Zugunruhe (zü-gən-rü) noun: inner stirring to move; migratory restlessness

Zugunruhe is an invitation to connect with ourselves and our community through time in nature for healthy communities.

Zugunruhe (zu-gən-ru′) is a German word that means an inner stirring to move, particularly referring to the phenomena that triggers birds to migrate. Some bird migrations are long-distance marathons while others are much shorter, but each journey is prompted by an inner stirring, which signals that it’s time to move to a new destination. This spring, Zugunruhe invites people to listen to their own inner stirring and commit to regular time in nature. Just like the birds, every journey will be unique to the participant. Your journey may involve a physical challenge, like running, hiking, or climbing, or something more introspective like meditation, writing, or art.

Red Oaks began its own journey with this simple step of committing to regular time in nature. That one action has led us to incredible destinations! Today, we have grown to become a community of people who recognize that spending regular time in nature is an important component of our collective well-being and the critical piece in building environmental literacy in our youth and communities.

Time in nature has been proven to bolster physical and mental well-being – so much that doctors now prescribe outside time as a remedy for a suite of ailments. Unfortunately, access to nature and nature-based education are not available to everyone. Our mission with this event is to raise both awareness and much-needed funds to improve access to nature in Central and Eastern Kentucky and elevate the conversation around access to nature on a broader scale. We hope this event inspires people in Kentucky and beyond to immerse themselves in nature, increase creative pursuits, get more exercise, commit to restorative self-care, and most importantly increase their awareness of the importance of access to nature for all.

Learn more on this Nature Guys Podcast episode! https://natureguys.org/zugunruhe/

What is Zugunruhe?

Zugunruhe is a unique event that invites you to commit to regular time in nature. The journey is up to you! Possibilities include a physical test of endurance, a mindfulness practice, creating works of art related to or in nature, family-based adventures, or anything else that speaks to you in this season of your life. 

This year we celebrate our journey with 3 in-person events in our 3 main program hubs: Frankfort, Lexington, and Stanton. These events are sure to help you get excited about connecting to nature on a regular basis.

Kick-off event at West Sixth Farm - March 16 from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Meet and greet local birds of prey with Liberty Nature Center, create a large land art mural with resident artist Heather Dent of Winterberry Studio, fireside story time at 12:30 and 2 pm with Red Oaks teachers, and a fun build and play station in the woods with nature materials, building materials, and tools.
This event is sponsored by Cliffview Resort and Lodge

Earth Day Celebration at Blue Stallion Brewery - April 22nd from 3:30 - 7:30 pm
Take a tour of nature-based murals near the brewery, enjoy an art show by Red Oaks students,
play a nature themed trivia and win prizes!
This event is sponsored by Red River Gorgeous and Kentucky Dance Academy

Spring Fest at The Wilds - May 18th from 8 am - 8 pm
Spring Fest is back with all day activities like Birding with Tina, Art Club, Butterflies program, Trail Blazers hike reveal,
raffle, live music, and more.
This event is sponsored by Park and Save Gas Station

Why Zugunruhe?

Red Oaks is committed to equitable access to nature for our youth and in our communities. With your support, we can raise awareness and funds to promote healthy minds, bodies, and planet by creating more access to nature-based exploration, education and play. Funds raised will go directly to support our free and low-cost Community Connections to improve access to nature.

Who should sign up?

Everyone! We’d love anyone who cares about the need for more equitable access to nature and wants to support our efforts to join us. If there is someone you know that needs more nature in their life, invite them to join you, too!

This event is another chance to build community, just the way Red Oaks started – by inviting friends to commit to time in nature with us. So build a team or invite a friend or just do your own thing. However you do it, there will be a community to support you in your journey! We have included a host of events and free programs to connect to nature in Kentucky and beyond. Check out our calendar for more info. 

Each participant will get a custom fill in sheet created by Aubrey of our Zugunruhe artwork to help mark your journey as you go.

When is Zugunruhe?

March 16 to May 18, 2024. Spring is a time of rebirth, new beginnings, great migrations, and awe-inspiring events in nature—the perfect time to start a new journey! Our hope is that participating in Zugunruhe will inspire a new or renewed commitment to spend regular time in nature that will last beyond the event! During this time, birds are making incredible journeys, some from pole to pole! We aim to join them on our own journeys of connecting with nature. 

How Do I participate in Zugunruhe?

First, decide how you will connect to nature. Second, determine a frequency that will support your journey. Third, sign up. Finally, invite a friend (optional, but recommended!). Example: My zugunruhe is to walk outside 3x/week or my zugunruhe is to make art inspired by nature and work on it 2x/week.

How Much Does It Cost?

All are welcome to join in on the journey for no cost, but if you would like to help Red Oaks build capacity to increase access to nature-based exploration, education and play for our youth and community, we invite you to choose a participation level that works for you!

• The Robin: $35 - Register here
  Join in and get our custom Zugunruhe sticker to show your support! Buys a couple of field guides for our after-school program!

• The Hummingbird: $55 - Register here
  Join in and get our custom Zugunruhe sticker and a T-shirt to show your support. Buys some critter cages to support curiosity and wonder!

• The Warbler: $75 - Register here
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts, a sticker, and free admission to one of our hikes. Buys supplies for Art Club! 

• The Sandpiper: $125 - Register here
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts, a sticker, and an 8x8 fine art print by Aubrey of Restoration Acres of this year’s Zugunruhe artwork. Buys nature journals to support connection to nature!

• The Arctic Tern: $250 - Register here
  Join in and get 2 T-shirts, sticker, a one-year membership to Red Oaks for new members or $50 gift certificate for Red Oaks programs and a 10x10 fine art print by Aubrey of Restoration Acres of this year’s Zugunruhe artwork. Buys all the supplies for Forest Friends - our after-school program, for a whole semester!
  
  *Additional T’s are $20 for youth and $25 for Adult for any level 
  
  Join us online too in the Mighty App to share your journey, get updated on events, and continue the conversation around all the benefits of getting outside.

Our featured bird this year is the Indigo bunting. Our gorgeous fine art prints and stickers come in these two styles.
T-shirts feature the blue version of the artwork.
Artwork by Restoration Acres - IG @restorationacreskentucky

Thank you to our sponsors who are helping to increase access to nature for all with their support!

Still not sure what you can do?

Move

• Run a 5K

• Do a Triathlon

• Run a Marathon

• Walk every day for 45 days

• Run a Half-marathon

• Bike 60 miles

• Swim 3 miles

• Play tennis weekly

• Set a new free throw record

• Set a new golf record

• Dance for 50 hours

• Create your own!