Dr. Bean: Inside the Outdoors celebrates 50 years of learning, discovery and renewal

Stefan Bean March 6, 2025

For five decades, Inside the Outdoors has served as a gateway to discovery, inspiring generations of students to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.

Since its inception in 1974, this Orange County Department of Education program has provided immersive outdoor experiences to more than 3.5 million students, bringing science to life in ways that textbooks cannot.

It all began with the first Outdoor Science School, which gave students the chance to step beyond classroom walls and into nature. In 1981, the program expanded to include day programs at other picturesque sites throughout Orange County, ensuring even more students could take part in hands-on environmental learning.

For many young learners, today’s Inside the Outdoors program represents a first encounter with nature — one that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration and instills a sense of environmental stewardship. In fact, research consistently shows that outdoor education increases student engagement, strengthens academic achievement and promotes social-emotional well-being while deepening appreciation for the environment.

This year, we celebrate not only the program’s 50-year history but also its impact and resilience.

In December 2020, tragedy struck when a fast-moving wildfire swept through Rancho Soñado, which had long served as ITO’s headquarters. Along with destroying the caretakers’ home, the fire claimed the lives of many of the animals that had been part of the program’s educational experiences.

It was a heartbreaking loss for our Inside the Outdoors family and for the many students and educators who had formed lasting connections with the site. Yet, that loss has strengthened our resolve to provide these kinds of opportunities.

We are now actively working to redevelop Rancho Soñado with a vision that honors its natural beauty while enhancing its role as an immersive outdoor learning space. Our goal is not just to rebuild, but to thoughtfully restore and reimagine the site, ensuring future generations can take in the sights, sounds and lessons of nature in Orange County’s own backyard.

Inside the Outdoors has remained at the forefront of environmental education by evolving to meet the needs of today’s students. Its Traveling Scientist program, field trips and interactive lessons continue to provide high-quality, standards-based instruction while inspiring young people to develop a deeper connection to the natural world.

As we celebrate its golden anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to environmental education and encourage schools, educators and community members to explore all that Inside the Outdoors has to offer.

I believe the mission of Inside the Outdoors remains as vital as ever. When students connect with nature, they develop a deeper appreciation for their surroundings and a clearer understanding of how their actions shape the world around them.

So here’s to 50 great years — and to 50 more filled with exploration, discovery and learning in the great outdoors.