Discover Mary Gray Workshop Series: The Secret Life of Saw-whets

Join us for the "Discover Mary Gray" workshop series, an immersive experience designed to deepen your connection with nature through hands-on learning. Each workshop offers an engaging blend of expert-led education and interactive activities, ensuring participants leave with new skills, knowledge, and a class-appropriate item reflective of their experience to take home with them.

Ideal for nature enthusiasts and Indiana Master Naturalist students seeking continuing education credits, these in-depth sessions (3+ hours) provide an enriching opportunity to explore the wonders of the natural world while gaining practical, real-world insights. Whether you're learning to identify native plants, honing a new skill, or exploring conservation techniques, every workshop promises discovery, community, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Throughout 2025, we'll be offering special workshops to explore what makes the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary important for birds and other wildlife—you just might find what makes this place special to humans too!

Join us on November 21 from 6 pm to 9 pm with Libby Keyes, MGBS Operations Manager, and discover the tiny but mighty nocturnal predator: the Saw-whet owl! This workshop will explore the natural history of these elusive birds, from their secretive habits to their seasonal migrations. Participants will also learn about the OwlNet banding program, a continent-wide research effort that helps scientists track owl populations and migration patterns. Through stories, science, and the possibility of seeing these owls up close, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these tiny but mighty raptors and the role they play in our ecosystems.

Meet in Brooks Hall. Expect an indoor component followed by an outdoor exploration. Nets are checked once per hour, at 8 and 9 pm. If owls are captured at the 9 pm check, participants are welcome to stay later until nets are closed. Participants should expect an hour of "down time" between checks - we'll have some games and snacks, but feel free to bring a favorite book or game! Each participant will receive a class-related item to use during the workshop and bring home with them.

For questions or to learn more, email Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary at [email protected].

Ticket prices are $35 for Indiana Audubon member adults, $45 for non-member adults, and $5 for youth ages 17 and under. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration.

• Full refunds are provided for Indiana Audubon events, field trips, and public programs canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
• Events, field trips, and public programs $10 per person and under (excluding Eventbrite's processing fees) are non-refundable, as proceeds support our work.
• Refunds for events, field trips, and programs over $10 per person (excluding Eventbrite’s processing fees) require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Refunds for Indiana Master Naturalist programs at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Separate cancellation policies apply to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival and field trips, events, and public programs co-hosted by other organizations.

Host or Publisher Indiana Audubon Society