Celebrating Bird Walks, Nature, and Rev. LoraKim

Our theme for this June gathering is transformation. Transformation represents the change from spring to summer and a shift in leadership of our bird walks. And transformation is perfect for the place we’ll meet - Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area. It’s been transformed from a quarry into a beautiful nature area, with a hiking trail, a lake, and lots of bird viewing opportunities, where over 160 bird species have been recorded.

We will meet at the Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area at the birdhouses. For this gathering, we will be with the birds and each other. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for your comfort. There’s a gravel parking lot near the birdhouses.

Purple Martin Lake Resource Area is located just west of the intersection of Army Post Road & SW 105th St in West Des Moines (at the westernmost end of Army Post Road). It’s near Walnut Woods State Park, off the Highway 5 bypass.

During this gathering, we will have time for conversation, reflections, and quiet. We’ll watch the Purple Martins, identify other bird species, and talk about the history of the land. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about birds and practice the spiritual aspects of watching birds, which is without a doubt a wonderful mindfulness practice.

A trail surrounds the lake for those who wish to explore further.

This gathering will be co-led by renowned avian conservationist, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, who is a community minister at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines (https://www.ucdsm.org/) and Codirector of One Earth Conservation ( https://www.oneearthconservation.org) and the newly formed Centering Nature Leadership Team. Donations (suggestions of $5) are much appreciated to help cover costs of the Meetup Group. All donations will go towards bird conservation in the Americas. You can donate at the One Earth Conservation donation page: https://www.oneearthconservation.org/donate.

To attend, please make reservations here. Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, a chair or blanket if desired, and water and nourishment as needed. Do not attend if you are ill.