Birding at Lakewood
Neighbored on the south by the peaceful Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Lakewood is a wonderful place to learn and develop your birding and birdwatching skills. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events for birders of all levels.
Nature Journeys at Lakewood
Looking for an independent nature experience? Our Nature Journeys are interactive, nature-inspired self-guided experiences that are powered by Storymaps, an interactive map-driven tour program that incorporates multimedia into traditional tours. The Storymaps can be completed as a whole series or individually. Following the episodes in order creates a unique walking experience around the northern and western sides of Lakewood.
Many of our Nature Journeys involve learning about birds and animals that may not be visible at that exact time, so we encourage anyone out on a journey to read, learn, and imagine while out on the grounds.
Click on the individual episodes below, or explore the whole collection here.
Ep 1: Welcome Center Gardens
Explore Lakewood’s new Welcome Center and learn more about the ecological significances of the sustainable landscaping design surrounding this building. We encourage you to enjoy this journey while onsite at Lakewood.
This journey is primarily focused on plants and birds that may be spotted around the Welcome Center. The landscaping around this building is still growing so please watch where you walk!
Nature Journeys Ep 1: Welcome Center Gardens
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 2: Introduction to the Lakewood Arboretum
Journey around the northwest corner of Lakewood and enjoy the beautiful tree canopy that amplifies our connection to nature. Learn about Lakewood’s heritage and future as a place where trees are cared for, learned from, appreciated, and protected.
This journey take a closer look at Lakewood’s ground team and how they preserve the natural beauty of the grounds.
Nature Journeys Ep 2: Introduction to the Lakewood Arboretum
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 3: Migration and Conservation
Dive into migration at Lakewood. Learn more about how birds and trees play an important role in urban nature.
This journey takes you on a brief tour around Lakewood’s oldest section – Section 2, while admiring trees and carefully looking for birds.
Nature Journeys Ep 3: Migration and Conservation
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 4: Look and Listen
What sights and sounds are present at Lakewood? One of the most important parts of learning about nature is the ability to carefully and quietly observe your surroundings. In this journey we’ll explore orioles, monarchs, Lakewood resident Les Kouba and more.
Nature Journeys Ep 4: Look and Listen
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 5: The Wildflowers of Jo Pond
From Milkweed to Monarchs – we’ll take a closer look at the wildflowers surrounding Jo Pond and the resident insects that call these plants home. This journey highlights plants and animals, while also sharing stories about Eloise Butler and Dr. Thomas Sadler Roberts.
Nature Journeys Ep 5: The Wildflowers of Jo Pond
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 6: The birds of Jo Pond
Jo Pond – Lakewood’s onsite lake, is home to a number of birds, bugs, plants, and animals. With it’s close proximity to nearby Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Roberts Bird Sanctuary, it’s easy to see why wildlife love this area.
This journey takes a closer look at the birds and bugs who call Jo Pond home.
Nature Journeys Ep 6: The Birds of Jo Pond
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
Ep 7: Thomas Sadler Roberts and the Birds of Lakewood
This journey shares personal stories about Lakewood resident Thomas Sadler Roberts and his important role in identifying and conserving birds in Minnesota. This journey is meant to be more reflective and self-guided, with the only stop being at the monument for Roberts. We encourage you to learn about his life and birds while at his grave, and then take a quiet stroll around the grounds.
Nature Journeys Ep 7: Thomas Sadler Roberts and the Birds of Lakewood
(This will open Storymaps on a new window)
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