Inclusive / Accessible Mindful Birding: sit spot & optional walk Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Apr 19, 2025; 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM  (Mountain)

Organized By: Southern New Mexico Group

Location: 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88046, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Holly Thomas
   htbern1@sbcglobal.net
   (510) 301-2814

Inclusive / Accessible Mindful Birding:  sit spot & optional walk April 19, 2025 8:30- 10:30 am.

Welcome and who this is for:  IF new to birding, bird curious, disabled birders, seasoned birders, or just want to enjoy a nice morning in the State Park – any level of experience welcome.  A birder is someone who enjoys observing wild birds.  Would love to have you join for this inclusive and accessible outing! 

Your guide – Holly loves exploring and sharing two of her greatest passions: birding and mindfulness practices. She believes that directing attention to the present moment with kindness and without judgment can lead to well-being. Mindful birding fosters nature-based wellness and joy, and it brings an intention to explore our relationship with birds and nature.  While we may be identifying birds, quick IDs won’t be the focus of this outing – we will invite quiet listening, slowing down, noticing and opening our senses to the beauty of birds.   

What to expect -  We’ll enter the park as a group and settle in near the water fountain (about 100 yds from meeting spot).  This part of the park has brick pavers and a network of crushed gravel/sand paths that weave throughout the area.  We will take a few minutes for introductions and then I’ll give a quick overview of mindfulness and mindful birding.  I’ll invite a listening exercise, or for those with limited hearing, there will be an alternative.  We’ll spend about a half hour to 45 minutes in this area which includes benches, hummingbird feeders, suet, a bird blind (no steps or door and accommodates a variety of heights), a water fountain and many trees which invite a variety of birds.  People can remain in one spot if they like or move around a bit to explore, but we will all remain generally within sight of one another.   After our agreed time, we will circle up and have a short time to share any reflections on the experience.  If you’d like to continue with an optional walk, we will explore either the Upland Trail or the Resaca Trail or maybe a little of both.  Both trails are mostly level with some undulations and a few slightly steeper sections that last about 20-30 yards.  They are both a mix of crushed gravel and sand that is firmly packed, but both have some sections that are sandier and softer.  We will take a pace that accommodates the slowest person and allows for frequent pauses and time for noticing and reflection.  Both trails have several benches along the way.  We will pick a turnaround point that will allow us to return to the parking lot by 10:30 am. 

What to bring– whatever layers you might need for sun protection or appropriate to the weather, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, snack & water.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88046 Parking:  free with a NM license plate, state ID or State Park pass or $10 for out of state. Two ADA van accessible spots available, parking lot is crushed/packed sand/gravel mix. Male, female and all gender ADA compliant flush toilets and running water just outside the visitor center.

Sign up by April 17.  Limit 12 people.
Trip leader Holly Thomas, 510-301-2814, htbern1@sbcglobal.net
Level: Easy

Level: Easy

Cost: free. Parking is free for those with NM license plate, state ID, or State Park pass, otherwise a $10 charge for out of state.

Signup Instructions: sign up @ https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/

Bring: whatever layers you might need for sun protection or appropriate to the weather, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, snack if you like, water

Cancellation Policy: Any rain cancels