SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Conservancy Opens Its Scenery to Guests

A nature walk and a meteor shower will be the highlights during the next two weeks at the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy.

Volunteers at the 1,200-acre protected wilderness, usually closed to the public, will hold a tour of the property’s canyons, ridges and large open spaces.

Reservations are required for the 9 a.m. walk Sunday. A $3 per person donation is requested to help fund the maintenance of the land. Another hiking tour will be held Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.

Star-gazers can take their telescopes or binoculars to witness a meteor shower expected to blaze across the sky on Tuesday. If the sky is clear, conservancy officials say, about 50 to 60 meteors per hour are expected.

The meteor watch will run from 8 to 10 p.m., and those attending should take a beach chair, blankets, warm clothing and hot drinks. The cost is $3 per person, and reservations should be made in advance.

On Dec. 17, nature lovers are invited to help build trails in the conservancy. Tools and training will be provided, but take lunch and water. The trail-building session is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information and reservations, call (714) 490-9778.