Founded in 1973 by elementary school teachers, Sally Keyes and Jean Ryan, Learning Tree Farm’s environmental education model connects children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with nature to inspire environmental exploration, understanding, and stewardship. The first years of operation brought a few hundred students to the farm, primarily from nearby Dayton schools. Today, Learning Tree Farm annually serves more than 6,000 students from 130 schools through nature-based field trips, and an additional 10,000 people through ongoing community programs, events, and our Nature Preschool. For more than 40 years, the farm’s ability to introduce children to environmental stewardship and to inspire learners of all ages has cultivated a significant and lasting passion for nature in our community.
Our mission is to engage people is hands-on, nature-based learning in a timeless farm setting.
Learning Tree Farm was founded in 1973 by elementary school teachers Sally Keyes and Jean Ryan. The first years of operation brought a few hundred students to the farm, primarily from nearby Dayton schools.
The farm’s environmental education model, still used today, connected children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with nature to inspire environmental exploration, understanding, and stewardship.
Today, Learning Tree Farm serves more than 6,000 students from 130 schools through nature-based field trips, and an additional 10,000 people through ongoing community programs, events, and our Nature Preschool.
For more than 40 years, the farm’s ability to introduce children to environmental stewardship and to inspire learners of all ages has cultivated a significant and lasting passion for nature in our community.
Learning Tree Farm’s success began with Sally and Jean building and nurturing personal relationships throughout the community. Many of these relationships have endured. Some of the grandchildren of the farm’s earliest supporters are now students at our Nature Preschool and participants on school field trips!
Even while expanding and meeting the growing demand for nature-based education in our community, Learning Tree Farm remains a special place for people to connect with nature in a way that is meaningful and lasting.
Supported by its devoted staff, Board, volunteers, and friends, Learning Tree Farm continues to advance its mission throughout the community and inspire future environmental stewards.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Collin Heinz, President
Beth Engelhardt ,Vice President
Jenn Parker, Secretary
Brett Vandeman, Treasurer
Nick Beck
Gail Plunkett
Dave Denny
Bob Basl
David Fisher
Troy Black
Honorary Board Members
Emerson Keck, Esq
Sally Keyes
Co-Founder
Jean Ryan
Co-Founder
Leadership Staff
Heather Ritter, Executive Director
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Loralynn Kadell, Farm Operations Director
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Kimberly Lovings, Finance and Administrative Director
Amy Thompson, Education Director