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.

¹Article

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

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

Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Outstanding PreK-12 School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence in 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.