$14,503 raised by 49 donors
20% complete
$71,000 Goal
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.
How you can help:
When you give, you open the door for more kids to feel at home in nature. Your support fuels confidence, curiosity, and joy—especially for children who might never otherwise have access to these experiences. This year, your generosity can help bring some big dreams to life:
$50 could equip one child with their first pair of outdoor boots, giving them the confidence to explore safely and fully.
$150 could equip an infant/toddler and their caregiver five warm, welcoming winter play sessions—moments that spark connection and early nature joy.
$1,000 could send our Youth Advisory Board on a rafting trip where young leaders learn teamwork, resilience, and stewardship.
$1,500 could bring a high-quality telescope to our Nature Center Saturdays night course, opening whole new worlds for curious kids.
$6,000 could provide essential supplies that keep our Thorne Nature Preschool vibrant, creative, and ready for every young explorer.
$10,000 could create log seating and playful posts for slacklines, hammocks, and shade sails—making Thorne Nature Camp an outdoor haven for hundreds of campers.
$25,000 could fund a new bilingual registration system for our Nature Kids team, reducing barriers for families and saving staff countless hours.
$50,000 could help build a pond at the Lafayette Nature Center—a living classroom where children discover wildlife, ecosystems, and their own sense of wonder.
When you give, you change what’s possible—for a child, for a family, for our entire community. Thank you for believing in this work and helping nature feel like home for all kids.
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