CHINO, CA – The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) and the City of Chino partnered to present the return of a two-day Earth Day Celebration on April 19 and 20, 2023. This year’s festivities provided Water Discovery field trips to approximately 700 students, parents, and educators on Wednesday, April 19. Over 1,000 participants attended the Community Day celebration on Thursday, April 20, which included scout troops and homeschools.
“Every year, Earth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the actions we take as individuals and the small changes we can implement to make a direct impact in our communities,” stated Marco Tule, IEUA Board President. “IEUA and the City of Chino’s Earth Day event provides important environmental lessons for students and the community through interactive mediums that teach them firsthand what it means to be an environmental steward.”
Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa is glad to see the event available to Chino residents and others throughout the region noting, “This is an event we look forward to every year. It really is a rite of passage for our school kids. Our Earth Day event helps them better understand not just the important general concepts of sustainability and stewardship, but it exposes them to the unique challenges of our region and the specific resources on which we rely. We are lucky to have the Chino Creek Wetlands in our own backyard to explore and see our watershed in action. I am so glad we could team with IEUA to bring this event back to our community!” stated Mayor Ulloa.
The celebration event featured 31 educational and interactive booths that provided opportunities for the public to learn how they can protect the earth and do their part to help preserve our valuable natural resources. Students who joined us for a field trip enjoyed an environmental show as well as engaging activities to better understand proper recycling, the water cycle, water usage, and the wetlands and their functions. The Community Day event showcased hands-on, educational activities, animal encounters, train rides around the park, environmental exhibits, plant and compost education, water-saving technology, free giveaways, community performances, and so much more!
“The valuable lessons brought forth by this event help set a foundation for our future. By working together to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable habits, this allows us to protect our home for current and future generations. It is our responsibility to make everyday Earth Day,” continued Tule.
“I love seeing experiential learning in action! When the screens are off and kids are interacting with nature, you can see a special connection happening,” added Mayor Ulloa.