Introduce the kids to the wonderful world of birds! This workshop/field trip will focus on the basics of birding including bird anatomy and basic identification techniques. At the Nature Center each child will get a close-up view of some of the park’s avian residents. We will then venture into Bidwell Park to practice our new skills on the wild birds of the park. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Binoculars will be available to loan if needed. Ages 7-12.

Presenter: Jon Aull

Join Zen master Lin Jensen in a talk and reading on restoring the ancient conversation with the earth. It is Lin's contention that not only birds, dogs, and such, but stones, sticks, cabbages, clumps of desert sage, any and all elements of non-human nature have been speaking to us all along. A few realize this, but most don't because they haven't bothered to listen. From the clouds overhead to the dirt under our feet, nature speaks to us by the very proximity of whatever natural thing is most nearly at hand.

Presenter: Lin Jensen

Welcome to all beginners who love nature and long to form a closer relationship through sketching. Emphasis will be on simple composition, quick drawing techniques, and light & dark values. The class will work from projected slides and, if the weather allows, some outdoor sketches. Bring a #2 pencil, fine black marker, and a sketch pad.

Presenter: Marvey Mueller

Many have fallen in love with Lupe’s felted birds that are on display in her store, Blue Door Art & Antiques in Chico. In this workshop Lupe will provide all the guidance you need to create your own needle-felted bird. The workshop includes a kit with all the materials you need to create your little feltie. Adult & Youth 10 & up

Presenter: Lupe Jones

I never saw a bird like that in my backyard before, is it rare? What happened to that nice singer that spent most of the spring in my yard? I swear I saw a canary in my yard! Could it have escaped from a cage? Join Mac, who will give you tips on identifying some of Northern California’s birds that visit your backyard and explain why many of them seem to seasonally disappear. In addition, he will make suggestions regarding reference material to help you become a better backyard "birder."

Presenter: John "Mac" McCormick