Independent Film Highlighting Oakleigh Thorne, Class of 1953

"Mighty Oak" is a portrait of Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II, an extraordinary environmental pioneer, transformative educator, joyful musician, and an effective, inspirational leader.

The film was featured at the Boulder International Film Festival 2022, Utopia Film Festival 2022, Cinema Verde 2023, and Colorado Environmental Film Festival 2023.

Through challenges and setbacks, he has persevered for over 70 years on a quest to connect people to the environment through education. He created Thorne Films, Thorne Ecological Institute, Thorne Nature Experience, and achieved successes in land preservation across the country that preceded the EPA and much of the modern environmental movement. He has directly and immeasurably contributed to the environmental education of hundreds of thousands of youth. His enduring legacy is a significant contribution to the environmental movement and to those he has inspired along the way.

This extraordinary 93-year-old man continues to mentor young people and spread an environmental consciousness, and with his astounding musical skills, still plays the piano and arranges a cappella music for choral groups. The filmmakers who both have a personal friendship with Oak, followed him for several years as he spread wisdom and joy in his journey through life, whether it be with the music of a bird or the human voice.