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Accessible Birding Outing at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden *FULL*

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon for an accessible birding outing at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden! This birding hotspot in SE Portland boasts a wide variety of songbirds and waterfowl as well as ADA compliant trails and bathrooms. Together we will make our way through the garden by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds and other wildlife. We welcome all people who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and/or have access challenges. This outing is made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome! Extra binoculars and a scope will be available.

Register: Click to Register. Limited to 12 participants.
Trip Leaders: Ali Berman, Tara Lemezis, Camelia Zollars
Masks: Masks are now optional at our outdoor events. However, we will check in with each participant in advance in case anyone who is immunocompromised needs to be in a masked environment. We also recognize that some people can’t wear masks due to their disability. Physical distancing will be required.


Accessibility

See below for trail information and here for a more detailed guide of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden created by Disabled Hikers. Service animals are welcome.

We recognize that within the disability community, access needs vary and sometimes conflict. That’s why we’ll offer different opportunities throughout the year prioritizing different kinds of access needs. If this one doesn’t work for you, we hope the next one will. If you have any accessibility needs that aren’t covered below or have requests on what we should offer to meet your needs for future events, please reach out to trip leader Ali Berman at aberman@birdallianceoregon.org.

If you have any accessibility needs that aren’t covered below, please reach out to trip leader Ali Berman at aberman@birdallianceoregon.org.

Amenities: Two bathrooms along the route; large parking lot with ADA parking spaces
Public Transit: The closest Trimet bus stops are 6400 (Westbound Bus 19) and 7286 (Eastbound Bus 19) approximately 1 block away. Bus route 19 is accessible from the Orange Line.
Parking: A large parking spot with two van accessible spots. Overflow parking can be found at the Reed College West parking area.
Rest Stops: Multiple benches are available along the route.

Distance: Total loop is .5 miles. Additional options for other wheelchair accessible trails are available.
Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops at benches to view and listen for birds. We will go at the pace of the slowest member of the group. Participants can request a break at any time.
Elevation Changes: 2-5% grade for 0.1 miles. The rest is flat.
Trail Tread: Paved, wood, and compact pea gravel.
Bathrooms: An ADA compliant bathroom is available along the route.

A group of people, some standing, one using a wheelchair, and some using mobility aids, in a natural area. Some are looking through binoculars.

Register for this accessible birding outing!

Be in community with other folks who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill as we search for waterfowl, songbirds and more!

Register

Field Trip Details

  • Date: February 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Fee: Pay what you can, between $0 and $25

Trip Leaders

Ali Berman (she/her) has been the Communications Manager at Bird Alliance of Oregon since 2015. She serves on the board of both Disabled Hikers and Portland Parks and Recreation. Ali loves birds, building community, and sharing her love of wildlife with others.

Tara Lemezis (she/her) works as the Education Administrator and Marketing Liaison for the Education team. She is an avid birder and loves sharing her passion for birds and the environment with others.

Camelia Zollars (she/her) is the Educator, and Public Programs and Partnerships Specialist and loves learning about the natural world around her, especially birds.

Details

Date:
February 11, 2023
Time:
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Event Categories:
, ,

Venue

OR United States
Website:
https://birdallianceoregon.org/venue/3749/
Cost:
Free – $25

Venue

OR United States
Website:
https://birdallianceoregon.org/venue/3749/
Cost:
Free – $25

Organizer

Tara Lemezis
Email:
tlemezis@birdallianceoregon.org