Disability Pride Bird Outing at Rosetta McClain Gardens, Toronto-Saturday July 5 2025
Led by Jack Alvo, John Nishikawa.
Date: Saturday July 5th. Begins at 9:30am, ends around 11:30am.
Accessibility: For detailed accessibility information on this location, please
visit Rosetta McClain Accessibility Details.docx
Distance: Over 2 hours, approximately 1.5 km on a flat, paved loop with
occasional interlocking bricks.
Bathrooms: Accessible (AODA-compliant) washrooms are available near
the parking lot.
Type of outing: This trip is designed to be accessible & inclusive to those
who experience accessibility challenges, either due to a disability or other
health concerns. While all are encouraged and welcome to attend, this
year’s event is best catered to people with mobility concerns. Accessibility
features have been provided in detail to help you decide if you’d like to/are
able to attend. This event is appropriate for nature enthusiasts across all
experience levels.
Number of attendees: Limited to 10 people. Participants may also bring
one additional person for support.
Description:
Please join us to celebrate Disability Pride month while relaxing and
enjoying the lovely nature in Rosetta McClain Gardens. Birds Canada
describes Rosetta McClain as “a fully accessible park featuring braille
signage, paved roads, and many benches. It is a haven for bird and
butterfly watchers. A park with spectacular views of Lake Ontario ideal to sit
and let the birds come to you”.
We will meet at 9:00 by the parking lot next to the facility building in Rosetta
McClain Gardens. After, we will continue along a (mostly paved) loop trail
for approximately 1.5 km. Please note, part of this trail is on interlocking
bricks, which may be bumpy for people using a wheeled mobility device.
This slow-paced birding experience will allow participants with varying
degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leaders will
help identify bird calls and songs, as we stop along the many benches to
listen and enjoy. Newer birders will learn identification tips and
experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour. Participants
are welcome to stay stationary or turn back at any time.
This is a joint event sponsored by Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), the
Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), and Accessibirdies Toronto. It is open
to all; you don’t have to be a member of these groups to celebrate with us.
This trip is a part of OFO’s and TOC’s vision to extend guided birding
opportunities to each and everyone, including people who have disabilities.
Outing is free with registration.
Targets: Various songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, eagles, hawks,
in addition to butterflies, bees, dragonflies, foxes, etc.
What to bring: Remember to dress and pack appropriately for the
conditions, including a sunhat, sunscreen, and bottled water. If you have
them, we encourage bringing binoculars/a camera. Snacks are suggested.
Directions and location:
Car: Rosetta McClain Gardens are located on Glen Everest Road in
Scarborough, just east of the intersection of Kingston Road and Birchmount
Road. There is a free parking lot with a number of accessible parking
spaces.
Public Transportation (TTC): From Victoria Park station- take the 12C bus
east for approximately 15 minutes. Bus will stop 160 meters away from the
entrance to the gardens. From Warden station- take the 69A bus south for approximately 10 minutes. Bus will stop 800 meters away from the entrance.
Additional information: This is a dog-free park (service animals are
permitted). There is no access to the lake from the park. Please feel free to
contact diversity@ofo.ca with any additional questions you may have
about this event, or how we can make it more accessible for you.
