- This event has passed.
Join us for a casual morning of watching, listening to, and enjoying birds! This event is designed to be inclusive and accessible for beginning birders and people who experience accessibility challenges.
We will spend our time near the bird feeders of the Frick Environmental Center and along the new accessible Sensory Nature Trail. Attendees will be able to choose between two options for their experience based on their comfort, interest level, and ability.
Outing Group A – Low Mobility
This group will focus on observing birds at the bird feeders outside the Frick Environmental Center. Most of our time will be stationary, with options to sit and observe or move short distances to explore different parts of the campus. This is also a great opportunity for beginners interested in learning about the birds they are most likely to see at their own feeders. Maximum distance covered is 0.2 miles, but all movement will be optional. All surfaces are paved and flat. Convenient seating will be available throughout this event.
Outing Group B – Moderate Mobility
This group will venture onto the new Sensory Nature Trail, an ADA trail with paved surfaces and a maximum grade of 10.5% that takes participants on a 0.5-mile loop through the forest to an elevated deck for better opportunities to experience migratory birds in the canopy of the trees. Benches for sitting are available along the trail and at the observation deck. This outing will lend itself to a more immersive sensory experience and opportunities to learn more about birding by ear, while still being approachable for beginners.
ASL interpreters will be onsite for this event. Binoculars, monoculars, colorblind corrective glasses, folding chairs, and coffee and tea will be available for attendees. We will also have assistive technology that allows for the viewing of birds using tablets instead of binoculars. Accessible bathrooms are available in the building and adjacent to our short path. An elevator is available to access lower levels of the building for different views of the birds. Registration is required. A site map detailing points of interest for this event is available here.
For detailed accessibility information on this location, please visit the Frick Environmental Center Birdability Site Review on the Birdability Map. Note that this does not include recent improvements made to the site around the Sensory Nature Trail.
Nearest bus stops: Forbes Ave + South Dallas Ave (61A and 61B bus, 0.3 mi away, be aware that this sidewalk up Beechwood Blvd to the Frick Environmental Center is long and steep)
Please reach out to phimes@pittsburghparks.org with any questions.
Location: Frick Environmental Center (Meet at Outdoor Classroom near Fountain)