EYE ON RMV
Nature Reserve at RMV Brings Back Student Internship Program BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
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n 2020, The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo tried out a program with local high school students in which they took trips to the outdoor area to learn firsthand about ecology and environmental stewardship. Given how well it went, the program is returning this year. John Foster, who heads up the program, said they again received good applicants when sending out feelers. The internship is intended to connect students with science and land management experts, and to potentially get the kids interested in careers within those fields. “They’ll see where that degree will take them,” Foster said. The internship program began on Oct. 22 with an online orientation meeting and will run through the second week of January. About a dozen students are participating, similar to the number of kids in the 2020 program. As part of this year’s activities, students will visit the Reserve site and take over its social media accounts to share what they learned. “Professionals will show them techniques in the field, things they’ll be doing,” Foster said. “It will give students an overall chance to be out and about.” Among those professionals will be geologists to teach students how to read geology maps and arborists to talk about taking care of trees—particularly during droughts.
An internship program at The Nature Reserve in Rancho Mission Viejo for local youngsters returns this fall, after an inaugural run in 2020. Photo: Courtesy of The Nature Reserve
“We’ll talk a little bit about the formations we have, as well as how that connects to the community,” Foster said.“I’m really hoping they’ll take an opportunity to take what they’re learning in the classroom and ask questions of professionals, and how they ended up doing what they’re doing.” The Nature Reserve worked hard to
have a diverse group of professionals on hand—including women and people from various backgrounds—so students of similar identities can see themselves represented in the field. “It’s important for students to see people like them doing these things,” Foster said. Students can also share positive ex-
Full-Scale Turkey Trot Returns This Year to Rancho Mission Viejo BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
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nce you finish chowing down on turkey—or even beforehand if you want to work up an appetite—you’re welcome to head to Rancho Mission Viejo on Thanksgiving for the community’s fifth annual Turkey Trot. The fun race will revert to its usual in-person format at The Ranch, after having to pivot to a self-guided individual format last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition for many individuals and families, and we’re very excited to welcome people back for in-person races this year. ParThe Capistrano Dispatch November 12-25, 2021
ticipants will be able to choose from two races, a 5K and the 1K Little Gobbler’s run,” said Amaya Genaro, Vice President of Community Services for RMV. “Our 5K starts in the Village of Esencia and winds its way through the beautiful topography of The Nature Reserve to the Village of Sendero. Sendero Field hosts our 1K run.” Participants can register at turkeytrotontheranch.com. The 5K is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and costs $45, while the Little Gobbler’s Run is from 10-10:30 a.m and costs $15. Volunteer opportunities are also available if people want to help with runner registration, hand out water and snacks along the Page 9
course, or assist with event parking. The Turkey Trot is a “great way” for the runners to bond with family members, connect with neighbors, and take part in a healthy event. Donations collected through the event directly benefit The Nature Reserve at RMV, which is an outdoor preserve that hosts educational events for local students and community hikes—among other events. “The Nature Reserve connects Orange County residents, young and old alike, to nature. It’s a beautiful and wild place that teaches us how to properly care for the land, and also helps foster an appreciation for the
periences from the program with their classmates, Foster said. The internship will also cover climate change. Some students who were in last year’s program went on to help underdeveloped communities have a voice when it comes to discussing local development, Foster said. CD
EVENTS AT THE RANCH NOV. 17
TRAIL CLEARING & WEEDING 9 a.m.-noon. Pitch in to help tidy up the trails at The Nature Reserve. Volunteers will pick weeds and get to enjoy the outdoor scenery in South Orange County on a weekday morning. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Sign up at rmvreserve.org.
land,” said Genaro.“At The Ranch, we have always been guided by,‘Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.’” To date, $70,000 has been raised to support The Nature Reserve’s public school program. CD thecapistranodispatch.com
