Thorne Nature Experience, formerly Thorne Ecological Institute, was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1954 by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II and is currently celebrating more than 60 years of connecting youth to nature through hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. During the past six decades, Thorne has connected more than 250,000 children, teens, and adults to nature and become a nationally recognized leader in the field of environmental education. Today, Thorne's Summer Camp, In-School Program, and Field Trips reach more than 12,500 Boulder County and Front Range youth each year. We are continuing to expand and create enriching experiences for the children and your support is a necessary part of the growth.