*Art work provided by Brett Hartsfield @bretthartsfieldart
News - Online Silent Auction benefits new after-school program
Our silent auction in November 2020 was a big success! We raised $8354 to start work putting our ideas into action. Our auction featured so many wonderful donations and we can’t thank our donors enough for helping us raise money to bring this program. Thank you for your support. Stay in touch by signing up for our newsletter for more opportunities to support Taking Flight After-school, or donate today!
Taking Flight After-school Program
Taking Flight blends hands-on wildlife experience with STEAM learning and real world scientific research. Through a partnership with the University of Kentucky, students will have access to Ornithologist David Westneat and his graduate research lab. Red Oaks aims to provide these opportunities to under-resourced schools in neighborhoods surrounding the research station. Together, they will study the conservation biology of Northern Cardinals and other local birds through trapping, banding, and releasing the birds. Since one of the goals of this program is to offer research experience to students living in proximity to the field station, students may also see these banded birds while spending time outdoors in their neighborhood! Students will gain skills in conducting research and develop stronger connections to the nature that co-exists with them. Interacting with wildlife on an up-close and personal level provides abundant opportunities for awe and wonder. These connections help to solidify or begin a life-long relationship with nature. Connections to nature during various developmental stages of youth are proven important for physical and mental health*. Our goal is to ensure that within each after-school group, there is a significant proportion of Black and Brown students, elevating their voices in the environmental movement, which are currently under-represented. The movement needs new imagination and perspective, and we are excited to learn from the students as much as we hope to share our passion and knowledge with them.
Skills Gained
Ages 14+ will be qualified to learn wildlife handling techniques
Formulate hypotheses
Data collection and interpretation
Research on local bird communities
Field bird identification, by sight and song, of at least five common urban birds
Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Wildlife Interaction and Nature-Based Education*
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved directed attention
Greater connection to place and environment
Improved self-discipline
Improved cooperation
Better grades
Better leadership skills
Better communication skills
Improved confidence
Greater awareness of nature and the environment
Promotes environmental stewardship
Opportunities
Contribute to long-term research on Northern Cardinal populations
Participate in research projects that may lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals**
Certified in bird banding techniques (available to ages 14+)
Teamwork and problem solving for urban bird conservation issues
Art inspired by science and nature
** Students participating in studies that result in publication will be cited as authors which is very beneficial for college applications or resumes.
Program Goals for 2021
Establish partner schools for this program
Partner with one middle school and one high school for each to have a weekly after-school program for the Fall semester of 2021
Target schools will be within 1 mile of the research station
Budget - $20,000 for pilot program
Monies will go to staff, research station fees, and to provide transportation and supplies. Through a combination of fundraising, private donations, and grants, we aim to secure this funding by the summer of 2021.
*Resources
There are hundreds of sources related to the benefits of a nature-based education, but below are a few that highlight overlaps of our specific goals and program featuring urban locations.
Franco, L.S.; Shanahan, D.F.; Fuller, R.A. A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 864.
Barrera-Hernández, L.F., Sotelo-Castillo, M.A., Echeverría-Castro, S.B., Tapia-Fonllem, C.O., (2020). Connectedness to nature: Its impact on sustainable behaviors and happiness in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
Kuo, M., Barnes, M., Jordan, C., (2019). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.
