Meet Michelle Morton
Michelle began her birding journey during the pandemic. Stuck inside, she and her cat would notice a busy black and white winged creature exploring the tree outside of her newly minted “home office.” Using Merlin and an old field guide, Michelle observed her first Black-capped Chickadee. She began to notice this same bird as a daily visitor to the tree outside her window, and on morning walks in her neighborhood park in downtown Denver, Colorado. The Black-capped Chickadee, as her Spark Bird, continues to fascinate her to this day with its industrious nature, boisterous call, and recognizable song.
Michelle moved to Fishers in 2022 for love. In addition to the love she has for her partner, she also loves the numerous birding opportunities here in central Indiana, as well as lakes for paddleboarding, local breweries, autumn leaf changes, and her job. Michelle works as Nature Engagement Specialist at Conner Prairie Museum. She plans and facilitates nature-based programs and field trips for guests of all ages. Before her job at Conner Prairie, Michelle taught elementary school for 17 years. She worked in both public and private schools around the world, starting in Berlin, moving to Singapore, to Prague, then repatriating to Denver in 2015. She is passionate about empowering others to find ways to engage with nature in ways that feel accessible, interesting, and inspiring. Michelle is currently in training to be a Forest Therapy Guide, and loves finding local natural areas to explore. She is thrilled to join the ABAS board as Program Chair and hopes to see you at our monthly programs, the second Tuesday of each month at Holliday Park starting at 7:30 p.m. as well as on our many birding field trips!