Uplift and amplify Black bird lovers and nature enthusiasts
Join us for the return of Indiana's 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 Black, 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!
2025 Daily Schedule
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Flocking Together: Time and Space for Birds and Birders 9–11 a.m.
Witness birds and connect with other birders during our gathering along the trails. Join for a guided bird outing led by community partners, enjoy stationary birding from a chair, explore resources to enhance your bird knowledge, and meet fellow birders. This event celebrates Black Birder's Week and is designed to uplift Black participants, though allies are welcome to attend in a supportive role.
Birding for Beginners: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Co-led by bird enthusiasts Zoë Morgan and Nicole O’Neal (Outdoor Afro).
Check-in at the main entrance to Conner Prairie starting at 9 a.m. Bird outings will start at 9:30 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour. For guests wishing to explore more of Conner Prairie at the conclusion of the event, please visit the main entrance to purchase admission tickets.
Events are open to birders of all ages and ability levels. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own.
This is a free event, registration is required.
Black Birders Week Play invitations
10 a.m.–5p.m.
Featherston Barn (#35 on the Guest Map)
Get creative, make connections, find joy, and PLAY while learning about the people and organizations working to ensure that time spent in nature is accessible to everyone. Visit Featherston Barn throughout the day for self-directed play and exploration.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Flocking Together: Time and Space for Birds and Birders 9–11 a.m.
Witness birds and connect with other birders during our gathering along the trails. Join for a guided bird outing led by community partners, enjoy stationary birding from a chair, explore resources to enhance your bird knowledge, and meet fellow birders. This event celebrates Black Birder's Week and is designed to uplift Black participants, though allies are welcome to attend in a supportive role.
Intro to Mindful Birding: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Facilitated by Conner Prairie staff
Check-in at the main entrance to Conner Prairie starting at 9 a.m. Bird outings will start at 9:30 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour. For guests wishing to explore more of Conner Prairie at the conclusion of the event, please visit the main entrance to purchase admission tickets.
Events are open to birders of all ages and ability levels. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own.
This is a free event, registration is required.
Black Birders Week Play invitations
10 a.m.–5p.m.
Featherston Barn (#35 on the Guest Map)
Get creative, make connections, find joy, and PLAY while learning about the people and organizations working to ensure that time spent in nature is accessible to everyone. Visit Featherston Barn throughout the day for self-directed play and exploration.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Flocking Together: Time and Space for Birds and Birders 9–11 a.m.
Witness birds and connect with other birders during our gathering along the trails. Join for a guided bird outing led by community partners, enjoy stationary birding from a chair, explore resources to enhance your bird knowledge, and meet fellow birders. This event celebrates Black Birder's Week and is designed to uplift Black participants, though allies are welcome to attend in a supportive role.
Bird Outing on the Trails: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Co-led by Michelle Aguirre (Feminist Bird Club Indy) and Conner Prairie staff
Check-in at the main entrance to Conner Prairie starting at 9 a.m. Bird outings will start at 9:30 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour. For guests wishing to explore more of Conner Prairie at the conclusion of the event, please visit the main entrance to purchase admission tickets.
Events are open to birders of all ages and ability levels. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own.
This is a free event, registration is required.
Black Birders Week Play invitations
10 a.m.–5p.m.
Featherston Barn (#35 on the Guest Map)
Get creative, make connections, find joy, and PLAY while learning about the people and organizations working to ensure that time spent in nature is accessible to everyone. Visit Featherston Barn throughout the day for self-directed play and exploration.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Explore Digital Resources
Explore digital offerings created by Conner Prairie staff and community partners. Resources and links found below.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Weekday Wander on the Trails
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. This week’s theme will focus on birds and birders to support our Black Birders Week programs.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Sunset Stroll
6–9 p.m.
Take an evening stroll with fellow nature enthusiasts and engage in insightful conversations about birds, birding, and nature. A make-your-own trail mix station and cash bar will be available for the first 45 minutes of the event. The Trails stroll will last 60-75 minutes, concluding with a sunset viewing at Hilltop Pavilion. This event celebrates Black Birder's Week and is designed to uplift Black participants, though allies are welcome to attend in a supportive role.
Homeschool Day Bird Programs
10:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
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. There will be a presentation at the Treetop Outpost Nature Amphitheater at 10:45 a.m. and a Meet & Greet with the Animal Ambassadors at Treetop Outpost starting at Noon.
Join Indiana Audubon at 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. at Featherston Barn to explore and dissect owl pellets to gain a better understanding of an owl's diet, hunting patterns and how they're connected to the surrounding habitats. Limited capacity, sign up for this free program at the Clowes Greeter desk near the balloon.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Friday, May 30, 2025
Community Book Discussion with Dudley Edmondson
6–8:30 p.m.
Join author and photographer Dudley Edmondson for his presentation entitled “The Browning in America and its Impact on Conservation and the Outdoors” based on his 2025 book People the Planet Needs Now.
As America’s demographics evolve, so does the face of conservation and outdoor recreation. In this thought-provoking keynote address, acclaimed author, photographer, and advocate Dudley Edmodnson explores the intersection of race, representation and environmental stewardship. Drawing from his compelling book, People the Planet Needs Now, Dudley shares powerful stories from 25 Black and Brown scientists and activists whose lived experiences and groundbreaking work offer new perspectives on addressing the world’s most pressing environmental social changes.
Through vivid storytelling and full-color photography, Dudley will illustrate how these diverse voices are leading the charge for environmental justice and innovation – while emphasizing why the work of land trusts is essential to fostering meaningful connections to nature for all communities. By protecting the land and making it accessible, land trusts play a pivotal role in building bridges between people and the outdoors, cultivating a deeper sense of belonging, and inspiring future generations of environmental leaders. Join us for this inspiring presentation to discover how representation and inclusion in conservation can spark solutions and affect global change. Leave empowered to amplify voices, broaden outreach, and ensure that natural world becomes a space where everyone feels at home.
Consider purchasing Edmondson’s book through our partners at Loudmouth Books.
Times:
6–6:30 p.m. Community Connections
6:30–7:30 p.m. Presentation by Dudley Edmondson
7:30–8:30 p.m. Sunset Birding. Join guides for a gentle evening stroll or bring a camp chair to witness birds in Lily Field.
This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. This event celebrates Black Birder's Week and is designed to uplift Black participants, though allies are welcome to attend in a supportive role.
Meet Dudley Edmonson
As a young man, Dudley Edmondson discovered the power of nature and its ability to heal both the mind and body. This led him on a lifelong path to follow his passion and instill his love and knowledge of the outdoors in others and inspire a personal understanding and respect for everything nature offers. He has worked with numerous communities across the county to help people of color to experience the beauty of nature.
Mr. Edmondson was one of the first to highlight the involvement of African Americans in the public lands system. Unsatisfied with the representation of people of color among those in his outdoor pursuits, he created a set of Outdoor Role Models for the African American community by writing his landmark book, Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places (Adventure Keen Publications, 2006). In 2025, Dudley published his 4th book, People the Planet Needs Now, highlighting the stories of BIPOC Scientists and Environmental and Social Justice Activists.
Over the last 35 years Dudley Edmondson has become an established Photographer, Author, Filmmaker and Presenter. His photography has been featured in galleries and publications around the world, including Italy and Australia. His photographic work and adventure travels have taken him north and south from the Arctic Circle of Alaska to the Caribbean Islands. You can see him and his work in the PBS Series, America Outdoors hosted by Baratunde Thurston.
This event is supported and funded by Indiana Humanities, Central Indiana Land Trust, and Amos Butler Audubon Society.
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
All About Birds
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Learn more about birds through playful exploration at Treetop Outpost and the Junction, or create a Make-and-Take birdfeeder at Lenape. These experiences will be available throughout Black Birders Week, May 24-May 31.
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
Resources
This is Problematic Podcast episode 21: The Power of Black Birders (2024)
Black Birder’s week is a celebration of black nature-lovers and a commitment to the larger cause of breaking the colonial ties to greenspaces where everyone should feel welcome and safe. Ms. Nicole Jackson- founder of N Her Nature LLC, nature enthusiast, park advocate, and birder- joins us to rekindle the fire for what we all know is true: the outdoors are for everyone!
Fostering nature programs to be intentionally inclusive (2024)
Intentionally inclusive endeavors ensure that nature-based programs and scientific studies engage a broad audience.
What you need to know about Indiana’s first-ever Black Birders Week (2024)
The Black Birders Week movement continues annually with a dedicated week of virtual and in-person events and programs.
Curious Conversation - Black Birders Week (2024)
Black Birder’s week is a celebration of black nature-lovers and a commitment to the larger cause of breaking the colonial ties to greenspaces where everyone should feel welcome and safe. Ms. Nicole Jackson- founder of N Her Nature LLC, nature enthusiast, park advocate, and birder- joins us to rekindle the fire for what we all know is true: the outdoors are for everyone!
How to Birding (2024)
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.
Black Birders Week at Conner Prairie in the News
Black Birders Week programming is proudly supported by Amos Butler Audubon Society Birdathon grant funding.
Conner Prairie is proud to partner with local organizations to support Black Birders Week:
