KAEE Member Feature: Red Oaks Forest School

American children spend 35% less time playing outside freely than their parents did.¹ Organizations that promote getting kids outside are needed now more than ever. One of those organizations is KAEE Green Leaf member, Red Oaks Forest School. Find out more about their mission and what they offer.

What is the mission or vision of your organization?

Our mission is to foster a deep and lasting connection to nature and community through exploration, education, and play.

How does your organization connect to the mission of KAEE?

Our mission supports KAEE‘s work by offering nature-based education throughout central and eastern Kentucky for traditional and nontraditional learners with a nature-immersive approach. We offer financial aid and scholarships to remove barriers to participation, and we are working hard to provide a pipeline of nature-based education from preschool through high school in our service areas.

Are there any special opportunities or events you would like to share?

Zugunruhe 2024! Our spring campaign to connect people to nature and community will kick off on March 19th and run through May 19th of 2024. We promote local nonprofit nature-based events, as well as our own events, to help connect people to nature and community and support nature-based education for all in Kentucky.

If someone is interested in learning more about your organization, who should they contact?

You can visit our website to discover more about Red Oaks.

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KAEE announces annual EE award recipients

Elizabethtown, Ky., Aug. 7, 2023 – The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has announced the recipients of the 2023 Excellence in EE Awards. Through the awards, KAEE recognizes those best exemplifying dedication, commitment and influence in the field of environmental education (EE).

The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, agencies, community efforts, schools and businesses in the field of EE. To be considered, the candidate must possess a minimum of two years of experience in the field of EE, and must have made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of EE in Kentucky, which they are still making.

Recipients and the awards they will receive are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Karen Reagor, a retired educator who served as State Coordinator for the Kentucky National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Reagor is a retired leader in EE, known for her work with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), an organization that promotes an energy-conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. She served as Kentucky State Coordinator for NEED from 1995 through 2022.

Reagor has been involved with the NEED Project since 1988. Her journey began as a classroom teacher sponsoring the fifth grade environmental club at Farmington Elementary in Germantown, Tennessee. The club won the Tennessee NEED elementary division Youth Awards program of the year for two consecutive years. Later, in 1995, after moving to Kentucky, Karen joined NEED as a staff member and went on to serve as State Coordinator. Her role involved organizing professional development workshops for teachers and students, as well as leadership development opportunities for students.

Through NEED, Reagor also collaborated with sponsors to create effective energy education programs in Kentucky and was part of NEED's national and international facilitation team. Additionally, she actively participated in various state and national associations, presenting at conferences and receiving numerous awards for her contributions to environmental education.

Throughout her career, Reagor made significant strides in promoting sustainable practices and energy conservation. Under her leadership, the Kentucky NEED program organized workshops for architects, engineers and school decision-makers to foster high-performance sustainable school concepts. The program equipped educators with training and tools to implement student energy teams, aiming to educate students on wise energy decision-making, leading to reduced energy consumption in schools and at home. She also orchestrated week-long energy tours across Kentucky for K-12 teachers in partnership with the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy.

Reagor’s dedication and expertise in the field earned her several prestigious honors and awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from NEED, Kentucky Excellence in Energy Leadership Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching, among others.

The KAEE Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals for their exceptional lifetime contributions to conservation and environmental education. To be eligible for the award, nominees must possess a minimum of 10 years of dedicated involvement in the field of EE. Furthermore, they should have demonstrated a profound and ongoing commitment to advancing environmental education within the state of Kentucky.

“Karen's commitment to creating effective energy education programs and her extensive involvement in various state and national associations have left a lasting legacy in the pursuit of sustainability and energy conservation,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “Thanks to Karen, we live in a much more energy-conscious Kentucky, and because of this, we are proud to present her with this award."

M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Dan Pascucci, Youth and Family Program Manager at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont is the recipient of the M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Pascucci is an award-winning environmental educator with over two decades of experience. Over the years, he has worked as an educator in California, Alaska and Kentucky.

Working with Bernheim’s Education department since 2016, Pascucci has consistently utilized his love of music and hands-on learning to further Bernheim’s mission of “connecting people with nature.” At Bernheim, Pascucci has provided learning experiences for tens of thousands of children and their families, developing new partnerships and programs as well as enhancing the existing work being done to educate and inspire people to connect with nature through a variety of approaches. In addition to his work with Bernheim, Pascucci also serves as Chair of the Board for KAEE.

“Dan’s unwavering passion for environmental education, combined with his creative approach to the discipline, has truly set him apart as an exceptional educator in the field," said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “His dedication to connecting people with nature through his work at Bernheim is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to present him with this award in recognition of his remarkable contributions to our field.”

Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Kaitlynn Gootee of the Kentucky State University Environmental Education Resource Center in Pleasureville is the recipient of the Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

The Environmental Education and Research Center manages 308 acres of reforested habitat, conducts environmental education lessons for school groups, hosts citizen science programs and other various events. Educators from the center are also available to travel across the state to deliver programming to students and other community members.

As part of her role with the center, Gootee offers both educator training and student lessons in the following curriculum: ProjectWET, ProjectWILD, Project Learning Tree, Growing Up WILD and Getting Little Feet Wet. She is also a certified NASA GLOBE teacher and can deliver Elementary GLOBE lessons to students.

The Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who are new to the environmental education field in Kentucky, but are already making an impact. The nominee must have a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of experience in the EE field in Kentucky.

"Kaitlynn’s outstanding dedication and contributions to the environmental education field have made her a true Rising Star,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “In her relatively short time as an educator, she has already left a remarkable impact through her work at the Environmental Education and Research Center. We are thrilled to recognize her with this award, celebrating her passion and commitment to environmental education in Kentucky.”

Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Treehouse Compost, LLC, a Lexington-based business, is the recipient of the Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Serving Central Kentucky and Western Appalachia, Treehouse Compost provides residential and small business compost pickup services. In addition to providing compost services, the business also offers educational seminars, compost-related consulting and community-scale pilot program execution.

Casey Bird, founder of the business, has been an environmental educator at the collegiate level for over a decade. In addition to operating her business, she also volunteers 20 hours a week at Legacy Grove Park, working with children and educating them about the environment.

“By providing compost pickup services and offering educational seminars and consulting, Treehouse Compost is leading the way in promoting sustainable practices in our region,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “Casey’s dedication as an environmental educator, both through her business and her volunteer work, sets a shining example for the community.”

Outstanding PreK-12 School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Robert D. Johnson Elementary School in Fort Thomas is the recipient of the Outstanding PreK-12 School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Robert D. Johnson Elementary School’s Eco Club recently started a recycling program within the school cafeteria to decrease the amount of waste going to landfills. This student-led recycling program teaches elementary students about proper recycling techniques and helps students identify items that can be recycled in order to encourage environmental stewardship.

"Robert D. Johnson Elementary School has demonstrated outstanding dedication to environmental education,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “Their student-led recycling program not only reduces waste in landfills but also instills crucial environmental values in elementary students, fostering a sense of stewardship for our planet."

Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Since its establishment in 1975, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, operated by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, has been actively promoting environmental education for students and individuals. Initially focused on trout production tours, the hatchery's educational efforts flourished with the introduction of the Visitor/Environmental Education Center in 2006. The interactive center offers self-guided tours that enlighten visitors about Kentucky's mammals, birds, fish, endangered species, karsts and pollination.

Attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually, the impact of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery extends far beyond its local community, reaching across the state and the country. Educational tours and lessons are provided for numerous visiting groups, including over 40 school groups with approximately 2,500 students each year. Younger students often learn about educational animals and conservation, while older students engage in water quality studies at Hatchery Creek, identifying macroinvertebrates in water samples.

Community events further promote environmental education, such as Earth Day celebrations and Outdoor Adventure Day for fourth grade students. The hatchery hosts fishing derbies and partners with environmental educators to offer professional development opportunities, including workshops on climate change.

“KAEE commends Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery for their exceptional commitment to environmental education, making them the deserving recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Community Partner Award,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “Their dedication to promoting awareness and appreciation for the environment has had a profound impact, reaching beyond their local community and inspiring countless individuals throughout the state and country. Their efforts exemplify the essence of the Excellence in EE Awards, recognizing those who lead with passion and influence in the field of environmental education."

“These award recipients embody the true spirit of dedication, commitment and influence,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “They have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of environmental education in Kentucky, and their impact is still ongoing. Their efforts inspire all of us at KAEE to continue our mission of fostering environmental stewardship and creating a sustainable future.”

Awards will be presented during the Excellence in EE Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City, as part of the 2023 KAEE Conference. The luncheon will also include a panel discussion with the award recipients, moderated by the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Terry Wilson. The luncheon is set for noon CDT.

For more information about the Excellence in EE Awards, visit www.kaee.org/awards. For more information about the 2023 KAEE Conference and how to purchase tickets, visit www.kaee.org/conference.

KAEE Member Feature: Perry Thomas

KAEE recently caught up with newly certified KAEE facilitator, Perry Thomas, to talk about her journey as an environmental educator and what she has been working on recently in the world of EE! Perry is a dedicated conservationist who loves teaching and sharing her ideas and passions with others.

KAEE: Tell us a little about yourself!

Perry: As District Program Coordinator for the Oldham County Conservation District, my work is to inspire local actions that lead to healthier soil, water, and wildlife when practiced by many. With KAEE, I recently completed certification as a workshop facilitator. At home, my family works with Molly-the-mule and our oxen to restore a farmstead in Henry County. When not working, I love spending time with family and friends exploring woodlands, paddling waterways, and tending gardens.

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Perry: In my new job, I am excited about applying my experience and knowledge at the local level. For example, this month the Conservation District celebrates Pollinator Week 2023 with the theme of “Climate and Pollinators” (visit: pollinator.org/pollinator-week to learn more). Together with the Oldham County Beekeepers Association, we will table at the La Grange Farmers Market on June 20th and 24th, promoting our pollinator habitat cost-share program—an opportunity for Oldham County residents to plan and plant native wildflower gardens.

KAEE: What do you think is the most beneficial part of being involved in KAEE?

Perry: I started my role with the Conservation District in March 2023, after working for several years as a River Basin Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW). Kentucky’s seven River Basin Coordinators collaborate to plan environmental education outreach, often together with other KAEE members. DOW supported me in becoming a Certified Professional Environmental Educator through the partnership between KAEE and the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. During that training, I not only added interdisciplinary EE approaches to my science education background but also began growing a network of new colleagues.

KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators?

Perry: One responsibility I have in Oldham County is to work more closely with formal educators in building a culture of conservation. I look forward to learning from KAEE members who have worked within Kentucky school districts to integrate EE into the curriculum.

KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network?

Perry: As a newly certified KAEE facilitator, I partner with the KAEE team to create workshops that focus on finding ways to incorporate climate education into our work. Participants consider questions such as “What local phenomena help engage students in exploring climate-related changes?” and “How can we align EE with Kentucky Academic Standards to develop well-articulated, longitudinal climate education?”

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Perry: Going forward, one goal of the Oldham County Conservation District is to collaborate with Watershed Watch in Kentucky and Friends of Currys Fork, a local watershed association, to promote watershed education and management. I also look forward to partnering with The Berry Center in Henry County to offer a Leopold Education Project training. With KAEE, I anticipate continuing my professional growth while supporting the KAEE team’s knack for infusing EE with hope.