Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Free Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua programs

The thirteenth annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua kicks off bright and early tomorrow with nearly 300 participants, over 50 presenters, and more than 80 programs! Several of those programs are free, so take a look and sign up for them before they fill….

The "Birding for little fledglings" field trip at last year's Bird Chautauqua. Photo by Jessica Ashley.

Free kids’ programs:

  • Birding for little fledglings (field trip)—Join Yosemite-based children’s author Michael Ross for an afternoon of exploration. This field trip is open to kids of all ages and their families. Participants will spend the afternoon learning about birds through children’s books and by letting their imaginations soar as they play at being birds themselves. Friday, June 20 at the Lee Vining Community Center, 2:00pm–4:30pm.
  • Nature stories for young ones (field trip)—Children of all ages and their families are invited to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the shade while Michael Ross reads some of his illustrated children’s books. During this field trip participants will also have an opportunity to make up some stories of their own! Saturday, June 21 at the Lee Vining Community Center, 2:00pm–3:30pm.

Free adult programs:

  • Owens Lake: The good, the bad, and the ugly (presentation)—The Owens Lake Master Plan process is taking shape and describes the Owens Lake Dust Control Project. Owen’s Lake has emerged as an important resource for migrating bird species. Come enjoy this lecture by Pete Pumphrey to learn about the history, birds, and innovative habitat management of this unique area. Friday, June 20 at the Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium, 2:30pm–3:30pm
  • Beneath the glass: Stories behind “plein air” painting (workshop)—Come enjoy the stories of traveling pastel artist Ane Carla Rovetta as she discuses her adventures in painting throughout the West. Friday, June 20 at the Mono Lake Committee theater and gallery, 3:30pm–4:30pm
  • Meeting on the high ridge (panel discussion)—You’re invited to attend a panel discussion addressing the benefits of combining scientific knowledge with artistic imagination. Panelist include scientists Jeff Holmquist and Connie Millar, artists John Muir Laws and Ane Carla Rovetta, and interpreters Margaret Eissler and Eric Smith. Saturday, June 21 at the Scenic Area Visitor Center auditorium, 2:30pm–4:00pm