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Accessible Birding Outing at Orenco Woods Nature Park

Join Portland Audubon for an accessible birding outing at Orenco Woods Nature Park, a gem of a park along Rock Creek in Hillsboro. Orenco Woods has many micro-habitats, such as oak savanna, upland forest and creek edges. We’ll be right in the swing of migration looking for some early warblers and other songbirds, woodpeckers, ducks and perhaps even some raptors. The vibrant sounds of spring birdsong will no doubt be echoing throughout the park! Together we’ll make our way through the natural area by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds, plants, and other wildlife.

*This outing is reserved for people who identify as disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent and their family, friends or caregivers. Our accessible outings are 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: Camelia Zollars, Fern Wexler, and Tara Lemezis 

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, please reach out to Tara Lemezis at tlemezis@audubonportland.org.

Trail Tread: Parts of the park are wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Other trails at the park are made of compacted crushed gravel, which is firm and stable, though portions of some trails exceed 5 percent slope. Our route will depend on the needs of the group.
Bathrooms: There is one ADA-accessible portapotty at the site in the parking lot.

Directions: 7100 NW Birch St., Hillsboro, OR

Getting there
From U.S. 26, take the Northwest Cornelius Pass Road exit and head south. Take a right on Northeast
Cornell Road, then left on Northwest 231st Avenue, which will be renamed Northeast Century Boulevard. Take a left on Northeast Birch Street; the park is at the end of the street. The Orenco stop on the MAX Blue Line is a 15 minute walk.

Parking: Large parking lot with ADA spaces
Public Transit: The MAX Blue Line to ORENCO Max. *Please note, there is a 15 minute walk to the park from the MAX. Otherwise, no public transportation available.
Seating: There are several benches along the way.
Distance: Between 1/4 a mile and 1 mile, knowing we adjust each outing to the needs of the group.
Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops to view and listen for birds.
Elevation Changes: 5% slope on some areas, but we’ll stick to the paths.

 

Song Sparrow, photo by Mick Thompson

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: April 22, 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
  • Fee: Pay what you can, between $0 and $25
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Details

Date:
April 22
Time:
9:30 am - 11:15 am
Event Categories:
,

Venue

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

Venue

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

Organizer

Tara Lemezis
Email:
tlemezis@audubonportland.org

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