Leading Bird Walks: Spicer Lake Workshop

Learn to guide bird walks people enjoy by perfecting group dynamics, shared views, and smooth pacing in this free, hands-on workshop. Learn how to keep a bird walk moving smoothly and enjoyably for every participant. We meet at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m CT inside the Spicer Lake Nature Center for an interactive hour on planning, group dynamics, pacing, safety, and guiding tools. We'll spend the next 90-120 minutes outdoors, rotating into the lead and receiving real-time coaching, so you leave ready to guide bird walks for Indiana Audubon or your local parks. Attentive guides notice how the group is feeling, keep encouragement flowing, and describe each bird so clearly that every pair of binoculars finds it. This workshop sharpens those skills through hands-on practice, and once you complete it you'll be eligible for Indiana Audubon leader stipends if you later lead your first outings with us as a new guide. This free session is presented in partnership with the St. Joseph County Parks. Attendees can learn more about Indiana Audubon's Bird Ambassador Guide Program. Your instructor is Sarah Barnes, Indiana Dunes Project Owlnet Coordinator for Indiana Audubon. Sarah bands Northern Saw-whet Owls at the Dunes station each fall, guides field trips at the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, and brings a field-biologist background that includes research on Dark-eyed Juncos in California and Mountain and Western Bluebirds in Montana. Her passion is helping people connect with birds through hands-on experiences. Entry to Spicer Lake Nature Center is free. The workshop is free with park admission, but registration is required and capped at 15 participants. If your plans change, please let us know so someone else can attend. If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration. By registering for this field trip, you agree to Indiana Audubon's In-State Field Trip Terms and Conditions. Please review the complete terms before registering. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve offers a paved path from the lot that reaches the boardwalk on Spicer Lake. Other loops are soft-surface woodland trails with occasional roots and short grades. The Nature Center is wheelchair accessible. Email [email protected] or call 765-205-1255 with any questions about this event. If you require accommodations to participate, contact us as early as possible; while we may not be able to meet every request, we will make every reasonable effort to do so. Refunds up to 7 days before event