In 1990, the O'Neill/Avery/Moiso family joined with the County of Orange and the City of San Clemente to create one of the region's first private land conservancies along the southwestern border of the family ranch. The 1,200-acre Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy consistently earns recognition for successfully protecting natural resources and for providing on-site environmental, educational and biological research.

The conservancy hosts a wide range of field studies by noted biologists, as well as nature walks and other events for school children and the general public. In addition, the conservancy regularly hosts site tours, astronomy nights, animal awareness lectures, bird safaris and native plant discoveries. For more information, call 949-489-9778.

An oak tree located in the Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy is estimated to be 500 years old. Known in local legend and lore as the Mother Oak, the tree is believed to be the source of most of the heritage oaks on the ranch and throughout south Orange County. Over the years, the Mother Oak has become a place of wonder and study for the young and young-at-heart - a practice that will continue within the protected borders of the conservancy.