KAEE and Children & Nature Network Host Nature-Based Early Childhood Legislative Tour

On November 10th, KAEE and the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) hosted a bipartisan group of Kentucky legislators and partners for a field tour showcasing three nature-based early childhood programs: Thrive Forest Preschool, Trinity House Child Care, and the Sankofa programming at Chickasaw Park. The experience offered legislators a firsthand look at how outdoor, nature-based learning supports child development and strengthens the early care ecosystem—while also surfacing the regulatory barriers preventing these programs from fully operating under Kentucky’s current licensing framework.

Attending lawmakers included Rep. Vanessa Grossl (R), Speaker David Osborne (R), Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton (D), Rep. Daniel Grossberg (D), and Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R), along with Rina Gratz of the Prichard Committee. Each participant had the opportunity to meet children, educators, and directors in action. Seeing the students outdoors—problem-solving, collaborating, exploring with confidence, and forming deep connections to place—was one of the most impactful aspects of the visit. Many legislators remarked that these strengths are difficult to convey on paper but unmistakable when observed in person.

Throughout the day, providers shared a consistent message: current licensing regulations were not designed with outdoor or nature-based settings in mind, leaving innovative programs without a viable pathway to offer full-time care or serve families relying on subsidies. This not only constrains access for families but also limits the state’s ability to address the significant early childcare shortage facing Kentucky.

The field trip clearly demonstrated how nature-based programs can expand childcare capacity, improve children’s physical and emotional health, and strengthen economies through increased access to care. Legislators were able to connect the benefits they observed directly to the need for legislative action. The discussion reinforced the importance of the bill we are developing with Representative Vanessa Grossl and the C&NN to establish a defined, supportive licensing pathway for nature-based early childhood programs.

David Beard, Children and Nature Network; Speaker David Osborne (R); Rep. Vanessa Grossl (R); and Ashley Hoffman, KAEE

The bipartisan engagement and enthusiasm generated during the tour showed that this is a practical, evidence-driven solution that has been successful in other states. The visits underscored that updating Kentucky’s licensing framework is not only feasible—it is necessary to give communities more childcare options and allow programs like these to flourish.

We look forward to building on the momentum from this visit and advancing this legislation in the upcoming legislative session.

To learn more and get involved, visit kaee.org/early-childhood.

A Look Back at KAEE’s 2025 Outdoor Education Reception at the Capitol

On March 4, 2025, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) teamed up with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) for the second annual Outdoor Education Day at the Capitol. This important event brought together environmental educators, outdoor policy experts, and Kentucky legislators to explore the growing impact of outdoor education and advocate for vital policy changes that support our state’s future.

A Day of Advocacy and Collaboration

This year’s event focused on advancing outdoor education initiatives and fostering strong partnerships with Kentucky’s lawmakers. One of the key topics of discussion was outdoor preschool licensing, and the effort to identify a new legislative champion for this important cause. We continue to advocate for policies that give young children the opportunity to learn in nature-filled environments from an early age.

Representative Nima Kulkarni was instrumental in helping to organize this year’s event. Her commitment to supporting outdoor education and environmental issues made a lasting impact on attendees.

The day began with a lively and engaging lunch in the Capitol Annex, where outdoor educators and legislators had the opportunity to connect and discuss potential policies that could positively impact outdoor education in Kentucky. This was followed by a fun and informative tabling session on the Annex lawn, where KAEE and its partners showcased their work and shared information about their programs with lawmakers.

Our Partners and Participants

This year’s event was made possible by the collaboration of many outstanding organizations. Some of the groups that participated in the reception included:

• Foundation for the Ohio River Education

• Mercy Academy

• Asbury University’s Kentucky Outdoor Institute & KAEE

• Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

  
  

Each of these organizations plays a vital role in advancing outdoor education and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Their contributions to the event helped to make it a success, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue with legislators.

The Importance of Outdoor Education

Outdoor education offers a wide range of benefits, from improving childhood health by increasing physical activity and reducing nearsightedness to enhancing academic performance by boosting school readiness and reducing disruptive behavior. Additionally, it fosters a deeper appreciation for Kentucky’s rich natural resources and outdoor heritage. These advantages highlight the need for policies that expand outdoor learning opportunities, helping nurture a generation that values the environment and is better equipped to face future challenges.

To get involved with our advocacy efforts, contact Ashley Hoffman at director@kaee.org.

KAEE’s Outdoor Education Reception at the Capitol

On February 27th, KAEE hosted its first reception at the State Capitol in Frankfort, KY, organized in partnership with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). The event brought together approximately 30-50 attendees, including members from various organizations and institutions dedicated to environmental education and conservation.

Among the attendees were members of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE), including representatives from Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, Centre College, Louisville Nature Center, Woodford County Conservation District, Canoe Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, ORSANCO, Red Oaks Forest School, Community Montessori School in Lexington, and Thrive Forest School.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to meet with key legislators, including House Representatives Jared Bauman, Robert Duvall, Derek Lewis, Beverly Chester-Burton, Al Gentry, Nima Kulkarni, Josie Raymond, and Senator Donald Douglas. Notably, KAEE worked in partnership with Representative Josie Raymond to introduce House Bill 423 aimed at addressing nature preschool licensing.

Representative Nima Kulkarni played a pivotal role in coordinating the event, demonstrating her dedication to environmental education and facilitating valuable connections between legislators and advocates. Several legislators expressed enthusiasm for the event, with one referring to it as "the highlight of his month."

Looking ahead, there are plans to make this event an annual occurrence, with discussions already underway for February 2025. This event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between environmental educators and legislators, furthering the cause of environmental education and conservation in Kentucky.

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