Join Dave Edson, educator and naturalist, for this Mindful Birding experience at BNRC’s Thomas & Palmer Brook reserve in Great Barrington. Birding mindfully gives us the opportunity to slow down, get super curious, and improve our overall wellbeing. Science shows that paying close attention to birds has many benefits to the heart, mind, and soul.
Dave’s approach to Mindful Birding is through the lens of the Science of Awe. In a demanding and challenging world we get to pause, in community, as we put our attention on the joy of birds. While we appreciate the natural biodiversity of nature, we also have the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of birders. Mindful Birding is for everyone, so all experiences, all ages, all abilities, and all identities are encouraged to join. Families welcome.
Extra binoculars available for loan.
Location: Thomas & Palmer Brook, Great Barrington
Directions & Parking:
- GPS: Google Maps | 42.1955, -73.3370
- The parking area is located at 305 State Road (Route 23) in Great Barrington across from the Koi Restaurant.
Trail Details: We will cover the accessible section of the trail (0.5 miles) at a slow pace.
The trail is approximately 0.5-mile of 6-foot-wide crushed stone surfacing with a running slope not exceeding 8% and cross slope not exceeding 5%. There are two benches and viewing areas overlooking a wetland and meadow.
- 90-foot bridge with 20-foot approaches at 6% grade, 7 feet wide, and 50-inch-tall railing. Some of the wooden boards on the bridge are warped with step ups < ¾ inch
- A few sections of 8% grade along the trail <14 feet long
- 7% grade halfway around the trail (0.25 miles) for 100 feet
- The gravel parking area has two designated accessible parking spaces.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars, if you have them. Extra binoculars available for loan!
- Layers, sturdy footwear, and water.
- Please bring your own medical necessities (inhaler, EpiPen, etc.)
Hike Leader: Dave Edson
Language: This hike will be led in English.
Questions:
- For questions, reach out to Charlotte at chood@bnrc.org
Accommodations: Please share any specific accommodations or support you may need with Charlotte at chood@bnrc.org.
Cancelation Policy:
- If you can no longer attend, please email chood@bnrc.org as soon possible so that someone else can take your place.
- In the case of event cancelation, an email and/or call will be sent to all registered participants.
Cancellation may occur if:
- Forecast for temperatures over 90 degrees or below 10 degrees.
- Forcast for steady rain or thunderstorms.
- Unsafe driving conditions.