Nearby Nature Milwaukee and Zoological Society of Milwaukee host first Black Birder Week event

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- May 28- June 3 is National Black Birders week -- a week dedicated to Black nature enthusiasts.

Wednesday, May 31, two area nonprofits teamed up to bring nature lessons to the classroom.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee and Nearby Nature Milwaukee hosted 4th-6th graders from Lloyd Barbee Montessori Elementary School at the Milwaukee County Zoo, for the first Black Birder week event.

"To bird here, to host a Black birder week event is really exciting," said Isabelle Bieser, manager of Innovation & Community Engagement at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.

Black Birders week started in 2020 to increase awareness of Black Birders.

"Everyone deserves those health benefits, everyone deserves to human photosynthesize, and gain these mental health benefits, physical benefits and it gives back to nature as well," said Bieser.

The day began with the elementary children pulling out binoculars and setting their eyes to the skies.

The children explored the zoo grounds with members of Nearby Nature Milwaukee, a nonprofit focused on getting people of color involved in the outdoors.

"There is a place in nature, and a place in science education and careers for people of color, and we all need to be more welcoming and inclusive," said David Thomas, project coordinator for Nearby Nature Milwaukee.

It’s a day Black fathers, like Maurice Phillips Sr. said he is proud to be a part of.

"I didn’t really get a chance to do it when I was coming up like that, so I would love for my kids to get all the experience that I never got," said Phillips.

For more information on Nearby Nature Milwaukee click the link here.

For more information on Zoological Society of Milwaukee click the link here.