Spending time in nature leads to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By slowing down and paying close attention to the living world, we deepen our awareness, ground ourselves in the present moment, and grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Our walks are open to spontaneous conversation, gentle nature practices, reflective questions, and readings, as well as opportunities to identify and enjoy the behavior of birds, plants, trees, and animals.
These nature-centered gatherings invite us to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our connections to the humans who gather with us and the other species we encounter along the way. With strong connections to the living community around us, we can save ourselves and all life.
This group was founded by Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, renowned avian conservationist and author of Birding for Life. Though she has moved out of state, the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines hopes to carry forward Rev. Dr. LoraKim’s vision to build a just and compassionate community together, made up of those who respond to this form of mindfulness practice.
Everyone is welcome to join this community rooted in care for life.
August 22 from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Nature Walk at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
“Marsh is not swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky.”— Delia Owens
Our theme for this August nature walk is “liminal spaces”. The wetlands at Chichaqua Bottoms are quite literally a liminal space — suspended between water and land.
As we near the end of summer and gather in this beautiful in-between place, we’ll take time to appreciate the stillness and pause between seasons.
Meeting point: South end of the Chichaqua Bottoms Longhouse parking lot (farthest from the Longhouse building).
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is located at 8700 NE 126 Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161.
From the parking lot, we’ll walk along the road for a short stretch, then continue along the wetlands and woodlands approximately 1½ miles — near the Wildlife Management Area.
Along the way, we will have time for conversation, reflection, and quiet. We’ll look for plants and bird species (waterfowl, if we’re lucky!) and connect more deeply with the ancient land we call home. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about plants and birds, and to practice the spiritual aspects of nature — a wonderful mindfulness practice.
This nature walk is co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.
Please let us know if you plan to attend! Click HERE for our MeetUp event.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you’re feeling unwell.