Inside the Outdoors, the Orange County Department of Education’s hands-on environmental education program, is once again embracing the spirit of Earth Day by inspiring action in classrooms and communities across Orange County.
While Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22, the ITO team has committed a full calendar of outreach events and educational opportunities throughout the month, continuing its mission of nurturing environmental literacy during what also marks the program’s 50th anniversary year.
Founded in 1947, ITO has spent five decades connecting students, educators and families with the natural world through immersive field trips, Traveling Scientist presentations and community partnerships. With a focus on empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, the program continues to evolve, strengthening its presence in schools and communities across Orange County.
Here is a list of events that the ITO team will be participating in to celebrate Earth Day:
City of Irvine’s Earth Day Celebration
ITO will join other environmental partners from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, to provide hands-on activities, guided hikes and educational resources for families.
Community Science Night at Santiago Canyon College
This family-friendly event, set to take place in Orange from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25, will feature more than 50 interactive science stations, including ITO’s booth with live animal ambassadors and hands-on environmental education exhibits.
City of Costa Mesa’s Earth Day Festival
This outdoor celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Costa Mesa City Hall will showcase sustainability-focused organizations, with ITO team members helping attendees explore local ecology and conservation practices.
For more information about Inside the Outdoors and its offerings, including summer camps, field trip programs and community events, visit ocde.us/ito.