Mindful birding is a powerful practice that combines the joys of birdwatching with the benefits of mindfulness. Exposure to nature is linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even an increase in empathy and cooperation.
One of my favorite quotes by Aldo Leopold in his book, A Sand County Almanac. A classic read for any upcoming wildlife biologist, nature-lover, or outdoors person. This quote reminds me of the well-known saying “leave it better than you found it”. A saying that had been engrained in me ever since I was just a kid playing in the river behind my house. I am fortunate that I grew up as an “outdoor kid”.
Fort Collins Audubon Society hosts Rachel Belouin, Program Manager, Southern Plains, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
“Grasslands, Birds, and Grazing”
Thursday, May 11
Social time with Refreshments 7 p.m.; Announcements 7:20; Presentation, 7:30
Door Prize Drawing (must be present to win)
Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr.
***This program will also be accessible online using Zoom***
Enter the following link at 7 p.m.: https//us02web.zoom.us/j/8783050898
Rachel Belouin, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, will explore how compatible uses create habitat and resilience on our Great Plains. Rachel works with private landowners (farmers and ranchers) and other partners to help engage best practices for working lands to ensure grasslands stay in grass and to enhance wildlife habitat, especially for avian species. She also will share how Bird Conservancy of the Rockies approaches this unique partnership between beef and birds.
Rachel has a master’s degree in Natural Resource Stewardship with a concentration in grasslands and ecological restoration from Colorado State University. She is the Stewardship Program Manager, Southern Plains, with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Rachel has experience working and living on a third-generation cattle ranch and enjoys riding her horse, trail running with her son, and a great book. Join us for this informative program on May 11. It is free and the public is welcomed!
This program is designed for children 4 and under and their grownups, however older siblings are always welcome!
Join us anytime between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays for a morning of wild fun! Free play in nature helps kids to develop mind, body and soul; it gives them the space to explore, take healthy risks, and form meaningful connections with the world around them. Some activities might include; examining a cool bug, building with sticks and logs, playing in the mud or snow, learning about wildlife, and going wherever our curiosity and imagination takes us!
Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!
Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.
This program is designed for children 4 and under and their grownups, however older siblings are always welcome!
Join us anytime between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays for a morning of wild fun! Free play in nature helps kids to develop mind, body and soul; it gives them the space to explore, take healthy risks, and form meaningful connections with the world around them. Some activities might include; examining a cool bug, building with sticks and logs, playing in the mud or snow, learning about wildlife, and going wherever our curiosity and imagination takes us!
Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!
Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.
This program is designed for children 4 and under and their grownups, however older siblings are always welcome!
Join us anytime between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays for a morning of wild fun! Free play in nature helps kids to develop mind, body and soul; it gives them the space to explore, take healthy risks, and form meaningful connections with the world around them. Some activities might include; examining a cool bug, building with sticks and logs, playing in the mud or snow, learning about wildlife, and going wherever our curiosity and imagination takes us!
Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!
Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.
This program is designed for children 4 and under and their grownups, however older siblings are always welcome!
Join us anytime between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays for a morning of wild fun! Free play in nature helps kids to develop mind, body and soul; it gives them the space to explore, take healthy risks, and form meaningful connections with the world around them. Some activities might include; examining a cool bug, building with sticks and logs, playing in the mud or snow, learning about wildlife, and going wherever our curiosity and imagination takes us!
Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!
Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.
Join us for a special bird banding program for World Migratory Bird Day! This program is a drop-in style and registration is not required. Birding walks will leave from the parking lot every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., with the last walk leaving at 10 a.m.. Up to 20 people at a time can visit the banding station for up to 30 minutes. Register here for updates and cancellation notices.
Where: Pineridge Natural Area near Dixon Reservoir, Parking lot just up the hill to the east off County Road 42C. Parking in the Dixon Reservoir lot is limited on Saturdays. If you cannot find a parking spot, consider parking at the Maxwell parking lot or parking at Spring Canyon or Cottonwood Glen parks for a 2 mile hike in.
When: May 13, 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., meet at the north end of the parking lot.
Program Description: Dixon Reservoir is a great place for migrating birds. Check out the bird banding efforts of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and see what might be passing though. Fort Collins Natural Areas volunteer naturalists will be leading bird walks every 30 minutes starting at 7 a.m. to see what’s around the reservoir. Bring your binoculars if you have them and celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with us!
Accessibility: Bird banding will take place a short walk (0.25 miles) down a steep hill in a shaded area. Birding walks will take place on a mostly easy to moderate dirt trail, but will start down a steep hill. Distances vary. Accessible parking and restrooms available. If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of a program, please contact [email protected] or call 970-416-2815 for more information. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in all programs and we are happy to make any appropriate accommodations. Requests for disability-related services can be made during registration through the activity contact or by calling 970-416-2815 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the activity.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather forecast. Bring sunscreen, closed-toe, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water.
