Uplift and amplify Black bird lovers and nature enthusiasts
Save the Date! May 25 – May 31, 2025
Join us for Indiana’s first-ever Black Birders Week, a week-long program dedicated to uplifting Black nature enthusiasts while highlighting the visibility of Black birders in nature. We welcome those who identify as BIPOC, allies, and anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor experience that is inclusive. Throughout the week, experience an engaging mix of virtual and in-person events.
Use the hashtags throughout the week to share your experience with The BlackAFinSTEM Collective!
2024 Daily Schedule
Experience birds and their habitats by taking a guided bird walk along the Trails at Conner Prairie. Beginner Bird walks are open to birders of all experience levels and will focus on identification strategies. Mindful Bird walks are intentionally slow, sensory experiences which center wellness and nature connection. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own.
Beginner Bird Walk 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
Mindful Bird Walk 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Programs meet at Main Entrance Gate
Bird walks are free with daily admission.
#BlackInNature
Discover how owls connect to their habitats with our Owl Pellet Dissection program. This program encourages all participants to gain a better understanding of an owl’s diet, habitat, and hunting patterns.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Treetop Amphitheater
Program is free with daily admission.
#DayOfRoost
Curious Conversation: What was the first bird you remember witnessing? Who were you with, and what does that memory mean to you? Join Curriculum Specialist, Zoë Morgan, and Nature Engagement Specialist, Michelle Morton, as they share their own stories of birding and the importance of uplifting Black voices in nature in this Curious Conversation.
Introduction to Birding: Interested in birding, but unable to join us at Conner Prairie during Black Birders week? Explore tips for birding in any natural space through this video geared towards beginning birders.
#FeathersOfChange
Connect with birders and nature enthusiasts to enjoy an evening of conversation, strolling, and sunset views across the prairie.
6:30 - 9 p.m. Hilltop Pavilion and the Trails
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Enjoy a Make-your-Own Trail mix bar and optional cash bar (alcohol and nonalcoholic options available) at Hilltop Pavilion
7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Join Conner Prairie staff on a guided evening birdwalk stroll around the Trails
8:30 - 9 p.m. Watch the sunset from Hilltop Pavilion (optional)
This program is a ticketed event.
#CelebratingRituals
Engage with staff from Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators and explore the importance of conservation, nature and wildlife. Learn about native Indiana animals, animal rehabilitation and the importance of keeping wild animals wild.This program is free with general admission to Homeschool Day and will be held at Treetop Outpost.
Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators are a group of passionate individuals working hard to provide schools, libraries, nature centers, museums, hospitals and rehabilitation centers with to knowledge and awareness of native Indiana wildlife and to encourage respect and understanding of all creatures.
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Treetop Outpost
Program schedule:
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Wildlife presentation at Treetop Outpost
Noon – 1:15 p.m.: Meet and Greet with animal ambassadors.
#AvianArtivists
Join Indiana Humanities in an engaging conversation around J. Drew Lanham’s book Sparrow Envy. In this book of poetry and prose, renowned naturalist and writer J. Drew Lanham explores his obsession with birds and all things wild. Consider purchasing the book through our partners at Loudmouth Books. Bring a blanket or camp chair, along with a picnic, for this outdoor discussion and short evening bird stroll. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Lily Cabin Field
This event is free, but pre-registration is required.
#CanaryInYourCoalMine
Celebrate the first day of Pride Month as it intersects with the final day of Black Birders Week. Join Conner Prairie staff for a guided bird stroll before the museum opens for the day. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
8:30 - 10 a.m. at the Trails at Conner Prairie
This event is free, pre-registration is required.
#JustUsBirding
About Black Birders Week
Black Birders Week is organized by TheBlackAFinSTEM Collective—a collective that “seeks to support, uplift, and amplify Black Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics professionals in natural resources and the environment through professional development, career connection, and community engagement.”
Black Birders Week launched in 2020 in response to an incident in Central Park, NY where Black Birder, Christian Cooper, was subjected to racism and falsely accused of threatening a woman and her dog. The incident went viral on the same day news hit of the murder of George Floyd. This led to a larger conversation around safety for Black individuals in and out of the STEM field. The week-long event was conceived and organized by members of a group of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals and students.
The Black Birders Week movement continues annually with a dedicated week of virtual and in-person events and programs to uplift Black nature enthusiasts and highlight the visibility of Black birders in nature. Some of these previous programs have been in collaboration with Smithsonian institutions.
Read our latest blog on Black Birders Week: What you need to know about Indiana's first-ever Black Birders Week
Black Birders Week at Conner Prairie in the News
Black Birders Week programming is proudly supported by Amos Butler Audubon Society Birdathon grant funding.
