Ornitherapy Book Signing with Holly Merker

501 Churchville Lane,Churchville PA 18966

29 June, 2022

Description

Ornitherapy: Watching birds: not only fun, but good for you! About this event: Bucks County Birders is pleased to host Holly Merker, author and birding instructor, at the Churchville Nature Center where she will present on her work in developing the practice of mindful birding. This 50 minute presentation will be followed by Q&A and a signing of her book, Ornitherapy. Ornitherapy leads to a more mindful approach to the observation of birds, benefitting our mind, body, and soul. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. If we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are practicing a form of “selfcare”. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation. Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing. Come listen to how watching birds can bring you more than just the enjoyment. A book signing will follow the program. ---- About the author: Holly Merker is a nationally recognized author, birding guide, and educator with a background in art therapy. Today she uses birds and nature towards the same goal of wellbeing in her work with people of all ages and backgrounds. Holly has worked as a professional birding instructor for National Audubon, the American Birding Association, Hillstar Nature, and many other organizations. Passionate about connecting young people to birds, she co-founded the Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium, and has facilitated many young birder groups and teen birding camps. Dedicated to bird conservation, she has been state coordinator/reviewer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Pennsylvania since 2005. Holly is lead author of the book Ornitherapy: For Your Body, Mind, and Soul (along with co-authors Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, Crossley Books, 2021) and is currently promoting the practice of Ornitherapy and providing workshops and programs across the U.S. In her free time, Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy herself, which she credits in helping her defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically. ---- How to get a copy of Ornitherapy for this event: If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book in advance, please reach out to [email protected] to receive the book at a discounted rate of $22.50 with shipping. Books will be available at the event for purchase as well. ---- About the venue: Please join us at 7:00 PM at Churchville Nature Center, 501 Churchville Ln, Churchville, PA 18966. The event will be held in the Community Room. To learn more about the Churchville Nature Center, visit https://www.churchvillenaturecenter.orgEvent will be in the Community Room to the left when you enter the Visitor’s Center from the walkway facing the parking lot. Restrooms available on-site in the Visitor’s Center.Parking: There is a paved parking lot in front of the center, including 4 marked handicap spots. Parking is free.Light refreshments will be provided by the Bucks County Birders during the event. ---- Remote option: If you are unable to attend the event in person, Bucks County Birders will also be hosting Holly Merker’s presentation and Q&A via Zoom. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for a Zoom link.