Saturday: July 15
Disability Pride Month walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens, Toronto
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Leaders: Jack Alvo and John Nishikawa
Please join us to enjoy the lovely nature at Rosetta McClain Gardens. This outing celebrates Disability Pride Month and is part of OFO’s commitment to providing guided birding opportunities that are inclusive of persons of all abilities.
We will meet at 9:00 by the parking lot at Rosetta McClain Gardens. The City of Toronto describes Rosetta McClain as a “fully-accessible garden park that features special braille signage, raised planters, rose gardens and a rock fountain surrounded by a pergola. It is a haven for flower connoisseurs and bird and butterfly watchers.”
We will listen for bird song, look for songbird nests and adult songbirds feeding their young. There is a high likelihood of spying hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and dragonflies enjoying the planters and gardens in full bloom, while we make our way through the park at a leisurely pace. Occasionally a fox is seen darting through the grounds! We may hear the waves and gulls over Lake Ontario.
This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leaders will help identify bird calls and songs and there are many benches so we can all stop, listen and enjoy.
Type of trip: Birding basics, behavior, and vocalizations. Insects and flora. Sun and shade.
Who should come: This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC], so all are welcome. You do NOT need to be a member of OFO or TOC. This event is appropriate for birders of all experience levels and nature lovers with all levels of mobility. Newer birders will learn identification tips and experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour.
Limit: 20
What to bring: Please bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them. Remember to dress appropriately for the conditions, including a sunhat and sunscreen. Water and snack suggested.
Location and Directions: Rosetta McClain Gardens are located on Glen Everest Road in Scarborough, just east of the intersection of Kingston Road and Birchmount Road. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6980072,-79.2584461,15z?hl=en&authuser=0). It has a parking lot where you can park for free and which includes a number of handicapped parking spots.
Public Transportation: From Victoria Park subway station: The #12C bus (east) will take approximately 15 minutes and let you off 160 meters from the entrance to the gardens. From Warden subway station: The 69A bus (south) will take approximately 10 minutes and let you off 800 meters from the entrance.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours including rest stops.
Approximate Distance: One-and-a-half kilometers.
Terrain: Mostly level. Planted flower gardens, open spaces, and tall trees for shade.
Trail Surfaces: Paved trails. Inter-locking bricks in some sections.
Accessibility: Suitable for people using mobility aids.
Facilities: Washrooms (wheel-chair accessible), drinking fountain and gazebos.
Land Acknowledgement: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) in what we now know as Canada, from where we are meeting, includes the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We also acknowledge that Toronto and this area of Toronto have been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum inter-nation peace agreement.
We are doing a land acknowledgement today to recognize the communities of peoples that were present and inhabited the lands before us and the traditional territories of the peoples whose lands we are fortunate to share, live on and present from today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities today. We are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. Together, may we care for this land and each other, drawing on the strengths of our mutual nation building through peace and friendship being mindful of generations to come.
What You Need to Know
OFO welcomes all people who are interested in birds and birding and strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience. OFO trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leaders know if you are new to birding when you arrive.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics before the trip.
Transportation: All participants are responsible for their transportation to and from the field trip. Public transit information, if available, is included in the trip description.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leaders (if a cell number is provided) if you are running late or cannot attend.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season and terrain. Long pants and closed shoes or boots are recommended as protection from the elements, ticks and other biting insects. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds.
What to Bring: Please bring your ID and health card, a mask, enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks, a packed lunch for a longer trip and money for park entrance and ferry fees. Depending on the season, sunscreen, insect repellant and a topical insect bite treatment such as Afterbite or Benadryl are recommended.
Optics and Cameras: Please bring your choice of binoculars, optional scope and camera. Please contact the Field Trips Coordinator in advance by email at fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you require loaner binoculars. We will do our best to provide a pair.
Leaving Early: Trip leaders understand that not everyone will be able to stay for the duration of the trip. If you must leave early, please inform the trip leaders.
Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: Trip leaders will include rest stops and lunch breaks, but if you require additional rest stops, please inform the trip leaders, so they can accommodate your request.
Safety and First Aid: Trip leaders are volunteers. They are not trained in first aid and cannot provide medical help in the case of an accident or administer medication. When driving, please follow the rules of the road. Exercise caution when parking on the side of the road and getting out of your car.
Accessibility: OFO aims to provide accessible birding trips which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the trip, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leaders in advance by emailing fieldtrips@ofo.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
Contact: Please email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
