As spring gives way to summer and evenings stretch longer, Indiana Audubon invites participants to slow down and take notice. From the quiet flutter of moths at dusk to the subtle presence of birdsong, these moments offer a chance to reconnect with the rhythms often missed in daily life. Two public workshops at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, 3499 S. Bird Sanctuary Road in Connersville, this June offer unique opportunities to observe, learn and reconnect with the natural world through moths and birds.

Marvelous Moths, held Friday, June 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., explores Indiana’s rich variety of moth species. The program begins at Brooks Hall with an indoor presentation by Jeanette Jaskula, moth enthusiast and president of Friends of the Sands. Jaskula has recorded more than 650 moth species at Kankakee Sands and over 1,500 moths and butterflies on iNaturalist. Afterward, participants will head outdoors near the large shelter for short walks and hands-on moth observation using light-and-sheet setups.

The Art of Slow Birding, on Sunday, June 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the large shelter near the parking lot, offers a mindful alternative to traditional bird outings. Michelle Morton, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide trained by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) and Indiana’s first ANFT-certified Trails Consultant, leads this sensory-based experience through stillness, journaling and gentle exploration along the sanctuary’s trails. This program begins at the large shelter near the parking lot.

Both workshops include time outdoors and moderate terrain. Participants should dress for the weather. Those attending the moth workshop are encouraged to bring a flashlight.

Registration is required, and all ages are welcome. Tickets for Marvelous Moths are $15 for Indiana Audubon member adults, $20 for non-members, and $5 for youth ages 17 and under. The Art of Slow Birding is $40 for members, $45 for non-members, and $30 for youth. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call Indiana Audubon at 765-205-1255 or email Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary directly at mgbs@indianaaudubon.org.

About Indiana Audubon

Founded in 1898, Indiana Audubon is the state’s oldest conservation organization, independent of the National Audubon Society, and engages communities in bird conservation, education, and research. Our mission-driven programs and 735-acre Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Connersville promote awareness of bird diversity and their ecological significance. Learn more at indianaaudubon.org and connect on social media @indianaaudubon.