Award-winning ornithologist, two-time #1 best-selling author, and wildlife biologist John C. Robinson has introduced hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to the joys of bird watching for over thirty-five years. In his latest title, Birding for Everyone: Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers, he encourages the appreciation of nature through birding. John also explores the curious lack of a minority presence in the birding community and offers new solutions for changing the face of conservation through birding. You can learn more about John at his website, www.onmymountain.com, or by watching this short video about him.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is bringing Robinson to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for two talks and a free workshop in February:
Missouri Birds–Identifying Birds of Western Missouri
February 19 • Thursday • 7–8 pm
John will share his experiences as a beginning birder in northwest Missouri, discuss his current work that helps connect minority and inner city youth and young adults with nature, and review key techniques for identifying the birds of western Missouri by sight and by sound. This program is cosponsored by the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society. Call 417-888-4237 beginning January 15 to register for this program for ages 7–adult.
Birds–Wonders of the Natural World
February 20 • Friday • 7–8:45 pm
John’s unique combination of breath-taking photographs, fun biology lessons, personal stories, and humor has helped hundreds of thousands of birders worldwide to improve their bird identification skills. Be sure to bring your most burning bird questions so you can participate in the popular “Ask the Bird Man!” session that is part of this special presentation for ages 12-adult. Call 417-888-4237 beginning January 15 to register for this program for ages 10–adult.
Diversity in the Outdoors–Connecting Youth to Nature
February 20 • Friday • 10 am–12 noon
In this interactive workshop, you can join John as he shares recent data collected from environmental educators across the globe that pinpoint the top 10 challenges and opportunities to connect our youth to nature and the outdoors. Special focus will be given to the concept of making our environmental message relevant to an increasingly diverse audience, including inner city youth. Bring a sack lunch for additional networking opportunities from 12 noon–1 pm. (Drinks and dessert provided.) There is no charge for this workshop for adults only, but registration is required by calling 417-888-4237 today.
John’s visit is cosponsored by Missouri State University-Bull Shoals Field Station, City of Springfield-Department of Environmental Services, Springfield-Greene County Library, and Greater Ozarks Audubon Society.