Calendar

Discover prehistoric animals that lived long ago as we explore fossils! Become a paleontologist as you excavate fossil evidence, dig for your own shark tooth, and make an ancient fossil craft.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Recommended 6 and up.

Please note: Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm Friday, January 28th.

Explore the fascinating world of the kingdom Fungi with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. She will describe methods for locating and identifying wild mushrooms in Southern California and beyond, as well as helping us understand their place in nature. Oaks, pines, orchids and many more plants are dependent on fungal associations. Community Scientists have many options for learning about fungi and contributing to valuable fungal biodiversity research leading to habitat conservation.

We will also enjoy tales of fungal folklore and consider eating and growing them.

For additional Fungi resources from Joanne, please click HERE.

Ages: Recommended 16 and up

Registration for this event closes February 3 at 6:00pm.

What are mushrooms and why do we care? Why do they grow with oaks? Can I touch them, pick them, eat them? Explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. Learn how to find, photograph, and identify fungi on the trail.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 16 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 4th. Participants must sign a release waiver.

Volunteer to spend a few hours in beautiful surroundings on The Reserve. Join the crew dedicated to protecting our native ecosystems by maintaining trails and restoring native plants. This event will meet at Ladera Ranch Fire Station 58 . Volunteer efforts make an impact! Drinks and snacks provided.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 12 and up

Please note: participants must be registered by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 11.

Please join us for a Learn from Home Volunteer Orientation and Training!

After you register we will send you an invitation and link to join us for a Zoom format meeting.

This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining us as an official Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public.

CERTIFIED RESERVE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:
This training is the first step in becoming a Certified Reserve Volunteer.  Certified Reserve Volunteers are specially trained volunteers that lead and co-lead Reserve programs.

 Ages: 18 and up

Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will lead an exploration of The Reserve looking for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star. Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm, February 25.

Come explore with amateur butterfly enthusiast Gary Meredith and learn to identify butterflies – a relaxing and fun activity. How many species will we find during our walk through the ever-changing palette of habitats? Learn how to recognize our common butterflies. Find out about hill topping and territorial behavior as you hike the trails of The Reserve.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 4.

Enjoy the springtime beauty of wildflowers out on The Nature Reserve.  Explore ridges and canyons looking for spring wildflowers with guest botanist, Tony Bomkamp. You'll see some of the more common spring wildflowers and may discover some uncommon ones as well.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 11.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 11.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 11.

Please join us for a Learn from Home Volunteer Orientation and Training!

After you register we will send you an invitation and link to join us for a Zoom format meeting.

This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining us as an official Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public.

CERTIFIED RESERVE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:
This training is the first step in becoming a Certified Reserve Volunteer.  Certified Reserve Volunteers are specially trained volunteers that lead and co-lead Reserve programs.

 Ages: 18 and up

Please join us for a Learn from Home Volunteer Orientation and Training!

After you register we will send you an invitation and link to join us for a Zoom format meeting.

This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining us as an official Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public.

CERTIFIED RESERVE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:
This training is the first step in becoming a Certified Reserve Volunteer.  Certified Reserve Volunteers are specially trained volunteers that lead and co-lead Reserve programs.

 Ages: 18 and up