Event Details:
Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Blue Heron Preserve
Suggested age range: Toddlers to 10 years

Leaders: Lisa Donovan, Author of Birds in my Backyard, Dee Paras, Illustrator of Birds in my backyard and Judy Semroc, Naturalist & Field Biologist

Join us for a fun and interactive birding experience for kids featuring author Lisa Donovan and her book Birds in My Backyard. This hands-on program introduces young nature enthusiasts to the sights and sounds of birds while encouraging creativity and exploration.

The program begins with a reading of Lisa's book, followed by a lively discussion about birds—where kids have seen them, their favorite species, and more. Participants will then test their listening skills by guessing bird songs using fun tools like Audubon plush birds and the Merlin app, learning how birders identify birds by ear.

We'll head on the trail for a short bird walk with naturalist Judy Semroc, giving kids the chance to observe birds in their habitat and gather natural materials along the way. Back under the pavilion, artist Dee will introduce the art of collage, sharing how the book's cover was created.

Kids will then create their own bird-inspired collage using a variety of materials, including leaves, feathers, and colorful papers. Each child will have the opportunity to name their bird and share its unique traits with the group.

Perfect for curious kids who love nature, art, and getting outdoors!

Copies of Birds in My Backyard will be available for $19.00, and Lisa will be signing books following the program for anyone who would like one. Payments accepted are: Venmo, Zelle, and cash.

About the Author
Lisa Donovan grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Grove City College. She earned an M.A. in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and went on to work in communications for a variety of companies and clients. Today, she spends her time observing the world outside her window—and sharing what she sees.

Lisa has a gift for noticing the birds in her backyard. The more she watched, the more she came to appreciate the distinct personalities of each winged visitor—robins, hummingbirds, cardinals, bluebirds, woodpeckers, goldfinches, even the hawk that visited daily, and all those noisy blue jays. These everyday observations inspired her charming children's book Birds in My Backyard, published in 2019. She wrote Birds at the Beach and Beyond in 2023. The trilogy will be completed this summer with the publication of Birds Beyond Belief.

About the Illustrator
Dee Paras remembers kindergarten teachers trying to lure her away from the crayon table. All she wanted to do was her art—and she loved color! Later in life, Dee worked with sight-impaired children and learned to read and write in Grade 2 Braille. Her students inspired her to create simple images that were visually appealing. She lives as a creative, reveling in various media, from watercolor painting to collage to knitting.

Dee grew up in Green Tree, outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Grove City College with a B.A. in Business Administration. She is pursuing her dream of being a children's book illustrator and working on art projects full time. Dee illustrated Bird in My Backyard (2019), Birds at the Beach and Beyond (2023), and Birds Beyond Belief (coming in 2026).

About the Naturalist

Advanced registration is required.
Fee: $5/child, no additional cost for adults. Suggested age range: Toddlers to 10 years
Location: Blue Heron Preserve, 14747 Ravenna Road, Burton, OH 44021
LIMIT: 30

PLEASE NOTE: You may be photographed or recorded by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy during this event. Your image or words may be used in materials prepared by or for the Land Conservancy, including marketing related materials.

Register below. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful registration.