Spring Field Ornithology Update
November 29, 2018
For 42 years, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Spring Field Ornithology course has connected hundreds of people with birds and birding here in the Cayuga Basin and beyond, thanks to instructor Steve Kress, dedicated staff members, and trip leaders who have made this course possible year after year. We’re now working to deliver a course that continues to serve our community here in the Ithaca area and that expands to serve as a model for others across the continent. Spring Field Ornithology will be on pause in 2019 as we develop the updated course, which will launch 2020. Meanwhile, participants will still be able to take the online course.
If you have taken the course, we would appreciate your thoughts and feedback through our survey.
FAQs
Why are you reenvisioning Spring Field Ornithology now?
Spring Field Ornithology has been immensely popular through the decades. We are committed to serving students and our local community while also looking into opportunities to expand the experiences we offer through online learning, potentially paired with field trips in a model that other nature centers, museums, and birding clubs could adapt in their communities across the country. As we embark on our new strategic plan focused on service and impact, we will welcome feedback from past and potential Spring Field Ornithology students as part of our reenvisioning to meet their interests and needs.
Why are you pausing the course in 2019 instead of keeping the course going while you reenvision it for 2020?
Because we have such a small staff who are working year round on many local and national education and outreach initiatives in addition to Spring Field Ornithology, we would not have the time to do justice to the course unless we pause it this year. We recognize that many people will be disappointed to miss out on the lectures and field trips this year. Our online Spring Field Ornithology course will continue to be available for free to 2018 alums, and will be open to registration for new students. We also hope you will join us when the new course is rolled out in 2020!
How can I help?
If you are an alum of Spring Field Ornithology, we welcome your feedback. Please take our survey. Thank you!