Friday May 9th

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5-6:30 p.m. – Check in & camping set up

 

6:30-9 p.m. – Bonfire and movie night

Enjoy a relaxing evening with a cozy bonfire, a nature-themed movie, and popcorn!

 

8-9 p.m. – Bird Banding Bracelet Crafting

Bird banding, or bird ringing, is an important method used to identify and monitor individual birds, aiding in the study and conservation of various species. Join Caroline Beers to create your own personalized bird band bracelet to wear throughout the weekend. As you participate in different activity stations during the festival, you'll collect unique beads to add to your bracelet, making it a special keepsake of your experience!

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Saturday May 10th

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6:30-7:30 a.m. – Dawn Chorus Bird Walk with Emma Loomis-Amrhein 

Start your day off right with an early morning walk around camp catching the first songs and calls of the day as the canopy of the forest wakes up.

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7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Morning Birding Outing with Joe Brehm

Spend the morning exploring the lesser known trails of Hocking Hills on this guided birding session with Joe Brehm. Transportation not included, carpooling is encouraged!

 

8-9 a.m. – Breakfast in Dining Hall

 

9:30 a.m.- noon – Birding for all! A guided bird walk with Nandini Stockton

We will explore a variety of habitats to look and listen for birds and will identify them by sight and song. Bring along your binoculars if you have them and your best pair of listening ears. This walk is for all level borders and hikers!

 

11 a.m.-12 p.m. – A Discussion About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza by Timothy McDermott DVM

Abstract: The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak is now in its third year and has had profound effects in Ohio. Come learn about how it started, what is going on right now in Ohio, and how you can keep your birds safe.

 

12-1 p.m. – Meet Owl Capone the Barred Owl!

That's right, a real Owl will be making an appearance at the festival! Join Hocking Hills State Parks to get up close and personal with Owl Capone the Barred Owl

 

12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lunch in Dining Hall

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2-3 p.m. – Flying Heron Qigong

Qigong, or Chi Gong is the art of restoring balance and harmony to one's life through movement and breath. Flying Heron is a series of exercises modeled after the Great Blue Heron, while its overall effects are far reaching, it is specifically beneficial to the circulation of energy through the scapula, upper spine, neck and head. A positive mindset and applied intention towards physical, mental and spiritual well being are most important. The movements are gentle, done in a standing position and are appropriate for all body types and skill levels. This will be an outdoor session.

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2-3 p.m. – Drink your Teeea! An Herbal Tea and Tincture Tasting Workshop

Learn more about local herbal plants that can be made into teas and tinctures with Joe Brehm.

 

2-3:30 p.m. – Warblers and Cowbirds

A fun game for families that demonstrates nest parasitism and its impact on bird populations.

 

3-5 p.m. – Drumming Circle by Lawrence Greene

Join in on the fun with this playful Pan-African educational drumming circle. You will learn the beats and rhythms that span across the content while hearing stories and information about the instruments we use.

 

5:30-6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Keynote in Dining Hall

 

8-11 p.m. – Chucks, Whips, and Moths, Oh My!

Come along as we explore the mysteries, sights, and sounds of the nighttime forest. Beneath the moonlight, we'll uncover the intricate patterns and fascinating behaviors of moths, while listening to the calls of the Chuck-Will's-Widow and Whippoorwills—nocturnal birds that belong to the Nightjar family.

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Sunday May 11th

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6:30-8a.m. – Dawn Chorus Birding with Kevinn Fung

Join Kevinn for a guided birding hike where we'll focus on using the Merlin app for bird identification and practice responsible birding techniques. Along the way, Kevinn will share his insights on photographing birds both in the wild and in home settings.

 

7-11 a.m. – Bird Banding with Bob Scott Placier

Try your hand in collecting scientific data and have a chance to handle and get a closer look at a variety of bird species. Bob Scott will be leading the bird banding session to help in monitoring migration patterns of several bird species.

 

8-9 a.m. – Breakfast in Dining Hall

 

8:30-10:30 a.m. – What Song Is That? by Kyle Artis

Join Kyle Artis for a bird ID hike with an emphasis on songs/calls. Learn the many vocalizations of songbirds and how to distinguish them from each other.

 

9-10 a.m. – DIY Upcycled Bird Feeders

Using upcycled materials like milk cartons and plastic bottles, participants will construct and decorate their own DIY bird feeder to take home! A great way to provide for your feathery friends while reducing household waste!

 

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Camouflage, a fun tag game!

Feeling like you need to blow off some steam? Come join us for an exciting tag-based game that teaches the importance of camouflage in the natural world!

 

11:30 a.m.- noon – Homing Dove Release by Pete Thompson

Experience the grand finale of our birding festival with a homing dove release. Discover the remarkable navigation skills of these birds and seize the opportunity to engage with them before they take flight, marking the culmination of our celebration of nature's wonders.