Growing Minds and Stronger Communities: Forest Pals Wins Award for Environmental Education Excellence

Forest Pals, LLC, a Clermont-based business, is the recipient of the Outstanding Business Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Forest Pals is a unique, nature-based program that brings families together to foster meaningful connections with the natural world while building a strong sense of community. Through a blend of nature exploration and arts-inspired learning, Forest Pals offers two core programs: Waldorf-inspired parent-child playgroups for children ages 1-5, and nature-based homeschool enrichment for children ages 6-18.

At its heart, Forest Pals is committed to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. The program weaves together elements of nature, arts, and mindfulness, creating a holistic learning environment for children and families alike. Every gathering is infused with peaceful, positive teaching practices and a deep respect for mindful parenting, providing families with the tools to grow and thrive together in nature.

What sets Forest Pals apart is its sense of community. Families come together in a supportive, welcoming space to explore the magic and wonder of nature. Whether through creative arts, outdoor adventures, or mindful activities, Forest Pals helps children develop their imaginations while strengthening their connection to the environment.

By fostering these experiences, Forest Pals sets children on a path of discovery—encouraging the development of young minds, sparking creativity, and laying the foundation for families to continue growing, learning, and thriving alongside nature.

Hands-On Learning for a Sustainable Future: Community Montessori School Honored with Kentucky Green School Award

Community Montessori School in Lexington is the recipient of the Kentucky Green School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

As a proud member of the Kentucky Green Schools (KGS) program, Community Montessori School's Green Teams took on a variety of impactful action projects during the 2023-2024 academic year. These projects provided students with hands-on opportunities to engage with environmental issues while fostering a deeper sense of community responsibility.

In the fall, 7th and 8th grade students participated in the KGS Water Investigation, where they explored topics like watersheds, water conservation, and the connections between water use and their local community. As part of their learning, the students installed rain barrels on campus and led educational efforts to raise awareness about water conservation.

In the winter, Lower Elementary students turned their attention to waste management by diving into the KGS Waste and Recycling Investigation. They explored current recycling and composting practices at the school, then created engaging presentations to educate the wider school community on how to improve these efforts. Building on their findings, the students developed an action plan aimed at enhancing recycling and composting practices throughout the campus.

These hands-on projects not only deepened students’ understanding of environmental issues but also empowered them to make a tangible difference in their school and community. In recognition of their efforts, Community Montessori School was honored at the 7th Outdoor Learning Symposium in May.