Zugunruhe (zü-gən-rü) noun: inner stirring to move; migratory restlessness

Zugunruhe (zu-gən-ru′) is a German word that means an inner stirring to move, particularly referring to the phenomena that triggers birds to migrate. Some bird migrations are long-distance marathons while others are much shorter, but each journey is prompted by an inner stirring, which signals that it’s time to move to a new destination.

This spring, Zugunruhe invites people to listen to their own inner stirring and commit to regular time in nature from March 15th to May 10th. Just like the birds, every journey will be unique to the participant. Your journey may involve a physical challenge, like running, hiking, or climbing, or something more introspective like meditation, writing, or art.

Time in nature has been proven to bolster physical and mental well-being – so much that doctors now prescribe outside time as a remedy for a suite of ailments. Unfortunately, access to nature and nature-based education are not available to everyone. Our mission with this event is to raise both awareness and funds to improve access to nature in Central and Eastern Kentucky by elevating the conversation around access to nature.

Learn more on this Nature Guys Podcast episode! https://natureguys.org/zugunruhe/

Celebrate with us along the way!

This year we celebrate our journey with 4 in-person events in our 4 main program hubs: Frankfort, Berea area, Lexington, and Stanton. These events are sure to help you get excited about connecting to nature on a regular basis.

What is Zugunruhe?

Zugunruhe is a unique event that invites you to commit to regular time in nature. The journey is up to you! Possibilities include a physical test of endurance, a mindfulness practice, creating works of art related to or in nature, family-based adventures, or anything else that speaks to you in this season of your life. 

Why Zugunruhe?

Red Oaks is committed to equitable access to nature for our youth and in our communities. With your support, we can raise awareness and funds to promote healthy minds, bodies, and planet by creating more access to nature-based exploration, education and play. Funds raised will go directly to support our free and low-cost Community Connections to improve access to nature.

Who should sign up?

Everyone! We’d love anyone who cares about the need for more equitable access to nature and wants to support our efforts to join us. If there is someone you know that needs more nature in their life, invite them to join you, too!

Each participant will get a custom fill in sheet created by Aubrey of our Zugunruhe artwork to help mark your journey as you go.

When is Zugunruhe?

March 15 to May 10, 2025. Spring is a time of rebirth, new beginnings, great migrations, and awe-inspiring events in nature—the perfect time to start a new journey! Our hope is that participating in Zugunruhe will inspire a new or renewed commitment to spend regular time in nature that will last beyond the event! During this time, birds are making incredible journeys, some from pole to pole! We aim to join them on our own journeys of connecting with nature. 

How Do I participate in Zugunruhe?

First, decide how you will connect to nature. Second, determine a frequency that will support your journey. Third, sign up. Finally, invite a friend (optional, but recommended!). Example: My zugunruhe is to walk outside 3x/week or my zugunruhe is to make art inspired by nature and work on it 2x/week.

How Much Does It Cost?

All are welcome to join in on the journey for no cost!

However, if you would like to help Red Oaks build capacity to increase access to nature-based exploration, education and play for our youth and community, we invite you to choose a participation level that works for you!

• The Robin: $35
  Join in and get our custom Zugunruhe sticker to show your support! Buys a couple of field guides for our after-school program!

• The Hummingbird: $55
  Join in and get our custom Zugunruhe sticker and a T-shirt to show your support. Buys some critter cages to support curiosity and wonder!

• The Warbler: $75
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts and a sticker. Buys supplies for Art Club! 

• The Sandpiper: $125
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts, a sticker, and an 8x8 fine art print by Aubrey of Restoration Acres of this year’s Zugunruhe artwork. Buys nature journals to support connection to nature!

• The Arctic Tern: $250
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts, sticker, a $50 gift certificate for Red Oaks programs, and a 10x10 fine art print by Aubrey of Restoration Acres of this year’s Zugunruhe artwork. Buys supplies for Forest Friends - our after-school program for a child for the whole season!
  
  *Additional T’s are $20 for youth and $25 for Adult for any level 

Thank you to our sponsors who are helping to increase access to nature for all with their support!

Still not sure what you can do?

Move

• Run a 5K

• Do a Triathlon

• Run a Marathon

• Walk every day for 45 days

• Run a Half-marathon

• Bike 60 miles

• Swim 3 miles

• Play tennis weekly

• Set a new free throw record

• Set a new golf record

• Dance for 50 hours

• Create your own!