Bird by Bird is an exciting program that shares the joy of birding with upper elementary age (3rd-6th grade) classrooms and communities. Through place-based environmental education and community engagement, Bird by Bird strives to build a welcoming and inclusive community of environmental stewards.
The Program Experience
Students participating in Bird by Bird explore the fascinating world of birds through place-based environmental education. The DNR Nongame Wildlife Program will provide participating classrooms with a bird watching kit (binoculars, bird seed, and identification guides) , a bird feeding station, and enrollment in The Cornell Lab’s Project FeederWatch. DNR volunteers will provide support and expertise in bird identification for lessons and bird walks in your neighborhood, as well as assist in maintaining your bird feeders. In addition, a bird watching field trip at the end of the school year will be provided to further enhance students’ experience.
Nongame Wildlife Program staff will provide training for teachers to help them learn more about the Bird by Bird program curriculum, bird ecology, and incorporating environmental education into their curriculum.
Interested? Contact Benjamin Gieseke, Wildlife Education Coordinator, at [email protected] or (651) 259-5091.
- How to bring Bird by Bird to your classroom
- Teachers who are interested in Bird by Bird, will need to submit an application, as spaces are limited. Bird by Bird is designed to bring outdoor learning and environmental education opportunities to communities underserved in science and nature connection. Those schools and classrooms demonstrating the greatest need will be selected for the program. Applications to enroll classrooms in the Bird by Bird program will be considered on a number of criteria:
- Title 1 status
- Located within an MPCA designated environmental justice area (check your location here)
- Score in the Trust for Public Land’s Community schoolyards needs assessment (check your school here)
- The absence of science specialists, naturalists, environmental educators, or other similar roles employed at your school
- Minnesota Department of Education Report Card results for science
If you think your school would benefit from Bird by Bird, please fill out an application.
Application opens June 1, 2025, and closes July 31, 2025. Those selected will be notified by August 31st. An orientation session for teachers with enrolled classrooms is required for participation in this program and will take place in September. Birding kits will be delivered to your classroom by October.
Note: This program is contingent on receiving legislative approval for funding from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. We will know by June 30 whether the program is able to proceed.
Questions? Contact Benjamin Gieseke, Wildlife Education Coordinator, at [email protected] or (651) 259-5091.
- FAQ
- Is participation limited to the Metro area?
Yes, right now we currently support elementary schools in the metro area, with the hopes of expanding the program in the future.
Are the kits for us to keep?
Kits are available for participating classrooms for the school year and will need to be returned at the end of the year.
How many pairs of binoculars will be provided?
At least 1 kit (approximately 35 binoculars) per school.
How many identification guides will be provided?
Foldable field guides will be provided for each pair of students as well as a set of Peterson First Identification Guides and Sibley’s East Identification Guide.
What happens if our bird feeders break?
Contact the Bird by Bird Program Lead for a replacement.
What happens if we run out of bird seeds?
Contact the Bird by Bird Program Lead for a delivery. Bird seeds will be delivered at the beginning of the school year and mid-year after winter break.
Teachers are really busy. What is the time commitment for participating teachers?
- 3 classroom visits and one field trip
- Observe, record, and submit bird observations at bird feeding station.
- Properly maintain and care for bird feeding equipment.
- Provide program feedback.
Funding for this program was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and the MN DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program.