About Birding Walk to Jean Shin's 'Perch' at Appleton Farms

Join us for an unforgettable experience with artist Jean Shin & The Trustees’ agroecology team to dive into the world of grassland birds, farming & regenerative land management through the lens of Jean Shin’s art exhibit, Perch. Appleton’s ecology team will lead a discussion all about the grassland birds that call Appleton home and the ways in which we monitor and protect them. Learn about the work and relationship the farm has with the bobolinks- songbirds who make the long migratory journey from the southern hemisphere and whose populations are in decline.

Marking sites where The Trustees’ ecology team monitors the bobolink population, Shin presents sculptural platforms made from fallen and dead trees found throughout Appleton that visitors can engage with, as they ultimately become participants in this critical monitoring throughout the project’s run. Within the nesting area, Shin created sculptural perches made from fallen trees and salvaged copper in which male bobolinks can perch to search for mates and mark their territory.

After the talk, venture out on a scenic guided hike to Jean Shin’s Perch exhibition where participants will engage with the art and artist first hand, and hopefully see some birding in action!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with art, artist, nature, and the ecology behind it all. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking in potentially muddy terrain. While the program is geared towards adults, art lovers and learners of all ages are welcome to attend, provided they can engage with a one-hour lecture. This hike is suitable for all skill levels, featuring gently hilly terrain and lasting approximately one hour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• Program Refunds/Cancellations: In the event that a program is cancelled due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible by email and issue you a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation. If you cannot attend a program as planned, contact appletonfarms@thetrustees.org at least 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund or transfer to another date/class. Refunds and/or class transfers will not be granted for registration cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program. There are no refunds for missed classes. Appleton Farms reserves the right to change program locations, schedules, or instructors when necessary. 
• Where to park: When you arrive at the farm, go right at the fork at the Welcome House (towards Farmhouse, Education Farmyard, Camp & Offices) and park in the lot next to the white Farmhouse / Farm Offices. Overflow parking is located along the drive leading up to the farmhouse between the trees before you cross the 4-way bridge intersection. Please be mindful of roped off areas and no-parking signs.  The group will meet in the blue & grey carriage barn.
• Membership Lookup: Click here to find your membership number.
• Need to see an existing order? Click here to see your current orders.

• The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of its properties implies consent. See the full policy at thetrustees.org/photovideo
• Buy out a class/private events: Have a group that wants to take a class or program together? We have options to buy out our classes and/or create private events. Email appletonfarms@thetrustees.org for more information. 
• While you’re here: Don’t forget to visit the Farm Store open daily Tuesday- Sunday.

All are welcome!

Register