About
The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs include nature walks, recreational walks, interpretive hikes, astronomy nights, and an astronomy class under the stars. Families can attend Tuesday Evening Open Access and Saturday Open Access on Chiquita Ridge, as well as special programs such as Astronomy Night, Knee-High Naturalists: Scutes and Scales, Colorful Critters & Crafts! at Ladera Ranch Library, and Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park. The programs also include family programs, stewardship volunteer opportunities, an educational speaker series, Earth Day at Panhe in San Clemente, Ocean Festivals, city celebrations, and volunteer orientation and training.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Price: Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge: Free; Volunteer Orientation and Training: Free; Saturday Open Access on Chiquita Ridge: Free; Astronomy Night: $10 - $15; Knee-High Naturalists: Scutes and Scales: Free; Colorful Critters & Crafts! at Ladera Ranch Library: Free
The stated goal of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is to preserve and enhance the surrounding land for ecological, educational, charitable and recreational uses. The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is described as a growing habitat reserve in South Orange County that will grow to include over 20,000 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands, inclusive of The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy, and is managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit organization. The organization notes that it is celebrating “20 Years of Natural Wonder & Wisdom,” with “20 Years & Over 32 Species Protected,” and that what began as a promise to preserve 75% of The Ranch’s rolling canyons, meadows, and oak groves has grown into an ecological preserve with the guiding principle to “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.”
Within The Nature Reserve, certain habitats are termed “Conserved Vegetation Communities” and are actively managed and monitored, with management actions that include invasive species control such as removal of artichoke in The Nature Reserve and removal of giant reed in San Juan Creek. Stewardship activities include making sure that trails are clear of vegetation, constructing bridges over ravines and waterways, installing signs, and erecting fencing. Certain species are termed “Covered Species” and are actively managed and monitored, with monitoring priorities and protocols established in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Nature Reserve notes that the public enjoys meeting the animal ambassador Rosy, the Rosy Boa Snake. It participates in programs that study region-wide environmental questions, including research on disease in mountain lions, the migratory patterns of red-tailed hawks, the reproductive output of barn owls, and the genetics of fairy shrimp. It also participates in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count and regular NABA butterfly counts.
Community involvement includes participation in local fairs and fiestas, county parks, green days, and other conservation-themed events. Programs range from Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park to Earth Day at Panhe in San Clemente, Ocean Festivals, and city celebrations. The Nature Reserve also conducts programs for groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts and conservation and civic organizations, and provides talks with hands-on activities to local libraries and school science nights.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Price: Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge: Free; Volunteer Orientation and Training: Free; Saturday Open Access on Chiquita Ridge: Free; Astronomy Night: $10 - $15; Knee-High Naturalists: Scutes and Scales: Free; Colorful Critters & Crafts! at Ladera Ranch Library: Free
The stated goal of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is to preserve and enhance the surrounding land for ecological, educational, charitable and recreational uses. The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is described as a growing habitat reserve in South Orange County that will grow to include over 20,000 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands, inclusive of The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy, and is managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit organization. The organization notes that it is celebrating “20 Years of Natural Wonder & Wisdom,” with “20 Years & Over 32 Species Protected,” and that what began as a promise to preserve 75% of The Ranch’s rolling canyons, meadows, and oak groves has grown into an ecological preserve with the guiding principle to “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.”
Within The Nature Reserve, certain habitats are termed “Conserved Vegetation Communities” and are actively managed and monitored, with management actions that include invasive species control such as removal of artichoke in The Nature Reserve and removal of giant reed in San Juan Creek. Stewardship activities include making sure that trails are clear of vegetation, constructing bridges over ravines and waterways, installing signs, and erecting fencing. Certain species are termed “Covered Species” and are actively managed and monitored, with monitoring priorities and protocols established in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Nature Reserve notes that the public enjoys meeting the animal ambassador Rosy, the Rosy Boa Snake. It participates in programs that study region-wide environmental questions, including research on disease in mountain lions, the migratory patterns of red-tailed hawks, the reproductive output of barn owls, and the genetics of fairy shrimp. It also participates in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count and regular NABA butterfly counts.
Community involvement includes participation in local fairs and fiestas, county parks, green days, and other conservation-themed events. Programs range from Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park to Earth Day at Panhe in San Clemente, Ocean Festivals, and city celebrations. The Nature Reserve also conducts programs for groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts and conservation and civic organizations, and provides talks with hands-on activities to local libraries and school science nights.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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