What People Are Saying
“I appreciate that kids have a direction to go, but are allowed the freedom and independence to dig deeper on their own. Red Oaks does a good job fostering the nature connection and helping us to slow down and pay attention to the world around us instead of just passing it by. I see the investment they make into the community and I want to invest in Red Oaks.” - Parent from Homeschool Days
“I feel intelligent out in nature and that’s thanks to you all.” - Student
“Five words that sum up Red Oaks…sacred, connection, freedom, awe, explore.” - Parent from Homeschool Days and Adventure Club
“I’ll never forget this!” - Student
“Taking care of kids has really helped me. They see you as an important person and then you start to see that in yourself so that has really helped my confidence”. - From a student teacher
“We’ve hiked Anglin Falls in Berea several times, but on one particular Red Oaks trip, the forecast was grim. It was going to rain all day. If we had been going on our own, we probably would have wimped out and stayed home. Since we were committed to going with the group, though, we decided to go ahead and take the leap. Hiking with a two year old in tow in the pouring rain, we were the slowest part of the group and I really wasn’t even sure we would make it to the end of the trail! We kept at it though, eventually reaching the Falls and then hiking back. By the end, we were totally drenched and exhausted but it is my favorite hike I’ve ever done. I loved seeing my two year old blissed out by all the rain and puddle jumping. I also loved the feeling of knowing we had conquered something that we probably wouldn’t have done without the positive peer pressure of being in a group of people also hiking in a torrential downpour! It was such a natural high and I am so glad that Red Oaks facilitated it for us.” - Parent involved in many programs
“I support Red Oaks because of their mission to connect people of all ages with nature. Being in nature has always been my happy place. As a child I spent my days exploring the woods, catching frogs, and running barefoot on my family’s farm. My early connection with nature led me to a career in conservation. Red Oaks helps kids make the kind of connections that lead to a lifetime of caring for our earth.” - Former Board Member
“I’m usually worried about my dad or dying or something but I couldn’t even worry about anything because it was so amazing. My brain was like “worry about something!” but I just couldn’t. I was fully there.” - Student
“My son's ADHD and anxiety make it difficult for him to be successful in traditional social and school settings. From an early age, we found ourselves saying no so many times each day just trying to keep him safe. We turned to nature because it offered him a break from negative feedback. No matter the weather, we bundled up and went out everyday. In nature, he could get his energy out in a non-destructive way. We could finally say yes more than we were saying no. In nature and at Red Oaks, he gets much more positive feedback. He experiences success and sees for himself that he can be successful, which nourishes and builds his self-worth. In the woods, his anxiety is almost non-existent. It has changed our lives, and our relationship with our son, to have these opportunities and healthy outlets.” - Ambassador and Educator
“After the pandemic hit, we spent almost every day outdoors in some form. Part of that time was spent on Friday hikes on the Campus with Tina. I was thrilled for the kids to join the classes, but had no idea how much I'd enjoy them as well. It was a highlight of my week spending the glorious Fall in the woods with my kids. I will not forget the class where each child was given a camera and asked to take photos. Tina later showed us what they captured. I cried. The images were so beautiful. How often do we stop as parents and take in the world from the eyes of our children? How often do we free our hearts and minds and let our children teach us what is in the world? For me, this is one of the greatest joys in life. I want this experience for all kids and their parents, even if it means just a few minutes of unplugging and remembering there is more out your door and to go out and watch, listen and learn.” - Parent and Former Ambassador
“Kids in the woods is one of the only true, authentic experiences left that embodies all the elements of having to make good decisions and navigating your way through problem solving. Nature provides infinite possibilities to imagine, discover and problem solve. It creates curiosity. Red Oaks’ programming offers all of these experiences along with a wonderful community.” - Parent of Homeschool Days
Red Oaks Press and Awards
On the air
Hannah was a guest speaker on Eastern Standard - January 6, 2022, check it out here!
Tina presented at the TedX in Corbin, check it out here!
Tina co-hosts on the Nature Guys talking about Zugunruhe, Peregrine Falcons, and worms, the White-throated Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Milkweek Beetles and Bugs check it out!
Tina was featured on the Earth and Spirit Podcast, check it out here! Aired on November 29, 2021 - Wonder in All Seasons: Red Oaks Forest School and the Value of Nature-Based Education
Tina was featured on the Good Afternoon Kentucky show with Erica Bevin - channel ABC36 in Lexington, Kentucky. Aired on February 15th, 2023 discussing our origin, our plans, and programs. Check it out here!
Red Oaks is featured on Spectrum News in August, 2023 featuring our work to increase accessibility for kids in nature. Check it out here!
Tina was featured on Trivial Thursdays in February and March of 2024 talking about Zugunruhe and our programming.
Tina shared some time with Leigh and Tamara on Live from Chevy Chase in March of 2024.
In the press
Red Oaks is featured in Mother Earth Living Magazine, check it out here!
Red Oaks in featured in BizLex, check it out here!
Awards
Red Oaks awarded Excellence in Education by KAEE, Kentucky’s Environmental Education Association
In 2021, Red Oaks was recognized as the Outstanding PreK-12 School in the field of Environmental Education. Join us as we continue to open doors to deep and lasting connection with the natural world. Our nature-immersive programs blend exploration and education to inform, to inspire, and to improve well-being for all participants. Join one of our programs today or support us with a donation!
Red Oaks awarded Excellence in Science Outreach and Education by the Kentucky Academy of Sciences
In the fall of 2022, Red Oaks’ Taking Flight program was awarded for its excellence in education and outreach. Students presented a scientific poster showcasing the reaearch they had helped conduct during the program and presented an art poster sharing their experiences through painting. This STEAM program is unique among after-school programs and is currently recruiting more students. Learn more here.
Red Oaks has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar - Candid
Red Oaks Conservation Club teens receive multiple awards at the 2023 Kentucky Youth Assembly
In December of 2023, the Conservation Club took their bill on protecting Old Growth trees to the KYA congress and demonstrated excellent advocacy and leadership. The team walked away with 4 awards including Highest Ranked Bill in the Commonwealth, Best New Delegation, Outstanding Delegate to Izzie Rust, and Premier Delegation award.
Taking Flight Next Level teens win Thoroughbred Award for a poster presentation at the KY Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting
In November 2023, the TFNL teens received the highest award for their poster entitled “Sex differences in morphology and the site use by Northern Cardinals obtained through the Taking Flight bird banding program.” Students collected data as part of the program over 2 years and helped to analyze and summarize data. Most of the poster presentations were undergraduates and graduate students from around the state.
Red Oaks Conservation Club teens receive multiple awards at the 2024 Kentucky United Nations Assembly
In March of 2024, the Conservation Club took their bill on supporting EV vehicle use representing The Republic of Korea - South and demonstrated excellent advocacy and leadership. The team walked away with 3 awards including Best Speaker to Izzie Rust, Outstanding Delegate to James Aramini, and Premier Delegation award.
