About
The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs include activities such as nature walks, recreational walks, interpretive hikes, astronomy nights, and family programs. Participants can attend specific events like Astronomy Night, Tuesday Evening Open Access on Chiquita Ridge, Saturday Open Access on Chiquita Ridge, Knee-High Naturalists: Scutes and Scales, and Colorful Critters & Crafts! at Ladera Ranch Library. The programs also include stewardship volunteer opportunities, Volunteer Orientation and Training, and chances to volunteer alongside friends and neighbors.
• 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 Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs are part of a growing habitat reserve in South Orange County that will include over 20,000 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands, inclusive of The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy. This protected open space is managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit organization, and follows the guiding principle to “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.” The goal of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo has always been to preserve and enhance the surrounding land for ecological, educational, charitable and recreational uses.
Within The Nature Reserve, actively managed and monitored “Conserved Vegetation Communities” include Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Open Water, Chaparral, Freshwater Marsh, Streamcourses, Grassland, Alkali Meadow, and Woodland & Forest. Management actions include invasive species control such as removal of artichoke in The Nature Reserve and removal of giant reed in San Juan Creek, as well as stewardship activities like keeping trails clear of vegetation, constructing bridges over ravines and waterways, installing signs, and erecting fencing. Certain species in The Nature Reserve are termed “Covered Species” and are actively managed and monitored according to the Habitat Reserve Management and Monitoring Program, with monitoring priorities and protocols established in consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo notes “20 Years & Over 32 Species Protected” and describes that what began as a promise to preserve 75% of The Ranch’s rolling canyons, meadows, and oak groves has grown into a vibrant ecological preserve rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. It is described as a working ranch with thriving communities, surrounded by nature and connected to the land, and is celebrating 20 Years of Natural Wonder & Wisdom with the statement that twenty years later, the trails are still here and the canyons are still wild.
Community involvement includes participation in local fairs and fiestas, county parks, green days, and conservation-themed events such as Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park, Earth Day at Panhe in San Clemente, Ocean Festivals, and city celebrations. The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs also conduct programs for groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, conservation organizations, and civic organizations, and provide talks with hands-on activities to local libraries and school science nights. The public enjoys meeting the animal ambassador Rosy, the Rosy Boa Snake.
The Nature Reserve participates in programs that study region-wide environmental questions, including studies of disease in mountain lions, migratory patterns of red-tailed hawks, reproductive output of barn owls, and genetics of fairy shrimp. The organization also takes part in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count and regular NABA butterfly counts.
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 Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs are part of a growing habitat reserve in South Orange County that will include over 20,000 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo lands, inclusive of The Richard & Donna O’Neill Conservancy. This protected open space is managed by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Trust, a non-profit organization, and follows the guiding principle to “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.” The goal of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo has always been to preserve and enhance the surrounding land for ecological, educational, charitable and recreational uses.
Within The Nature Reserve, actively managed and monitored “Conserved Vegetation Communities” include Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Open Water, Chaparral, Freshwater Marsh, Streamcourses, Grassland, Alkali Meadow, and Woodland & Forest. Management actions include invasive species control such as removal of artichoke in The Nature Reserve and removal of giant reed in San Juan Creek, as well as stewardship activities like keeping trails clear of vegetation, constructing bridges over ravines and waterways, installing signs, and erecting fencing. Certain species in The Nature Reserve are termed “Covered Species” and are actively managed and monitored according to the Habitat Reserve Management and Monitoring Program, with monitoring priorities and protocols established in consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo notes “20 Years & Over 32 Species Protected” and describes that what began as a promise to preserve 75% of The Ranch’s rolling canyons, meadows, and oak groves has grown into a vibrant ecological preserve rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. It is described as a working ranch with thriving communities, surrounded by nature and connected to the land, and is celebrating 20 Years of Natural Wonder & Wisdom with the statement that twenty years later, the trails are still here and the canyons are still wild.
Community involvement includes participation in local fairs and fiestas, county parks, green days, and conservation-themed events such as Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park, Earth Day at Panhe in San Clemente, Ocean Festivals, and city celebrations. The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Programs also conduct programs for groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, conservation organizations, and civic organizations, and provide talks with hands-on activities to local libraries and school science nights. The public enjoys meeting the animal ambassador Rosy, the Rosy Boa Snake.
The Nature Reserve participates in programs that study region-wide environmental questions, including studies of disease in mountain lions, migratory patterns of red-tailed hawks, reproductive output of barn owls, and genetics of fairy shrimp. The organization also takes part in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count and regular NABA butterfly counts.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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