Taking Flight – Next Level (TFNL) is an award-winning collaborative STEAM program between Red Oaks and the University of Kentucky that blends original scientific research with hands-on wildlife experience in a field setting. Students are invited to participate in ongoing research about Northern Cardinals’ response to human activity, investigating things like habitat change and introduced and invasive plant species.
On a typical day, students check traps, collect data and measurements, and have a chance to handle the birds before releasing them back into the wild. Time is built in each week for reflection and wonder, with further opportunity for students to explore their questions by designing experiments and creating art with local artists. Students have the opportunity of their work to appear in peer-reviewed journals and to assemble poster presentations for the Kentucky Academy of Sciences.
Check out this website the students made about their experience.
Core Benefits
Hands-on wildlife opportunities
Creative science
Artistic expression
Reflective time in nature
Benefits of Wildlife Interaction and Nature-Based Education*
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved directed attention, self-discipline, cooperation, and confidence
Better grades
Enhanced leadership and communication skills
Greater awareness and connection to nature, place, and the environment
Promotion of environmental stewardship
Skills Gained
Improve scientific inquiry, data collection, and interpretation
Comfortable with wildlife and spending time outside in a variety of weather conditions
Research on local bird communities with a university research lab and faculty
Field bird identification, by sight and song, of at least five common urban birds
Illustration, music, video, and other art skill development
Opportunities
Contribute to long-term research on Northern Cardinal populations
Participate in research projects that may lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals**
Certified in bird-banding techniques (available to ages 14+)
Teamwork and problem-solving for urban bird conservation issues
Art inspired by science and nature with possibilities for public display
Participate in Kentucky Academy of Sciences conference
** Students participating in studies that result in publication will be cited as authors, which is very beneficial for college applications or resumes. Poster presentations at the Kentucky Academy of Sciences are also available and have won awards.
“These opportunities create awe and wonder, stimulate creativity and invoke compassion for our natural world. ”
cost
This program is sponsored by members and free for all students to attend.
In partnership with the Walking Softer Foundation - Jr. and Sr.’s are eligible for scholarship funding to the secondary education of their choice! Last year’s awards totaled $9,500.
SIGN UP
Registration for the Spring session opens January 12, 2026 (members) and January 14, 2026 (non-members). If you aren’t a member yet, join us here.
If the session is full, email registration@redoaksforestschool.org with the location and class name to be added to the waiting list.
*Resources
There are hundreds of sources related to the benefits of a nature-based education, but below are a few that highlight overlaps of our specific goals and program featuring urban locations.
Franco, L.S.; Shanahan, D.F.; Fuller, R.A. A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 864.
Barrera-Hernández, L.F., Sotelo-Castillo, M.A., Echeverría-Castro, S.B., Tapia-Fonllem, C.O., (2020). Connectedness to nature: Its impact on sustainable behaviors and happiness in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
Kuo, M., Barnes, M., Jordan, C., (2019). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.
Banner artwork created by @bretthartsfieldart
