

Whether you're at home or away on an adventure, make the most of your summer days with these inexpensive, eco-friendly game and craft ideas the whole family will love.

OUTDOOR GAMES & CRAFTS

2023 Nature Reserve Reports

Want to learn more about The Nature Reserve? Click below to see the 2023 reports.

2023 Management and Monitoring Report

2023 Community Access Report

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San Juan Capistrano, CA | 92693 US

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