education

Celebrate connecting people of all abilities and disabilities to birds and the natural world! It will be a morning of birding, banding, journaling and engaging. We will be leading bird tours, visits to our bird banding station, helping you to create your very own nature journal, and teaching people how to engage with nature in ways that are most comfortable for them.

All activities will be stationed outside of the Nature Center at Barr Lake State Park (13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton, CO 80603). Tours and banding station visits will include crossing a moderately inclined foot bridge and traveling as far as participants are comfortable but no more than a half mile on a hard packed, gravel trail. Benches are available along the way to take a break if needed. We will have binoculars and adaptive equipment available to use. The adaptive equipment helps people with seen and unseen challenges be able to see birds on an iPad rather than have to look through a scope or binoculars.

We will remain flexible throughout the morning and all activities will be available throughout the morning. We will also have Barr Lake State Park’s two track chairs and an ADA shuttle available to assist any visitors experiencing mobility challenges. Accessible bathrooms are available in the Nature Center.

Registration is not required for this amazing opportunity! Grab some friends and join us for an amazing morning out in nature!

Join us for a guided birding tour at Barr Lake State Park. We will take a leisurely walk that will include crossing a moderately inclined foot bridge and traveling as far as participants are comfortable but no more than a half mile on a hard packed, gravel trail. We will have binoculars and adaptive equipment available. The adaptive equipment helps people with seen and unseen challenges be able to see birds on an iPad rather than have to look through a scope or binoculars.

The tour will meet outside the Nature Center at Barr Lake State Park (13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton CO 80603). There are accessible bathrooms available at the Nature Center and there will be benches along the way to rest if desired.

This birding tour is intended for all ages and abilities. No birding experience is necessary. Come and learn about the magic of birds in a beautiful setting! This program is provided at no cost to participants thanks to the support of Adams County Open Space.

This program takes place at Barr Lake State Park located at 13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds to join in, benefit from and contribute to our mission. We strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other status.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

Mindful birding is an inclusive practice for all abilities, all ages, and all needs. It is naturally a comfortable and welcoming environment for underrepresented individuals as well as participants who have physical and mental challenges, and those with special learning needs. There is no level of competition or level of experience expected.

Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that incorporates heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds is not the primary focus, instead, the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides. This style of observation invites self-exploration, reciprocity, and an acknowledgment of our physical and emotional responses while within the practice.

The guiding principles of Mindful Birding are:

• an awareness of being in the moment with the birds
• an intention to turn our attention to birds and nature for self-care
• of being without judgment in order to allow an experience to be what it will be, and not be disappointed by what happens (or doesn’t)
• an exploration of one’s curiosity, wonder, and openness to experiencing awe

Dr. Barbra Patterson will be leading this Mindful Birding Workshop outdoors at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center (14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton CO 80603). This workshop will be held outside, please dress and prepare for the weather. There are mildly sloping ADA hard packed gravel trails around the Environmental Learning Center which will be utilized. There are also ADA accessible indoor and outdoor restrooms available on site.

Registration is required and space is limited!