About us
We will be walking and immersing ourselves in nature—observing the birds, trees, plants, animals, and landscapes around us—while also learning to foster deeper, healthier connections to ourselves, others, wildlife, and the earth.
Spending time in nature leads to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By slowing down and paying close attention to the living world, we deepen our awareness, ground ourselves in the present moment, and grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Our walks are open to spontaneous conversation, gentle nature practices, reflective questions, and readings, as well as opportunities to identify and enjoy the behavior of birds, plants, trees, and animals.
These nature-centered gatherings invite us to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our connections to the humans who gather with us and the other species we encounter along the way. With strong connections to the living community around us, we can save ourselves and all life.
This group was founded by Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, renowned avian conservationist and author of Birding for Life. Though she is leaving the state, the Centering Nature Leadership Team hopes to carry forward Rev. Dr. LoraKim’s vision to build a just and compassionate community together, made up of those who respond to this form of mindfulness practice.
Nature walks are co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.
Everyone is welcome to join this community rooted in care for life.
Upcoming events
1
Nature Walk at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific Street, Prairie City, IA, USOur September nature walk theme is “balance,” marking the fall equinox and its balance of light and dark. As fall arrives, there's no better place to honor nature's balance — between light and dark, growth and rest — than the vast prairie.
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.” — Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at the Prairie Learning Center parking lot at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA 50228. (The Prairie Learning Center is closed.)
Those who wish to carpool can meet at 8:00 am in the south parking lot at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines.
Along the way, we will have time for conversation, reflection, and quiet. We’ll look at prairie plants and bird species and connect more deeply with the ancient land we call home. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about plants and birds, and to practice the spiritual aspects of nature — a wonderful mindfulness practice.
This nature walk is co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.
Please let us know if you plan to attend! RSVP here and/or email us at centeringnature@ucdsm.org.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you’re feeling unwell.
5 attendees
Past events
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