Join the group for grounded experiences with wildlife

A full schedule of area events is evolving this month to help people connect with critters and their habitats. Among the highlights:

Learn to Bird workshop series, this week: A few spots may still be open in this week’s bird identification workshop series for learning basics of birding by sight and sound in evening sessions with the Spokane Audubon Society. The series starts Monday and continues Wednesday and Friday with a field trip set for Saturday. $20 donation requested.

Info: Gary Blevins, 533-3661; e-mail GaryB@ spokanefalls.edu.

Birding in Costa Rica, Tuesday: a free slide program by Kathleen Cameron of Majestic Feathers, will be presented 7 p.m., at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Rd. for the Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society.

Nature photography field trips, Saturday, May 22 and June 5: Local photographers will lead separate field trips on conservation lands protected by the Inland Northwest Land Trust. An indoor photo critique is set for Wednesday. Costs range from $15-$25.

Info: INLT office, 328-2939.

Canada lynx program, May 12: Jeff Heinlen, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist will discuss these elusive cats – with their thick fur, snowshoe-like feet and appetite for snowshoe hares – and the current research being conducted in the region. The free program, sponsored by the Spokane Audubon Society, starts after 7 p.m. refreshments at the Riverview Community Building, 2117 E. North Crescent Ave.

Info: 928-5696.

Wild about Turkeys Project Wild Workshop for teachers and youth leaders, Friday and Saturday: Sign up no later than Monday to be included in this curriculum program with option for college credit. Sponsored by Idaho Fish and Game Department but open to educators and leaders in both Idaho and Washington.

Sessions to be held at Cabela’s in Post Falls followed by field trip. Cost: $30, more if for credit.

Info: (208) 287-2889 or register online at fishandgame.idaho.gov.

Friends of Turnbull fundraising dinner auction, May 16: Boost conservation and wildlife activities at the refuge with this annual event at Spokane Falls Community College Student Union Building. Tickets: $20.

Info: Joanne Powell, e-mail jopowell39@aol.com.

Nature Watch hikes, May 15 and 22: Join Mike Borysewicz, Colville National Forest wildlife biologist, for insightful hikes in prime wildlife habitats, starting at 10 a.m.

•May 15 hike is a 2-mile loop through elk habitat to Elk Creek Falls from the Mill Pond Historic Site about five miles east of Metaline Falls.

•May 22 walk explores ponderosa pine forest with emphasis on wildflowers, birds and the value of standing dead trees to wildlife. Starts near Newport at Geophysical Trailhead about two miles south of Bead Lake on the Indian Creek Road.

Info and directions: Sullivan Lake Ranger Station, (509) 446-7500.

Tree planting at Turnbull, May 15: Do a few hours of habitat work at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge then connect with wildlife experts from Spokane Audubon Society and Friends of Turnbull at a potluck lunch. Starts 9 a.m. at refuge headquarters. Info: 235-4723.

Wildflower walk, May 22: Join Ken Swedberg, retired EWU field biologist, for a fairly easy walk around Turnbull to find and identify wild flowers. Meet 9 a.m. at Turnbull’s headquarters.

Info: Louise O’Leary, 235-4531, e-mail looeezoleary@netscape.net.

Spring bird walk, May 29: Join Marion Frobe for a walk around the Pine Lakes area at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge to look for and listen to the spring migrants and resident birds in their breeding plumage.

Meet 8 a.m. at Turnbull headquarters.

Info: 235-4531, e-mail looeezoleary@netscape.net.