Connecting Children to Nature

For fifty years, Inside the Outdoors has been sharing something truly special: a love for nature that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s the wonder in a child’s eyes as they see a squirrel scurrying across the trail, the excitement of meeting a furry visiting ambassador in their classroom, or the joy of going hiking for the first time, these moments create deep connections between students and the world around them.

Since 1974, our mission has been to foster meaningful connections between students and nature through hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences. As we celebrate our golden jubilee during the '24-'25 school year, we’re reaching even more students than ever before. We’ve set an ambitious goal to bring environmental education to 87,500 students this school year. As of February, we’ve already engaged over 32,000 learners, with more than 85,000 booked across field trips, Traveling Scientist programs, and community programs.

This year also marks the return of a beloved field trip site: Mount San Antonio College. We’re thrilled to welcome young scientists back to Mt. SAC's wildlife sanctuary in Walnut for our Ecosystem Extravaganza field trips, where they explore adaptations, investigate plant adaptations, and gather evidence of animal behaviors, deepening their connection to the environment.

We’re excited for the future—and we’d love for you to be part of it. Support our next 50 years of outdoor learning by making a gift today or follow along and see our impact in action on Instagram.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to fifty years of love for nature — and many more to come!