ORNITHERAPY: A Practice of Presence - CLP
About this Event
Ornitherapy: A Practice of Presence
Constitution Lakes Park
Program Description
Ornitherapy: A Practice of Presence is an ongoing seasonal practice centered around observation, awareness, reflection, and the quiet ways birds can help reconnect us to ourselves, one another, and the natural world.
Originally introduced during a winter gathering at Davidson–Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, the series now continues through an intentional every-other-month rhythm designed to encourage participants to carry the practice beyond our time together. Rather than rushing from one lesson to the next, Ornitherapy invites participants to spend time noticing, reflecting, and exploring the featured concepts between gatherings before returning to share new observations and experiences.
This June gathering marks the continuation of that journey only at its new location Constitution Lakes Park. We will briefly revisit foundational concepts from Explorations 1–4 before focusing on Explorations 5–8:
- Watching Closely
- The Jigsaw Puzzle
- Recording Life
- Cortisol and Nature
Together, these explorations encourage participants to notice patterns, relationships, memory, movement, and the ways nature may support awareness and well-being. As the series progresses through the remaining explorations in the book, participants are invited to develop an ongoing practice of presence—returning each session with new observations, questions, and reflections shaped by time spent both within and beyond our gatherings.
Participants are encouraged to continue engaging with the Ornitherapy text between gatherings. Copies may be available through several DeKalb County Public Library branches.
Program Leader
Mrs. Tasha L. J. Messer
Park Naturalist, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs
Date & Time
Sunday, June 28, 2026
1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Weather Contingency
This program will be held rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA).
Where to Meet
Constitution Lakes Park
1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Meet at the stone seating area located in the main parking lot between the two trailheads.
Restroom Notice
There are no public restrooms within Constitution Lakes Park.
Through a supportive community partnership, Rush Trucking has graciously allowed limited restroom access when programs align with their business hours. This accommodation is available before the walk begins or after it concludes, as the restroom is located inside the building's rear service-area break room.
We are grateful for Rush Trucking's support of this program. Participants are encouraged to plan accordingly, as access is time-limited and cannot be guaranteed during the walk.
What to Bring
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a refillable water bottle. Optional items include binoculars, a notebook or journal, insect repellent, and hiking sticks.
Recommended Ages
Designed for adults and teens. Curious learners of all ages are welcome unless otherwise noted.
What We’ll Do
Participants will take part in a gentle, guided walk drawing from selected Ornitherapy explorations. This session focuses on observation, noticing patterns, recording experiences, and exploring connections between nature and well-being. Expect slow movement, frequent pauses, quiet observation, and opportunities for guided reflection as we experience Constitution Lakes Park together.
As part of this session, we will briefly revisit Explorations 1–4 to bring participants back into the shared rhythm of the series before transitioning into the current June explorations.
Our primary June explorations (5–8) include:
- Watching Closely
- The Jigsaw Puzzle
- Recording Life
- Cortisol and Nature
Participants are encouraged to continue engaging with the Ornitherapy text between gatherings as this evolving seasonal practice continues through future sessions. Copies of the book may be available for checkout through several DeKalb County Public Library branches:
https://dekalblibrary.org/
Walking Distance / Physical Activity Level
Up to 2 hours at a relaxed pace with frequent stationary moments. Terrain may include boardwalks, natural-surface trails, tree roots, uneven ground, and occasionally muddy conditions depending on recent weather.
Accessibility (ADA Notice)
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is committed to providing inclusive and accessible programs. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance.
Please note that Constitution Lakes Park is a natural area with environmental conditions that may vary. Portions of the park include boardwalks, uneven natural surfaces, exposed roots, mud, standing water, and other trail conditions that may present challenges for some participants. Participants are encouraged to consider their individual mobility needs prior to registering. Questions regarding accessibility are welcome before the program date.
Participation Notice, Waiver & Media Release
By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, boardwalk surfaces, changing weather conditions, insects, wildlife encounters, vegetation, physical exertion, and other natural hazards associated with outdoor recreation.
Participation is voluntary, and attendees assume full responsibility for their own safety, well-being, and personal property.
Participants agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA), its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and affiliated partners from any claims, injuries, losses, damages, expenses, or liabilities arising from participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Food or refreshments may occasionally be served or shared. Participants acknowledge that food and beverages may contain common allergens and choose to consume any food or beverages at their own risk. Participants are responsible for managing their own dietary restrictions and food-related concerns.
By attending, participants grant permission for DeKalb County RPCA and Park Naturalist-led programs to photograph, video record, or otherwise capture their likeness for educational, promotional, reporting, historical, and documentation purposes across print, digital, social media, and other communication platforms. Individual image or recording exclusions cannot be guaranteed in public program settings.
Parents, guardians, or supervising adults are responsible for the conduct, supervision, and safety of any minors attending with them.
Registration and attendance indicate agreement with the Park Naturalist Program Volunteer Waiver, Food & Beverage Disclaimer, and Media Release on file with DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs.
~Naturalist Tasha
404-927-4227
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
