Mindful Birding: Enhance your Connection with the Natural World

Instructors:  Amy Simso Dean, Founder, Executive Director and Guide for MYBirdClub; co-founder of The Kestrels (an inclusive birding club for Minnesota women), Master Naturalist, and volunteer with the MN Ornithologists’ Union. and Sarah Palm, Nature-Based Therapeutic Services Program Specialist and On-site Program Coordinator
 

Part of the Arboretum's Nature-Based Therapeutics Onsite Programming.

Explore mindful birding: a practice of observing birds with an intention to foster a deeper connection to the natural world. This experience centers on our human connection with nature, and includes identifying birds and their behaviors. Join MYBirdClub founder Amy Simso Dean to identify and observe birds and their behaviors, and Nature-Based Therapeutics staff Sarah Palm, to learn how a connection to nature is essential for human and planetary health.

In this class you will:

• Gather for an introduction to biophilia and learn how our connection with nature is essential to human health and wellbeing.
• Build your mindfulness practice while learning tips and tricks identifying birds and their behaviors.
• Enjoy an immersive experience in the Wildflower and Sensory Gardens, and deepen your appreciation for birds in their environments.
• Discover ways to build pro conservation behaviors that will help birds and their habitats.

Leave this experience with a deeper understanding of the world of birds, and how being present in nature can refresh, restore and awaken all of your senses so you can feel its healing benefits.

Note:

• The focus on this class is on the wonder of birds in our natural world. This class will not cover practical aspects of pest management, gardening or horticulture.

• This Nature Heals Initiative experience does not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Nature-Based Therapeutics Onsite Programming experiences at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum do not engage in the practice of medicine, nor enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship. Please discuss your personal health with a qualified health practitioner.

Weather:

• This experience takes place in an open air shelter with time in nearby gardens, and will run rain or shine unless the conditions are deemed too dangerous by the Arboretum.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather.
• We will move slowly during this class, and may sit for periods of time.
• Be prepared for possible sunburn, insect bites, or allergy conditions. Where appropriate please bring necessary repellents, protection and medications. 

Helpful tips: 

• The Arboretum is a public place; solitude from other visitors is not expected nor guaranteed.
• Bring a water bottle, and please refrain from eating or chewing gum.
• This is a tech-free experience.
• As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of this experience. Be prepared for the weather and come with an appreciation and respect for what Mother Nature has in store.