The Educational goals that were achieved by the youth participants consisted of connecting nature experiences and environmental stewardships. This was achieved by building teams and leadership amongst participants throughout the various trips. Participants were able to learn how to offer environmentally friendly solutions during these activities. They also were exposed to environmental issues and learned ways that they could positively impact society by making commitments to recycling, picking up trash, etc.

For an example, during the Bolsa Chica Wetland trip, participants were able to understand the importance of watersheds are and how these watersheds connect to the ocean. They also learned about nutrient-rich and diverse ecosystems, including marine life, terrestrial animals and endemic plants. This type of education met the objectives of the Outdoor Program by learning about the environment and the community, and getting involved in hands-on restoration and education in wetland science, watersheds, coastal ecology and environmental sustainability. During the Huntington Library trip, participants discovered the different types of plants and botanicals in the environment. They also learned the science behind how plants help our world and adapt to every climate from the garden curators. Another example is during the Eaton Canyon Falls trip, participants as a group were able to pause and learn how to recognize plants native and wildlife to the area. Also, participants collectively discussed how fresh water impacts the area. Lastly, during the kayaking excursion, participants observed the ecosystems, conservation and habitat during their downstream paddle. The group engaged in teamwork as a way to self-discover and experience nature in the middle of the City of Los Angeles.

The Educational goals that were achieved by the youth and adult participants consisted of connecting nature experiences through the community and environmental stewardships. This was accomplished by building teams and leadership roles amongst participants throughout the various excursions. Participants were able to learn how to offer environmentally friendly solutions during these activities and were . Participants also learned the local tidepool habitat with an interactive educational component. These excursions also provided instruction in marine life which connected participants with the environment and sea life. In addition, these trips provided education regarding air, water, forestry, arts and resource conversation and recycling. These excursions offered a perfect place for participants to disconnect from city life and connect with the outdoors. This was accomplished through various activities such as nature walks and mountain biking.

We partnered with REI for the Kayaking excursion. It was a really successful partnership, as they brought a lot of staff to help with this program. For the Outdoor Youth Connection trip, we partnered with the Office of Community Development State Parks. This was also a successful partnership as they provided staff support for this trip.

YMCA of Whittier - We partnered with the Whittier YMCA to attend Camp Arbolado, offered a 16 acre forest which the youth group joined in team-building activities and challenged themselves through the camp's ropes courses, mountain biking, and creating art. Camp counselors also set time aside for the youth group to explore the camp area on their own and connect with nature. Participants viewed native animals and wildlife as a way for the youth group to bond and learn about the surrounding area. Chino Hills Hiking - We partnered with Brenda Kyle who has a diverse background in program and community engagement management within environmental organizations. With experience in volunteer coordination, outreach, and technical specialist roles, Brenda has demonstrated a commitment to environmental conservation and public education. Graduating with degrees in Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences from Pasadena City College, Brenda brings a strong educational foundation to there work.

What has been successful is advertising the program and trips on social media and the City's website. On the City's website we have created a Rio Hondo Nature Program webpage to provide information on the program and upcoming trips. A challenge that we are currently facing is encouraging more youths to register for the activities. We having received more adult interest than youth interest. We are working on our Summer 2024 youth programming and hope that we can entice many more youths to participate.

The Outdoor Equity Program has been a tremendous success and is highly valued in our community. Families and local youth in the Rio Hondo Park area have fully embraced the program and its exciting excursions. Additionally, the City has really enjoyed how flexible the Outdoor Grant Program is in getting reimbursed for excursions, transportation and personnel hours. Unforeseen challenges is since the excursions are free, participants tend to cancel and there are no repercussions. Also, the "no-shows" take away spots from another participants who weren't able to register. To address this, we now send out an email reminder several weeks in advance, including a deadline for participants to cancel without penalty. If they miss this deadline and do not notify us, they will be ineligible to join future trips for one year. We would appreciate hearing from other agencies about how they manage no-shows.