What we’re about
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
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Parrot Pilgrimage to Nicaragua!
Location not specified yetOne Earth Conservation is taking a Parrot Pilgrimage to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, and you can join them!
They need 8 people to reserve a spot by the end of August so please don't delay to sign up and tell your friends.
To express your interest, reserve your spot, or for more information, please click HERE.2 attendees
Brown's Woods Nature Hike!
Brown's Woods, 465 SE Brown's Woods Dr., West Des Moines, IA, USOur December nature walk is a hike! We are hiking the three-mile loop at Brown’s Woods in West Des Moines.
The theme for our hike is “Winter Solstice,” since it takes place about a week before the official start of winter. As the days grow shorter, we’ll embrace the beauty of the changing seasons, and think of it as a time of rest and inner transformation - for the natural world and for ourselves.
We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at Brown’s Woods, 465 Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265. There is parking at the trailhead and additional parking along the road just west of the main lot.
Brown’s Woods is considered a moderate trail; you can view the trail map here. We will hike the outer loop, which totals three miles, including a few moderate hills. We expect the hike to take between 1½ - 2 hours.
During the hike, we’ll have the opportunity for conversation, reflection, and moments of quiet. We’ll walk a bit faster than we do on our nature walks, but we will still find some time to identify plants, trees, and bird species, and to connect to the ancient land in which we live.
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.
To attend, please make your reservation here. Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you are ill.17 attendees
Past events
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