Academics · Environment
Experience Your Environment
REACH Supports Inside the Outdoors Environmental Education
REACH is proud to partner with Inside the Outdoors (ITO) and ITO Foundation, an environmental education program supported by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE).
Our Partner
Inside the Outdoors
Since 1974
Since 1974, ITO has been servicing 120,000 students annually through engaging, hands-on activities that bring environmental education to life and help kids understand how they can protect our environment.
Together, we're empowering young learners to explore the outdoors, ask questions, and make a positive difference in the world around them.
Join Our Community
120,000
Students Served Annually
50+
Years of Environmental Education
OCDE
Supported by Orange County Dept. of Education
Past Event
Experience Your Environment (E.Y.E.)
Saturday, October 28th, 2023
Big high-fives to those who were present and contributed to the event's success. Photos from our Yorba Linda and Valencia High School students are featured below.
We'd like to extend truckloads of gratitude to our Community Partners for their invaluable support! Our collaboration underscored the significance and impact of our shared mission of nurturing a natural curiosity for the environment, learning about human impact, and taking small steps in our local neighborhoods to protect our environment for future generations.
Photos by Yorba Linda HS Students — J. Schumerth Photography Class
Thank You
Our Community Partners
As parents, we understand that education unlocks the door to a future filled with possibilities. We encourage families to learn and work together outdoors in nature. In doing so, we plant the seeds that will encourage our children to grow into young adults who are knowledgeable, creative and skilled.
Inside the Outdoors (OCDE)
Learn about the "creepy crawlies" animals right before Halloween. ITO will have animal ambassadors for meet and greet.
Visit WebsiteOrange County Native Plant Society
Learn about native and non-native plant species. See native plants and Flora magazines featuring photo essays and kids activities. CNPS.org will have stickers and kids activities.
Visit WebsiteMunicipal Water District of Orange County
Learn about water conservation. The journey of water which includes a human impact component tied to pollution. (100 items to give away)
Visit WebsiteGreen King, Inc.
We saw a need for a better way to water; to make plants healthier, without losing resources. Receive a 15% discount using code REACH15 at deepdrip.com.
Visit WebsiteOC Waste & Recycling
Learn about organics and food recovery. The activity will include a landfill model to explain the structure of a landfill and a "decomposition timeline in a landfill" puzzle.
Visit WebsiteSlingshot Challenge
Students, we invite you to join the REACH Foundation & National Geographic Slingshot Challenge! For more information, register to receive more tailored training and support, coordinated by the REACH Foundation and CSU Bakersfield Professor & Nat Geo Explorer, Dr. Brittany Beck.
Create a 60-second video on one of the five Nat Geo identified areas and submit it by Feb. 1st, 2024 for a chance to win.
Win $10,000!
Grand Prize
Free Compost & Mulch — OC Waste & Recycling
OC Waste & Recycling is giving away Free Compost & Mulch on November 4th @ 7:30 am – noon, at Valencia Greenery at Olinda Alpha Landfill, 1942 N. Valencia Avenue, Brea or Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill (Irvine). Pre-filled bags available at Brea location, 4 bag limit per household. Residents should bring a shovel and container/bag to fill at Irvine.
Take Action
Find · Observe · Share
Experience Your Environment
What will you do to keep your eye on the environment? Take a neighborhood walk or hike at a local park! Let's keep the learning and science going and build on the PYL Community Field Guide. We have the tools you need to Find_Observe_Share. We challenge YOU to get outdoors and explore!
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
Find
Explore your backyard, neighborhood, or local park for plants and animals.
Observe
Use the iNaturalist Seek app to identify species and record your observations.
Share
Post to iNaturalist and contribute to the PYL Community Field Guide.
iNaturalist Seek App
Let's Discover Nature
This kid and family friendly app will help identify the plants and animals you Find and Observe. Once you Find_Observe — next you must Share! The PYL Community Field Guide info is also posted below. Using the Field Guide link, create your species slide and send it in.
- 1Download the iNaturalist Seek app to your smartphone or tablet.
- 2Explore your backyard, neighborhood, or home for plants and animals.
- 3Take pictures of plants and animals you find and upload to the iNaturalist Seek app.
- 4Create an iNaturalist account and hit "Post to iNaturalist" to share with the community Bioblitz.
Bio Blitz
PYL Community Field Guide
Make a Field Guide in a simple notebook about one of the species you found exploring your backyard or neighborhood. Write down Observations (smells, sounds, textures, size, or interesting information from Seek) and draw a picture of what you saw. Then you are ready to Share your Field Guide with friends and family and upload your Field Guide to the Community Field Guide!
How to Start Your Field Guide
- 1Explore your neighborhood, backyard, patio, or inside your home to see what species of plants and animals you can find.
- 2Download the Seek by iNaturalist app to your smartphone or tablet.
- 3Take pictures of plants and animals you find and upload to the iNaturalist Seek app.
- 4Write down the common name of each species you identify and your observations in a notebook.
- 5Make a Field Guide about one species — write observations and draw a picture of what you saw.
- 6Upload your Field Guide to the Community Field Guide and see what others have shared!
Give a Little, Help a Lot
As parents, we understand that education unlocks the door to a future filled with possibilities. We encourage families to learn and work together outdoors in nature. Donate to keep STEM Programs going strong!