Mindfulness & Birding in Rocky Mountain National Park

In this workshop, we will practice mindfulness techniques while learning more about Rocky's native birds, their curious habits, and how they inform us about the natural world. This approach helps participants engage with nature at a deeper level, paying close attention to the sights, sounds, and movements around them. Through this practice, individuals can cultivate a sense of appreciation and connection to the environment, form a more personal relationship with the natural world, and enhance their stewardship and conservation. Mindful birding combines the calming effects of mindfulness practices with the joy of bird observation, with a focus on being present in your surroundings rather than strictly identifying bird species.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Participants should be comfortable traveling on unmaintained grassy areas. Transportation will be in a 15-passenger van with bench seats that requires stepping up to enter. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 10,000 feet.

This program is entirely field based.

When: Thursday, June 4th 9:00am-1:30pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses.
• Binoculars
• Your favorite birding field guide
• A collapsible stool or chair if you prefer not to sit on the ground

About Your Instructor: Barbara Patterson has over thirty years of experience teaching forestry, wildlife, and ornithology at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. She enjoys sharing her passion for mindful birding, especially at Rocky Mountain National Park. She weaves together Indigenous knowledge and Western science by teaching sit spots, bird language, tracking, and wilderness awareness. Barb is also a part-time educator for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the volunteer coordinator for the Fort Collins Audubon Society.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email!

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here:

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at ZWR1Y2F0aW9uIHwgUk1Db25zZXJ2YW5jeSAhIG9yZw== or by phone at 970-586-3262.

Also check out other Workshops in Estes Park.