Upcoming Events:
All talks are hosted at 7 pm at Michigan Nature Association, 2310 Science Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864
Walks are open to all skill levels! Please refer back regularly in case of weather-related cancellations.
March 2026
Woodcock Week March 22nd through March 28th:
Cancelled for Thursday, March 26 due to weather
Join Capital Area Audubon Society every evening on the week of Sunday March 22nd through Saturday March 28th at the Davis-Foster Preserve (5120 Van Atta Rd Okemos, MI 48864) as we listen for the aerial displays of the American Woodcock. We’ll be meeting at the preserve at 7:30 pm every evening and keeping our ears and eyes open as the sun sets. The length of time and weather in the field may be variable so be sure to dress for colder weather. In the event the evening weather is too bad to go out, please RSVP to caaudubon@gmail.com to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date notifications.
April 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026 – “People, Places, Birds” with Daniel Bernard
During 2025, Daniel Bernard embarked upon a journey to explore and get to know the People, Places, and Birds of the American birding world. Living on the cheap out of the back of his Subaru Crosstrek, Daniel attempted a feat never before documented: seeing 100 species of birds in each of the Lower-48 states in a single year. On his way to accomplishing this goal, Daniel birded with over 300 birders across the country and encountered an array of highs and lows—from seeing more than 200 Lifers and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as helping band Yellow Rails and holding an Ivory-billed Woodpecker specimen to car accidents and temperature extremes.
May 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – World Migratory Bird Walk and Native Plant Sale at Harris Nature Center
Join the Capital Area Audubon Society For a guided bird walk through Harris Nature Center for World Migratory Bird Day. In addition to migratory birds , we’ll be keeping an eye out for other signs of spring including plants and animals. All levels of experience and interest are welcome! Bring your binoculars and meet at the Harris Nature Center trailhead (3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864).
Past Events:
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Birds & Brews Summer Event!
6pm @ Woldumar Nature Center (5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI) for a bird walk.
7:30pm @ EagleMonk Pub and Brewery (4906 W Mt Hope Hwy, Lansing, MI) to relax and socialize.
You’re welcome to join for some or all of the event depending on your schedule.
November 2025
Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 – Bird Walk @ Fenner Nature Center @ 9am
Join Katie Layman for a bird walk at Fenner (2020 E Mount Hope Ave, Lansing, MI). We’ll be meeting in the parking lot and the walk will conclude by 10:30am. RSVP’ing is not required but is encouraged by emailing caaudubon@gmail.com
Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 – Campfire Science & S’mores: Autumn Owls! @ Lincoln Brick Park, Grand Ledge, MI from 6-8pm
Gather at Lincoln Brick Park (13991 Tallman Rd, Grand Ledge, MI) for an evening of owl science, cozy campfire vibes, and delicious s’mores
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 – Waterfowl & Gull Viewing @ Lake Lansing Park South @ 3pm
Meet at Lake Lansing Park South (1621 Pike St, Haslett, MI) at the fishing pier to spot waterfowl on the lake and stay until sunset to watch gulls arrive for the evening. RSVP’ing is not required but is encouraged by emailing caaudubon@gmail.com
December 2025
Thursday, Dec 4, 2025 – “Bird City Michigan” with Chad Machinski, Michigan Audubon Conservation Manager
Join us for an evening to learn about Bird City Michigan, a science-based program headed up by Michigan Audubon which recognizes communities across the state that adopt bird-friendly practices including managing green spaces, educating the public, and reducing threats to birds. Communities are encouraged to collaborate with like-minded organizations to address bird conservation issues through the implementation of programs and projects. Bird City Michigan, with support from Founding Sponsor Ford Motor Company, aims to empower communities to create tangible, lasting habits that address the sustainable life both birds and people deserve.
January 2026
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 @ 7pm – “Birds and Climate Change: An Update on Progress” with Dr. Susan Schneider, Audubon Society of Kalamazoo Board Member, Senior Scientist for the sustainability nonprofit Root Solutions, and faculty member at Western Michigan University
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that humanity has only five years to cut global greenhouse gas emissions in half, and the consequences of failure are dire – for us and for the natural world. Birds are already feeling the heat, and examples will be shared. Anyone who’s done a Christmas Bird Count or submitted to eBird has helped document climate-related changes in bird distribution, migration, and nesting. Climate initiatives from Audubon include National’s award-winning climate action guide and webpage, and many local chapter efforts. Good news is that quite a few proven climate solutions are available, already having an impact. But they need to be implemented, and everyone can help with that. We can make a difference for ourselves, the birds we love, and our irreplaceable living planet.
February 2026
Thursday, February 5, 2026 @ 7pm – “Sierra Club 30×30 Initiative” with Tim Minotas, Chapter Legislative and Political Director for the Michigan Sierra Club
Join Tim Minotas, for an overview of the Michigan Chapter’s 2026 environmental priorities. This presentation highlights key initiatives focused on protecting Michigan’s air, land, water, and wildlife. Topics include clean air initiatives, addressing plastic and microplastic pollution, and promoting healthy farming practices, with a focus on reducing the impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides. The session will also explore the Sierra Club’s 30×30 Initiative, aimed at conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Participants will learn how to influence legislation and become effective advocates—using their voices to protect birds, ecosystems, and Michigan’s natural heritage.
March 2026
Thursday, March 5, 2026 @ 7pm – “Kakapo Monitoring and Birding New Zealand” with Melissa Gabrielson
Join Melissa as she revisits her (and her husbands) adventures in New Zealand including great walks, a quest for Kiwi, and working with some of the rarest birds in the world – Kakapo!