Image: Cranes, Yeonhwa Baekrodo

When: Saturday, May 25, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Occoquan Bay NWR, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Fee: FREE

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a colorful adventure at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center! Join Nextgen Birders for Conservation and ASNV on Saturday, May 25th, to immerse yourself in the beauty of the refuge, be inspired by birds (we may see wild turkeys and indigo buntings!), and paint and write poetry in various styles: We’ll try Korean minhwa paintings and lively haikus. Afterward, we'll have time to share whatever we come up with while exploring the wonders of bird-inspired art and honoring our diverse community.

Schedule:

• 1:00 PM - Everyone gathers

• 1:15 PM - If the weather is good, we'll go for a birdwalk to find our inspiration for the day! This is the spot to see and hear prothonotary warblers, and we may see ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you'd like to stay in the Visitor Center and paint/write the whole time, that's fine, too!

• 2:15 PM - Get all creative with painting and writing

• 3:30 PM - Optional share around the room!

• 3:55 PM - Clean up and event end!

You are welcome to bring your own art supplies. Some basic materials will be provided.

Andreana Jinjue Lin is a member of the ASNV Board of Directors and one of the founding members of Nextgen Birders for Conservation (Nextgen), ASNV’s group for young birders between the ages of 18-45. She has a B.F.A. in Creative Writing and a double minor in Conservation Studies and Professional & Technical Writing.

Hanna Tudor is a lead volunteer in Nextgen and the Community Engagement Committee. She was an Art History Teaching Assistant for 4 years at Denison University and has a Master of Arts in Arts Politics from New York University.

As Korean-American women, Andreana and Hanna work to introduce birdwatching and an awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainability to a diverse range of individuals from all walks of life.