The mission of Explore More So Cal is to inspire junior high and high school students to connect with the outdoors, foster environmental stewardship, and develop critical life skills through hands-on education and exploration.

Explore More So Cal is a program through Project Heal the Land, a non-profit focused on education, restoration, and conservation. 

With the support of a $2,500 grant from the Overland Expo Foundation, Explore More So Cal was able to bring 268 kids on outdoor hands-on education field trips. Through hiking trips on local trails and hands-on workshops, students are provided with opportunities to engage directly with nature, learn about their local ecosystems and cultural heritage, and develop lifelong skills for outdoor recreation and sustainability.

Positive Impact

Every field trips is not only a fun experience for the kids to get outside and explore a unique part of southern California, but they are also learning valuable lessons about what it means to be a conscientious individual that values recreation and preservation of our public lands. 

  • Promoting Preparedness: Equip students with essential planning skills such as route mapping and emergency readiness, foundational for both hiking and OHV activities.
  • Enhancing Understanding: Deepen students’ knowledge of ecosystems, local trail networks, and the cultural history of the land they explore.
  • Fostering Outdoor Sustainability: Instill Leave No Trace principles to reduce environmental impacts, transferring these practices to both hiking and OHV activities.
  • Building Conscientious Communities: Promote teamwork and respect for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities through collaborative projects.
  • Transferring Knowledge to OHV Practices: Bridge the program’s principles into responsible OHV recreation, emphasizing trail stewardship and sustainability.

 

Through its combination of education, hands-on experience, and community
service, Explore More So Cal is building the next generation of environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring an appreciation for Southern California’s public lands.

project heal the land logo

Get Involved

If you’re interested in supporting the efforts of Project Heal the Land and Explore More So Cal visit their website at: projecthealtheland.org

*All photos courtesy of Project Heal the Land