Join us for Birds & Breakfast, a relaxed and enjoyable birdwatching event set in the serene surroundings of Burdens Creek. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this event is perfect for all levels of bird enthusiasts! This is our second birdwatching event held at Hub RTP, and we’re excited to grow this community with you!
On July 25thth from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, we’ll gather to observe the birds around Burdens Creek—both local residents and migratory visitors—and discussing their intersections with plans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet fellow bird lovers, and share tips and stories about the birds you spot.
We’ll also be providing a light breakfast to fuel your morning. It’s a chance to enjoy a relaxing start to your Friday and connect with others who share your love of birds, plants and the outdoors.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars (if you have them)
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- A sharp eye and a curiosity for nature!
Things to Know:
Meetup Point: 3151 Elion Drive, RTP NC 27709
Parking: Free public parking is available across from the Meetup Point on Elion Drive.
Rain Date: If the weather doesn’t cooperate on July 27th, we will meet on August 2 instead.
About our Session Leaders
Megan Damico (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of the Focused Initiatives Team (FIT) at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), where she spearheads strategic initiatives to strengthen North Carolina’s bioeconomy. In this role, Megan bridges emerging technologies and policy ideas with diverse stakeholder groups, creating opportunities for collaboration and driving innovation in life sciences across the state.
An accomplished advocate for birds and the environment, Megan serves on the board of the Wake Audubon Society and as the Communications Committee Chair. While living in Greensboro, she co-founded the UNCG Audubon Campus Chapter and co-led a research study identifying bird-window strike hot spots on the UNCG campus. Leveraging the study’s findings, she secured a $30,000 grant from the UNCG Green Fund to install protective window stickers at the Sullivan Science Building, reducing bird-window collisions. Since then, she has been a dedicated advocate, training and mobilizing new champions for bird conservation and environmental policy in Greensboro and Raleigh. Recognized for her impact, she received Audubon North Carolina’s Outstanding Advocacy Award in 2022 for her commitment to bird conservation and inclusive leadership.
Megan earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences from UNC Greensboro in 2023, where she conducted research on the honey bee gut microbiome and agricultural regulatory policy. Her expertise, along with her advocacy and communication skills, fuel her mission to foster a sustainable bioeconomy and a thriving natural environment in North Carolina and beyond.
Rachelle Roake works to support biodiversity and foster stewardship through landscape design and activism. She owns Reconnect Landscapes, a native landscape design company dedicated to reconnecting landscapes and people to local ecologies. Never far from birds, she serves on the board of New Hope Bird Alliance and is active on the Bird-Friendly Habitat Certification, Conservation, and Membership teams. Rachelle hails from Michigan and holds a B.S. in Ecology, M.S. in Wildlife Sciences, and a Master of Landscape Architecture.
