You + Us = More Kids in Nature
Can you smell it now? That woodsy breath of fresh air, the moment your feet hit green ground. That’s the heart of Thorne Nature Experience — helping kids discover that same wonder and joy in the outdoors. Together, we’re building a world where every child feels at home in nature — where curiosity runs wild, shoes get muddy, and confidence grows under open skies.
Every time you support Thorne, you’re not just giving funds. You’re joining us in connecting youth to nature and growing the next generation of Earth stewards — especially those who might not otherwise get the chance.
Nature lovers just like you made this year possible:
And the best part?
Every spark of curiosity. Every muddy smile. Every child who now sees themselves as a nature explorer — it all starts with you.
“I don’t like Thorne Nature. I really really really really really really really LOVE it!” — Noah, Age 6 and 11/12ths
When you connect with Thorne, you’re part of something bigger — a community of nature lovers, families, and dreamers who believe kids need nature now more than ever. Together, we keep the wild in childhood.
To build Earth stewardship by providing youth with joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences that foster an emotional connection to nature.
Thorne Nature Experience, formerly Thorne Ecological Institute, was founded by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II in Boulder, Colorado in 1954. During its first three decades, the organization focused on a diverse array of environmental projects ranging from land conservation, to educating governments, businesses, adults, and children locally and nationally about the Principles of Ecology and how these relate to economics, human welfare, and the health of the environment. Since the environmental movement became more mainstream in the 1980's and 90's, there has been significant growth in the number of specialized businesses and nonprofits engaged in the protection of natural areas and conservation of natural resources. In response, Thorne has streamlined its programming to focus on what has always been its core competence, environmental education for Boulder and Denver Metro Area youth. The success of Thorne's natural science programming has led to the development of permanent teaching facilities at Sombrero Marsh in Boulder and Waterton Canyon in Littleton. During the past six decades, Thorne has connected more than 300,000 children and adults to nature and become a nationally recognized leader in the field of environmental education.
Organization name
Thorne Nature Experience
other names
Thorne Nature Experience, Thorne Ecological Institute
1954
Tax id (EIN)
84-6029250
Category
Environment, Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Child Care Credit
Address
300 Old Laramie Trail EBoulder County, CO, US