ABOUT

Thorne Nature Experience was founded in 1954 by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II. Thorne was one of Colorado’s first environmental nonprofits and has a storied history and many accomplishments that include connecting more than 275,000 youth and adults to nature.

MISSION

To build Earth stewardship by providing youth with joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences that foster an emotional connection to nature.

VISION

A world where people’s actions cultivate a thriving, healthy environment that supports all life.

CORE BELIEFS

• Humans are an inseparable part of the environment.
• Joyful, hands-on experiences in nature cultivate an environmental ethic.
• Global impact begins with local, place-based environmental education.
• Today’s youth are tomorrow’s environmental stewards and leaders.

CORE VALUES

• Environmental stewardship
• Community
• Inclusiveness
• Collaboration and leadership
• Stewardship of the organization’s resources (financial, human, facility, history/legacy)

GOALS

• All Boulder County youth regardless of race, ethnicity, and income are provided the opportunity to connect with nature.
• Boulder County youth are the most environmentally literate in the United States.