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Lake Michigan Bird Observatory

The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory is dedicated to advancing the understanding and conservation of birds and their habitats through research, education, and community engagement, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

Presented by Mequon Nature Preserve and Lake Michigan Bird Observatory Beyond Our Senses Film Screening and Bird WalkThursday September 17Mequon Nature Preserve&nbsp; 6:00 pm: Bird walk led by Lake Michigan Bird Observatory&nbsp;7:00 pm: Screening of Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows&nbsp;(28 minutes), followed by a presentation and conversation with filmmaker David Busse Hosted by Mequon Nature Preserve and Lake Michigan Bird ObservatoryPartnered with the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology&nbsp; This event is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $20. Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows follows thousands of swallows as they return to the Lake Michigan bluffs each spring to nest, raise young, and survive using extraordinary&nbsp;perceptions&nbsp;that allow&nbsp;each couple&nbsp;to&nbsp;capture up to&nbsp;7,000 insects per day, among other incredible feats. Following the screening, filmmaker David Busse shares the behind-the-scenes story of his years-long, often obsessive pursuit of the film from daily check-ins on the colony to collaborations with&nbsp;a PhD researcher, conservationists, and filmmakers&nbsp;spanning&nbsp;from his home in Wisconsin to&nbsp;Ireland and beyond, all while becoming a father for the first time. A 4x Emmy Award&ndash;winning filmmaker based in South Milwaukee, Busse calls Beyond Our Senses his most ambitious project yet and is now touring it through festivals and community screenings across the Great Lakes region.

Beyond Our Senses Film

Nature Journaling SeriesSlow down. Look closer. Discover more. Nature journaling is about more than sketching what you see. It&rsquo;s a way to slow down, observe closely, and discover the hidden life, beauty, and magic in everyday natural spaces. Over the course of this progressive two-part series, participants will explore a local natural area through guided observation, journaling prompts, and group sharing. Between sessions, you&rsquo;ll continue journaling at home and begin to notice how even small pockets of nature. A backyard, patio, garden bed, or neighborhood park can all become vibrant spaces full of connection and discovery. This is a two-part series, and registration includes both sessions:<br data-start="563" data-end="566" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&bull;&nbsp;June 13, 9:00&ndash;11:30 AM<br data-start="594" data-end="597" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&bull; August 22, 9:00&ndash;11:30 AM Nature journaling uses words, sketches, and simple measurements to record observations, questions, and discoveries. You don&rsquo;t need to be an artist or a scientist, just willing to be curious and spend time paying attention. This progressive series is designed to build your skills over time.&nbsp; Each session includes guided exercises, time to practice, and techniques you can continue using on your own. You&rsquo;ll learn how to:<ul data-end="1382" data-start="1143" fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1203" data-section-id="1w9m8ii" data-start="1143" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Observe and document plants, birds, and seasonal changes</li><li data-end="1260" data-section-id="wi5ex0" data-start="1204" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Organize your notes using simple layouts and prompts</li><li data-end="1320" data-section-id="ocnxge" data-start="1261" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Turn observations into questions, insights, and stories</li><li data-end="1382" data-section-id="w54yre" data-start="1321" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Build a personal record of your garden or local landscape</li></ul>This series is especially valuable for participants in our Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Program and Nest Navigator monitoring programs, but is open to anyone interested in connecting more deeply with nature. A basic journaling kit will be provided, though you&rsquo;re welcome to bring your own favorite supplies. What to Bring &amp; How to Prepare<ul data-end="558" data-start="119" fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="311" data-section-id="1meouo6" data-start="119" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Portable seating:&nbsp;Please bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry seat (such as a camping chair or kneeling cushion). A limited number will be available, but not enough for all participants.</li><li data-end="426" data-section-id="z2gbq0" data-start="312" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Bag for supplies:&nbsp;Bring a small bag or backpack to carry your journaling materials and any personal items.</li><li data-end="558" data-section-id="8h2kmz" data-start="427" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dress for the outdoors:&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll be spending time outside, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather.</li></ul>Terrain &amp; AccessibilityActivities will take place on mowed lawn and gravel paths, with easy to moderate walking. Instructor: Kathy DeVries is a Milwaukee-based natural science illustrator, educator, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist. She combines art and science to help people better understand and appreciate the natural world. Kathy trained through the Wild Wonder Foundation&rsquo;s Nature Journaling Educator program and brings decades of experience in science communication to her teaching.

Nature Journaling

Expresscape: Next Steps with Native Plants Ready to add more native plants to your landscape, but not sure where to begin? ExpressScapes is a chance to sit down one-on-one with a professional landscape designer to talk through your ideas, ask questions, and get expert guidance tailored to your space. Whether you&#39;re starting from scratch or building on an existing garden, we&#39;ll help you figure out your next steps. Your registration confirmation email will include a link to a brief questionnaire that provides our designers with the information they need to prepare for your appointment. YOUR REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THIS FORM IS SUBMITTED.&nbsp; What you&rsquo;ll get: A 1-on-1 consultation with a native plant designer Answers tailored to your space, goals, and challenges A brief personalized landscape plan to guide your next steps Important details: Registration is required (spots are limited) Registration closes November 6, 2026$20 deposit is mandatory and will be refunded at the event. No cancellations are accepted after November 6. Location:Urban Ecology Center - Washington Park1859 N. 40th StreetMilwaukee, WI 53208

Lake Michigan Bird Observatory

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