The Urban Wildlife Refuge: Butterfly & Bird Walk is an exploration of how nature thrives in the heart of the city. Led by a WOCO Ecotour Guide, the walk begins at the refuge entrance with a warm welcome, route overview, and safety briefing. Your guide will introduce the refuge’s history and purpose, emphasizing its role in supporting biodiversity within an urban setting.

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The first part of the tour focuses on pollinator gardens and meadowlands, where guests learn about the life cycles of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. You’ll discover how specific native plants have evolved to support these species and how pollinators, in turn, contribute to healthy ecosystems and global food security. Your guide will share strategies for supporting pollinators in your own community, highlighting the role of urban planting projects.

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Next, the tour shifts to birdwatching. Equipped with binoculars and field guides, you’ll identify local and migratory bird species by sight and sound. Discussions cover migratory patterns, nesting habits, and the importance of urban green corridors for sustaining healthy bird populations. The refuge provides opportunities to observe birds in diverse habitats—meadow, wetland, and forest edge.

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Throughout the walk, you’ll explore the principles of urban ecology—how wildlife refuges manage stormwater, improve air and water quality, and provide safe habitat in the midst of development. Your guide will also address challenges such as invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change impacts on urban wildlife.

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The walk concludes with a mindful moment in a quiet area of the refuge. Here, guests are encouraged to pause, listen to birdsong, and reflect on the resilience of urban nature. The experience blends science with personal connection, inspiring participants to see their cities as living ecosystems worth protecting.