Birds in My Neighborhood®
Windy City Bird Lab is the new home of Birds in My Neighborhood!
Since its launch by Openlands in 2013, Birds in My Neighborhood has helped more than 16,000 students explore nature in their local communities. The program introduces students to common regional birds through hands-on classroom lessons and outdoor experiences that build curiosity, observation skills, and a connection to local wildlife.
Birds in My Neighborhood is a volunteer-driven outdoor educational program for third through fifth-grade students. Volunteers help run the program by working with teachers to schedule two classroom visits and a field trip to a local natural area.
Program Overview
Birds in My Neighborhood is designed for third through fifth-grade students and centers on experiential learning. Students are introduced to birds they can see and hear in their everyday surroundings and are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and explore nature close to home.
Each participating classroom receives three school visits during the spring:
- Classroom Lesson (March)
Volunteers visit the classroom for an inquiry based discussion on birds, their traits and behavior, and how to find and identify them. - Schoolyard Visit (April)
Students apply what they’ve learned by observing birds in their schoolyard or nearby outdoor space. - Field Trip to a Local Natural Area (May)
The program culminates in a guided bird walk at a nearby park, nature center, or natural area, where students experience birding beyond their school grounds and get a first hand look at how biodiverse their city is.
Volunteering for Birds in My Neighborhood
Birds in My Neighborhood depends on dedicated volunteers who enjoy working with kids and spending time outdoors. No prior birding or teaching experience is required.
Volunteer Duties
• Lead three school visits engaging classrooms across a single grade level.
• Work directly with teachers to schedule visit dates
• Help students observe birds, ask questions, and explore nature
Training and Support
Volunteers attend three training sessions, each aligned with one of the school visits. After completing training, volunteers are matched with a classroom and connected with the teacher to coordinate logistics.
Extra Help Needed in May for Field Trips
We especially need additional volunteers in May to support field trips to local natural areas. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for multiple field trip dates if they are available.
Information for Schools
Birds in My Neighborhood is a free, school-based program that brings environmental education directly to students through classroom learning and outdoor exploration.
What Schools Can Expect
• Three spring visits led by trained volunteers
• Age-appropriate, hands-on bird education
• A field trip to a local natural area
• Support with scheduling and logistics
Who Can Participate
The program serves Chicago Public Schools and select schools in the Chicagoland region.
Applying
School applications open annually. Participating teachers are partnered with volunteers to schedule visits that fit their classroom needs.
School selection for the first-year relaunch is now underway. Capacity is limited as the team lays the groundwork for the program, and we are unable to accept too many schools this year. Schools interested in learning more can sign up below to learn more.
