Conservation hosts Better Birders Workshop

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Conservation invites bird watchers to the first of three workshops designed to help hone the skills necessary for the pastime through funding from Resource Enhancement and Protection- Conservation Education Program.

According to the Conservation center, “this program will focus on Iowa bird identification and include a birding hike!”

To attend these free workshops, however, individuals must preregister at www.mycountyparks.com on or before April 15 at 5 p.m.

“If you would like to attend multiple workshops, please be sure you preregister for each workshop,” Henry County Conservation said. “Once registered, you can choose to come to as many or as few of the sessions as you would like. Bring your own lunch. A light snack will be provided but you can bring your own if you wish.”

Kelly McKay from BioEco Research and Monitoring Center will lead the workshop with assistance from Clinton County Conservation’s Mark Roberts and Nahant Marsh Education Center’s Brian Ritter and James Wiebler.

While kids are welcome to attend with a supervising adult participant, the presenters will gear workshops toward high school aged children and adults.

8-9:30 a.m.- Session 1: Bird Hike at Oakland Mills Park.

9:30-9:45 a.m.- Break

9:45-11:15 a.m.- Session 2: “Introduction to Birds of Iowa: Part 1 Non-Passerines” presentation

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.- Lunch Break (Bring your own lunch)

12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.- Session 3: “Introduction to Birds of Iowa: Part 2 Passerines” presentation