Saturday, September 26 1:30-3:30
This event will take place at Downsview Park from 1:30 to 3:30 on Saturday, September 26. This free, accessible event is designed for people with physical disabilities, with a focus on mobility-friendly trails and raptor sightings. The two-hour outing includes plenty of rest stops and a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all birding backgrounds and their support persons. This event is being provided jointly by OFO, Toronto Ornithological Club and Downsview Park. Participants need not be members of these organizations so if you know of anyone who might be interested in participating, please spread the word.
Leaders: John Nishikawa, Monika Croydon and Jack Alvo
Please register through the Downsview Park Eventbrite link provided here: https://downsviewpark.ca/events/accessible-birding-0.
For more information about accessibility at Downsview Park please visit https://downsviewpark.ca/accessibility-guide.
This program includes indoor and outdoor components.
Please note this program is intended for individuals and families. Organized groups should book here.
All ages are welcome but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is a joint venture between OFO, TOC, Accessibirdies Toronto, and Downsview Park.
It will be a free event, directed to the disabled community and their personal care supporters.
Land Acknowledgement for Toronto
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.
About OFO Field Trips
OFO trips are for OFO members and one guest only unless they are public trips. New birders and photographers are welcome.
OFO strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others. 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.
Cancellation Policy: Space is limited so please cancel your registration if you cannot attend. If you need to cancel your registration on an outing, please go to the Events Registration page at https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/events. If you are registered for an event, you will see "Already registered" on the left side of the brief outing summary. Click on this, and you will see a button you can click to CANCEL REGISTRATION.
Transportation: All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trip. Public transit information, if available, is included in the trip description.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, closed toe footwear. Bring ID and health card, water, a packed lunch for longer trips, 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.
Loaner Binoculars: Email 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 before you go.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, email fieldtrips@ofo.ca
