LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – During the warmer seasons, we tend to spend more time outside, but what if we utilize the natural world as an educational resource throughout the entire year?
A concept from 2014 aimed at encouraging children and adults to discover the forests and streams near them in Kentucky has been transformed into theRed Oaks Forest School.
It is an innovative environmental learning initiative, and its approach is highlighted in a recent film that explores how this form of education can connect people and support physical and mental well-being.
It is said that heaven must resemble a place like Kentucky.
Travel into the hills and take the paths of the Red River Gorge, and it’s simple to understand why this could be the case.
The noises reach your ears, the sunlight is obscured by the treetops, and you are soon surrounded by a realm that only nature can create.
“I’ve been recreating and appreciating nature in various ways, from rock climbing to birdwatching, but ultimately, it’s about peace, tranquility, and introspection,” said Tina Brouwer-Kraska, Executive Director of the Red Oaks Forest School.
Over the past ten years, Tina Brouwer-Kraska has been leveraging her passion for the outdoors to help more people from Kentucky engage with nature and build connections.
“We operate throughout the entire year. We are committed to being outside regardless of the weather, whether it’s rainy or sunny, warm or cold, all year round,” said Brouwer-Kraska.
As the creator of the Red Oaks Forest School, she is motivating the upcoming generation of nature lovers.
“At a minimum, we aim to have people engage once a week, and our Forest School emphasizes connecting children with nature for the least amount of time that supports well-being, essentially creating that space for individuals to bond with nature,” said Brouwer-Kraska.
The Red Oaks Forest School combines conventional and unconventional learning methods, with the classroom located anywhere.
There are various programs available for individuals of all age groups, including adults.
Red Oaks frequently collaborates with organizations such as the Marafiki Center in Lexington to assist young individuals in discovering new experiences and cultural elements.
Today marked their annual field trip, with some individuals stepping beyond their comfort zone and embarking on a hike to Natural Bridge.
Some people use the creek as a place to explore and discover the creatures that live in it.
Justice is a competitor who frequently returns and greatly enjoys experiencing nature up close and personally.
“I once discovered a blue rock, and when I broke it open, there was a crystal inside. It was blue, similar to amethyst,” said Justice.
His enthusiasm is pleasing to Brouwer-Kraska.
“Every year, we receive many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ and ‘wows.’ Even last year, one of the children remarked, ‘This is better than Kings Island,’ and I responded, ‘Yes, that’s amazing,'” said Brouwer-Kraska.
Now, a nationwide audience will have greater awareness of the activities of the Red Oaks Forest School.
The film “In Our Nature,” directed by James Parker, examines how environmental education and individuals dedicated to it can drive transformation through learning rooted in the natural world.
“Together, I believe we are sharing a powerful narrative regarding what environmental education signifies for children, its significance, and the necessity of incorporating it into every aspect of learning,” stated Brouwer-Kraska.
It is within the expansive, open-air classroom of nature where Tina Brouwer-Kraska wishes we could all pause and connect with the natural world.
“I believe the most significant change we’ve observed after being involved in this for so long is the deep bond with nature,” said Brouwer-Kraska.
The play “In Our Nature” will debut in Lexington on Thursday, July 24, at the historic Lyric Theatre starting at 6:30 pm.
All funds generated from ticket sales will be given to Red Oaks Forest School andKentucky Association of Environmental Educators, which has been promoting environmental education in Kentucky since 1976.
Tickets may be bought at https://givebutter.com/inournature-kentucky
Schedule of Events:
- 5:30 pm Welcome Event and Community Display featuring Jeri Katherine Howell
- 6:30 pm Opening Remarks
- 7:00 PM Exclusive Advanced Showing of In Our Nature
- 8:00 pm After-Film Panel Discussion with Dr. Ellen Prusinski from Centre College
- 8:30 PM Gratitude Expressions & Final Comments
Moderated by “Mr. Dan” Pascucci of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
