Mindful Birding is a nature-based wellness practice that combines the practice of mindfulness with the joy of bird observation. This experience is best described as a slow, sensory, and immersive walk. During our time together, we will engage our senses—eyes, ears, hands, nose, body, and heart—to connect with the natural world and the birds that inhabit it.
Your guides for this experience are both Certified Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guides: Donna Riner, Assistant Manager at the Ornithology Center and Michelle Morton, Nature Engagement Specialist at Conner Prairie. Donna & Michelle will lead the walk with gentle invitations, or prompts, designed to deepen your sensory awareness. These invitations will help you experience birds and their habitats in a mindful, intentional way.
There will also be opportunities for group sharing throughout the walk. This is not a traditional, guided interpretative walk. The goal is to slow down and observe birds without any pressure to identify them. Instead we will use our sensory awareness to observe them, their behaviors, & their habitats.
The walk will last approximately 1 hour and forty five minutes and includes time for slowly walking short distances, wandering, exploring, sitting, and sharing. Unlike a typical birding hike, this experience covers only about a half mile. At the conclusion of the walk, we will gather for tea and snacks.
The cost for this program is $15 per participant.
Logistics:
- Youth (ages 10+) are welcome with an accompanying adult guardian.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather. Walks may be canceled for severe storms or high winds but will proceed in light rain.
- Feel free to bring anything that will help you feel comfortable: water, snacks, small towel or pad for sitting, dry clothes, etc.
- Walks are limited to 15 participants. If you sign up, please be at least 95% sure you can attend. If you must cancel, call 317-327-2473 or email Donna at donna.riner@indy.gov at least 24 hours in advance.
- Please inform Donna of any dietary restrictions at least one week before the walk by emailing donna.riner@indy.gov.
- This guided walk will occur on Sunday, May 12th and we will meet at the front doors of the Ornithology Center starting at 11am.
This program is part of the 8th Annual Birding Festival at Eagle Creek Park, taking place Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Most other activities are free with park admission. Check out the full schedule and discover more ways to celebrate birds!
