Connecting children and adults with our environment in a way that encourages deeper levels of
understanding, respect and co-creative partnership with Nature and each other…

Welcome to the Wakeman Foundation

The Barry and Patricia Wakeman Educational Foundation was established in 2008 by Patricia Wakeman in memory of her late husband Barry, who was Director of Education at the Cincinnati Zoo for 27 years.

In 1998 the Wakemans purchased property on Cave Road in Highland County, becoming Land Stewards in cooperation with the adjacent Arc of Appalachia (Highlands Nature Sanctuary), with the intention of conducting nature workshops there for children and adults. Barry led workshops at the Sanctuary and at the farm until the symptoms of ALS became so severe he was no longer able to do so. To learn more about the story and Barry visit barrywakeman.com

After his death in 2004 Trish began the process of establishing the Foundation and has continued to nurture their vision by adding family friendly livestock, organic vegetable gardens and orchards, butterfly and bird gardens, fairy and elf gardens, conducting children's nature programs, as well as, community potlucks and movie nights focused on educational topics. There is also an Animal Rescue dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs and cats.