The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

When you live with over 20,000 acres of conserved California wildlands in your backyard, protecting and connecting with the beauty of the natural world comes with the territory.

20TH ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating Twenty Years of Natural Wonder & Wisdom

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. Lace up for a nature walk, take an astronomy class under the stars, or volunteer alongside friends and neighbors. A working ranch with thriving communities, surrounded by nature and connected to the land, this was always the vision. Twenty years later, the trails are still here, the canyons are still wild, and we're just getting started!

Click Here to Watch the 20th Anniversary Video

The Mission

A Journey for the Greater Good

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. Following the wisdom of Marguerite “Daisy” O'Neill of The Ranch Family, the guiding principle is to “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.” And over time, The Nature Reserve land will expand to over 20,000 acres of protected natural splendor.

Programs

Events for Everyone

A full calendar of educational events means new ways to connect and learn each month. Ranch residents can take docent-led wildflower walks and bat walks, or take a look at the night sky during astronomy talks.

Explore Events

Volunteering & Support

Join the Cause

There are all kinds of ways you can help preserve this precious native land. Volunteer some of your time to assist with programming for local schools, help restore degraded habitats and so much more. Prefer to donate? Giving a monetary gift is another great way to support The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.