Families learn about nature at “Wild for Birds” event  in Mill Spring

Published 12:25 pm Tuesday, August 5, 2025

MILL SPRING—Families from across Polk County gathered at Swiftwater Farms for a special “Wild for Birds” event this past weekend. 

Champions for Wildlife hosted a free family day filled with nature, art, and live birds of prey. Thanks to a generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, families had a chance to learn about local wildlife in a fun and exciting way.

One of the highlights of the event was a live bird presentation by Carlton Burke, a wildlife educator and licensed rehabilitator with Carolina Mountain Naturalists. Carlton brought several birds of prey, including owls and hawks, for families to see up close. Children and their families were fascinated as Carlton shared stories about how these birds hunt, fly, and survive in the wild. The crowd watched in awe as he explained how important birds are to our environment.

Daryl and David Nelms, who own Swiftwater Farms, hosted the event at their beautiful farm, which offered plenty of space for families to explore nature. The kids enjoyed a guided nature walk through the woods. Along the way, children learned to spot bird nests, listen for bird calls, and look for animal tracks.

To cool off, families were treated to flavored snow cones provided by Christina’s Hawaiian Style Shaved Ice. 

A day with Champions for Wildlife would not be complete without bird-themed art. Every child received their very own nature journal to draw in during the guided walk and to take home after the event. Champions for Wildlife also provided supplies for families to create bird finger puppets, which kids decorated and proudly carried around for the duration of the event.

To inspire creativity, every child also received a Wildlife Art Kit to take home. These kits were filled with art supplies and bird-inspired activities, so kids could keep learning and creating after the event. The kit included a card encouraging families to visit our newly launched Kids Corner, championsforwildlife.org/kids-corner, an online exploration tool for kids centered around native wildlife featuring art activities that can easily be done at home. 

“We want children to feel a connection with nature,” said Alexis, the Education Manager at Champions for Wildlife. “When kids see these birds up close and have a chance to walk in nature, they start to care about protecting animals and their habitats.” 

Champions for Wildlife plans to offer more free family events in the future, bringing people and wildlife together in meaningful ways. The organization’s next event is on Red Wolves on September 20. 

For more information, visit championsforwildlife.org. 

Submitted by Loti Woods