What we’re about
We will be walking and watching birds, while also learning to foster deeper, healthier connections to ourselves, others, wildlife, and the earth. Watching birds can lead to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By being aware of birds, we can also grow our ability to focus and to rest in the current moment, as well as grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to help care for ourselves, others, and the planet. Birds, humans, and the earth are in trouble and with strong connections to the living community around us, we can save ourselves and all life.
These walks aim to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world by watching birds as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our relationships and connections to the humans who join us for the walk and the other species with whom we will interact.
Though led by renown avian conservationist, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, the hope is that we build a just and compassionate community together made up of those who respond to this form of mindfulness practice.
Our walks will be open to spontaneous conversation, identifying birds, and enjoying their behavior while also following LoraKim's facilitation with questions, readings, and gentle nature practices.
As I am new to Iowa I'd enjoy meeting others who enjoy and know about the birds in this area.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Celebrating Bird Walks, Nature, and Rev. LoraKimPurple Martin Lake Water Resource Area, West Des Moines, IA
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.
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.
