Loading Events
  • This event has passed.

Accessible Birding Outing at Whitaker Ponds

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon for an accessible birding outing at Whitaker Ponds! Fall/winter waterfowl season is just starting, so we’ll look for a good number of duck species as well as songbirds, woodpeckers, and perhaps even some raptors. Together we’ll make our way through the natural area by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds, plants, and other wildlife. 

We welcome all people who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill, as well as their family, friends and/or caregivers. This outing is made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome! Extra binoculars 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’ll 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

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 Ali Berman at aberman@birdallianceoregon.org.

Parking: Large parking lot
Public Transit: TriMet bus #75 makes a stop at the corner of NE 47th Avenue and Columbia Blvd and visitors can walk north from there to the park entrance.
Seating: None, but we will move slowly and can stop at any time.

Distance: Up to 1 mile. Total distance will depend on the needs of the group. Great access to nature can be seen within the first ⅛ of a mile.
Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops to view and listen for birds.
Elevation Changes: None
Trail Tread: Trails are flat, and typically 4-6 feet wide with gravel tread. There are two wooden ramps with gentle pitch down to the pond and the slough.
Bathrooms: There is one ADA-accessible portapotty at the site in the parking lot.

 

A photo of a group of people holding up binoculars while on a paved path at Whitaker Pond.
People birding at Whitaker Ponds, photo by Tara Lemezis

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

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

Details

Date:
November 5, 2022
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