Saturday: July 8, 2023
Disability Pride Month walk at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Toronto
Leaders: Nancy Barrett, Adam Solomon
Limit: 25
Please join us to explore the birds and biodiversity on display in the various habitats at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on the Etobicoke lakeshore. 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 at the south parking lot at the end of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive. We will listen for bird song, look for nests, and should see adult songbirds feeding their young. The nesting Red-necked Grebes will be a highlight, along with the hungry fledglings of 5 species of swallows.
This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to soak in the surroundings. The trip leaders will help identify bird calls and songs and are well acquainted with many great resting spots (benches, flat rocks) so we can all stop, listen and learn.
Who should come: This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC) [to be confirmed], 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.
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: Colonel Samuel Smith Park is located at the bottom of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive south of the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colonel+Samuel+Smith+Park/@43.591398,-79.5133857,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b49b5047aca2f:0x11bdf5c1d684a0e5!8m2!3d43.591398!4d-79.5133857!16s%2Fm%2F05p704d ).Parking is free.
Public Transportation: The Kipling 44 and 944 South bus from Kipling Station on Line 1 ends at the bus loop in front of Father John Redmond Secondary School. Walk southeast about 400 m along Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive which terminates at the south parking lot and "traffic circle". The Park is also accessible from the TTC 501 streetcar/bus stop located at Lake Shore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue.
Duration: 3 hours including rest stops.
Approximate Distance: 2 – 4 km.
Accessibility and Amenities: Flat terrain, along groomed gravel with some dirt paths. There are benches and flat-topped rocks throughout the park, as well as a large picnic shelter. Mostly suitable for people using mobility aids.
Please note that there are no washrooms inside the park. There is a porta-potty (non-wheelchair accessible) located at the parking lot in front of the Power House (with the tall brick chimney).
Land Acknowledgement for Toronto: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) 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 this area of Toronto has 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 stating a land acknowledgement 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 and live on today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities, 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.
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.
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.
