APP Rockies and Anderson Ranch Arts Center Kick Off Aspen Summer of Birds
The weeklong workshop encouraged kids to appreciate the wonder of wildlife.
By Jacelyn Downey
Education Programs Manager, APP Rockies
Updated August 07, 2024
Published July 23, 2024
In early June, APP Rockies partnered with in Snowmass Village, Colorado, to offer “Wildlife Wonder,” a workshop for 6- to 8-year-olds. This workshop focused on birds and art as part of Aspen Summer of Birds, a slate of programming organized by the National APP Society and with local organizations and festivals. As the first program in the lineup, this workshop kicked off Aspen Summer of Birds by helping young people learn about nature through creative expression.
APP Rockies joined educators at Anderson Ranch Arts Center to help participants explore birds through the themes of migration, bird song, and adaptations. Over the course of the week, they learned many facets of what makes a bird a bird, which informed and influenced their art projects. They learned how to draw, paint, and build their favorite animals in realistic and creative forms using various artistic mediums.
During the week, campers also spent time outside birding and learning about bird banding—and they even got to see a yellow warbler in the hand. They also built nest boxes for bluebirds, chickadees, and nuthatches, experimented with bird foot molds learning how different birds “make their living,” and discussed challenges and solutions to bird migration.
Aspen Summer of Birds is built on the success of the GRAMMY-winning For the Birds: The Birdsong Project 20LP vinyl box set with community-focused programming that demonstrates how art can help drive conservation action for birds. More free events took place during the last weekend in July, including bird walks, educational talks, and live musical performances inspired by The Birdsong Project performed by Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) students.
The APP Rockies Community Naturalists deliver environmental education programs to people of all ages to create lasting connections with nature in their communities across Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. This partnership with Anderson Ranch Arts Center was a chance to bring these subjects to life through art.
Learn more about Aspen Summer of Birdshere.