The Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy* is a 1200-acre wilderness reserve located on the historic Rancho Mission Viejo in southern Orange County, California. It was created in 1990 to provide for wildlife displaced by development in the city of San Clemente.

Plant communities and habitats found on The Conservancy are representative of Southern California as it appeared before arrival of Spanish settlers more than two centuries ago. Oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and grasslands dominate the landscape. The canyons are home to more than 6,000 Coast Live Oak trees, along with groves of huge Sycamores.

Lemonadeberry, California Sagebrush, Toyon, White Sage, and Monkey Flower are among the natives found within the scrublands. Of special interest are the high quality Native Valley Grasslands, composed of purple needle grass, and perennial spring wildflowers, such as California Buttercup, Lupine, Shooting Star, Wild Hyacinth, Checker Bloom and Mariposa Lily. Unique botanical resources abound, including a distinct population of California Juniper (normally found closer to the desert) and ancient Coast Live Oaks.

Soil type and topography create a beautiful mosaic of wildlife communities, an ideal habitat for mule deer, fox, mountain lion and bobcat. Many threatened, endangered, and rare species are found here, including Many-Stemmed Dudleya, Turkish Rugging, Cactus Wren, San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Southwest Arroyo Toad, and Orange Throated Whiptail lizard.

The Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy offers the promise of adventure for our children, a gift of living diversity, and a sign that the people of Orange County know the importance of the natural landscape in maintaining quality of life.

*In 2003, The Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy was renamed The Donna O’Neill Conservancy at Rancho Mission Viejo to honor the contributions of Donna O'Neill, who had then recently passed away. Donna O'Neill served on The Conservancy's Board of Directors from its inception, providing inspiration, enthusiasm, guidance, support, and good humor. She maintained a deep respect and affection for the natural world–and a conservation vision which has proved inspirational for adventurers, wildlife lovers, artists, environmentalists, and biologists concerned with preservation of Orange County’s natural legacy.