2024 Nourished By Nature

This spring, CRWC hosted a birding event as part of the Nourished by Nature series. Nourished by Nature is CRWC’s featured program that connects watershed residents with popular outdoor hobbies, helps them have fun outside, and helps outline why stewardship of the environment and local lakes, rivers, and streams is important for all those who live in the Clinton River watershed. 

Pronoye Kapali, CRWC Watershed Program Coordinator, shared that many people have a hard time trying an outdoor activity for the first time because of barriers to entry like cost, access to necessary equipment, training, and transportation. 

Pronoye outlined that birding is exciting because it connects people with tree canopies, rooftops, and other areas that are often overlooked. “Birds are everywhere,” Pronoye said. CRWC’s birding events have been held in urban areas to highlight that birding is an option for everyone, whether you live in a city center or natural space. Birding offers a unique opportunity to connect with the colors and movements of interesting migratory bird species and the soundscapes they create.  

“Even the American Robin, one bird species that we see the most often, can still surprise you with the different songs and chirps that they use,” Pronoye remarked. 

Through Nourished by Nature, CRWC encouraged residents within the Clinton River watershed to experience the outdoors by providing the opportunity to test-drive new recreational and nature-based hobbies. Pronoye said, “By providing equipment and an introduction training at Nourished By Nature events, CRWC can help provide residents with what they need to get started.”  

During the event, participants learned about the importance of bird surveys, birding and biodiversity, local songbirds, apps, and resource manuals. Our guides led residents through natural areas, helped them spot and identify different bird species, and learn about bird behaviors and habitats.  

You don’t have to travel very far to find opportunities to bird. There’s plenty to see, even in your local neighborhood. This year, birding was hosted in Royal Oak, in a fairly developed neighborhood.  

“American Robins, Rock Pigeons, and House Sparrows are common to see within the city, but you would be surprised to see the different types of birds that you may not be familiar with, like Northern Cardinals or even Baltimore Orioles.” 

Using what they learned during the event, participants should have everything they need to start birding on their own in their neighborhoods and parks. 

Thank you to all those who joined us for Nourished by Nature this spring. A special thanks to Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Giffels Webster, ITC Consultants, WM, the Hensel Casaceli Group, NTH Consultants, Pure Oakland Water, and Kirk, Huth, Lange and Badalamenti for sponsoring Nourished by Nature. Look for information on upcoming Nourished by Nature events here.

Author(s): Cole Pachucki, Pronoye Kapali