The Health Benefits of Mindful Birding
Speaker: Dr. Joe Blanda
Date: October 24, 2023 at 7pm Location: University of Akron Field Station located on the Bath Nature Preserve 4160 Ira Rd, Akron, OH 44333 (the Field Station is located at the end of the drive) Biography:
Dr. Joe Blanda is a recently retired orthopedic surgeon with a passion to share his knowledge and experience in helping people better experience the health benefits of nature. He experienced firsthand how mindful birding can help recover from depression and deal with grief. Birding has always been a form of nature therapy for him. He has researched the health benefits of nature and has connected with other like-minded individuals. A life member of the Sierra Club, he now sits on the executive committee for the Portage Trail Group of the Sierra Club promoting inclusion, sustainable living, and environmental awareness. He is a past board member of the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park where he is working on a “park prescription” program for North East Ohio. He is on the Board at The Crown Point Ecology Center. Dr. Blanda spends much of the “season” next to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where he immerses himself in nature and leads walks on the mindfulness trail at the Bailey Tract. Visit his website www.nature-canheal.com |
Akron Beacon Journal photo
Topic:
Dr. Blanda will discuss the research behind the health benefits of nature and specifically birding. He will share his personal story on how birding, and doing a “big year”, helped him through adversity. He will share some thoughts on mindful birding, something you probably already do. He will also give some ideas on finding or creating an ideal naturescape to best experience the health benefits of nature. Nature can help us heal, which will encourage reciprocity so we do more to help nature heal. |