Birdwatching 101: Getting Started and Getting Better

Discover how easy it is to get started or to get better at birdwatching at this fun and informative presentation. Learn how to ID local birds, set up a bird feeding station and connect with the metro birding community. You’ll also hear about easy community science projects you can do that help support bird conservation – some as easy as drinking coffee or watching birds out your window.

This event is a presentation only and takes place in the Community Meeting Room at the Lakewood Welcome Center.

If you are interested in a full biding walk, we encourage you to sign up for our Birding at Lakewood event.

Amy Simso Dean has been birding for over 25 years. She is the founder and executive direction of MYBirdClub – a nonprofit birdwatching club for kids. Amy also co-founded The Kestrels, an inclusive birding club for women. She became a Master Naturalist in 2024. As much as she enjoys observing birds, she really loves getting people excited about birds and birding.

Join us in the Community Room at the new Lakewood Welcome Center. This net zero ready building opened to the public in May 2024 and features beautiful floor to ceiling windows, energy efficient design, and sustainable outdoor landscaping.

Parking is available alongside all roads inside Lakewood’s gates, unless otherwise noted with signage. There are Handicap parking spots near the Welcome Center’s main entrance. It helps to plan extra time, in case you park a short distance away and walk up. We encourage carpooling and public transportation.

Metro Transit lines 6, 612 and 23 stop directly outside of Lakewood’s gates, a short walk from the Welcome Center.

Please lock bikes at the rack near the main entrance gates and walk to the event. Do not lock bikes to trees or signs, leave bicycles unlocked on the grounds., or leave shared bikes or scooters overnight.

No, all ages are welcome.

No, printed tickets are not required. We will have a guest list at the door.

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or call 612-540-5165.

Photography notice: To help us promote Lakewood and our events and offerings, guests may be photographed. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by Lakewood. We do our best to select photos without recognizable faces. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let staff know upon arrival.

Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Welcome Center Community Meeting Room, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, United States