Join Bird Diva Bridget Butler for a Slow Birding Outing—a gentle, mindful experience designed to deepen your connection with birds, the land, and your own sense of presence outdoors. This outing offers an outcome-free approach grounded in Bridget’s five attitudes of Slow Birding and invites you to explore birds beyond their names.

Please dress for the weather and for at least 30 minutes of sitting in place. Consider bringing a portable chair, journal, hot drink or water, binoculars, and anything else that will help you feel comfortable and grounded outdoors. CNC will provide binoculars and tripod seats (no backs) to borrow if needed. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Funding for Slow Birding is provided by Andy and Donna Rapp. 

We’ll begin by noticing who’s on the landscape that day—tuning in to calls, movement, behavior, and the feel of the place itself. As a group, we’ll practice sharing observations in a supportive, non-hierarchical way that lifts every participant, no matter their experience level. From there, we’ll ease into a sit-spot session, guided by simple prompts that help you settle into soft fascination—the kind of effortless attention that calms the mind and opens your senses. We’ll wrap up by coming together to share what we noticed, felt, and wondered about, making space for the kind of reflection that Slow Birding naturally inspires. Session order may change depending on weather. 

Beginners and first-time birders are wholeheartedly welcome. Slow Birding is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. If you have accessibility needs, please note them in the registration form and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

Birding is for everyone, and Slow Birding is a practice that meets you exactly where you are.
What is slow birding? Slow Birding offers a different flight path—an approach that rekindles your innate ability to observe, listen, and connect, while deepening your relationship with yourself and the place you call home. It opens space to shift from doing to being, from seeking to noticing, letting your time with birds become a practice of presence and belonging rather than a pursuit of outcomes.

$10 / $8 CNC members | Ages 15+, under 18 w/adult | Register by April 23

Celebrate Earth Month
Join Chippewa Nature Center for a Month-long celebration of stewardship, conservation, and connection with nature. Check out our web calendar at chippewanaturecenter.org/calendar for full event details. 

* Propagating Native Plants • Wed, April 8 • 6-8 pm
Weekend Land Maintenance Volunteer • Sat, April 11 • 10 am-12 pm
* Yoga with the Seasons • Sun, April 12 • 3-4 pm 
In Search of Woodcock and Snipe • Tues, April 14 • 7:30-9 pm
* Members-only New Property Visit • Tues, April 21 • 6-8 pm
Vernal Pool Exploration • Wed, April 22 • 6-7 pm
*Slow Birding: Observing with Presence • Sat, April 25 • 9 am-12 pm
*Forest Therapy Walk: Earth Connections • Thurs, April 30 • 5-7 pm

*Pre-registration required