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Nature Outing: A TOC/OFO Pride Birding Walk - June 11 (Saturday)
Leader: Maxwell Matchim (he/they) and John Nishikawa (he/him)
In an exciting collaboration between the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), we’re introducing our first ever Pride Month Walk! We will meet at the front gate of Tommy Thompson Park (43°39'08.2"N 79°19'22.5"W) at 9:00 am on June 11th. The walk runs until 12:00, with an optional extension to 2:00.
This walk is a celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community, but all are welcome. Creating a respectful, welcoming, and accessible environment is our first priority. We encourage newer birders and first-timers to come along, all skill levels are welcome!
Type of trip: Walking
Meeting location and directions: Front gates of Tommy Thompson Park. Foot of Leslie St. at Unwin Ave.
Public transportation: The 83 Jones Bus (southbound) stops at Leslie Street and Commissioners Street, an approx. 8 minute walk from our meeting point. The 83 Jones Bus can be caught at Donlands Station.
Duration and rest stops: Three hours with rest stops if needed.
Approximate distance: 6 km walking.
Terrain: Mostly flat, with small hills in wooded areas and the possibility of some flooding on trails, close-toed shoes or rubber boots recommended.
Trail surfaces: Mostly paved, with some unpaved forest trails.
Accessibility: We may leave the paved path to explore wooded trails, the walk can be modified on the day of in accordance with any mobility needs. A drinking water station is located near our meeting point.
Washrooms: There are multiple portable toilets along the route and a wheelchair accessible washroom at the entrance to the park.
What you need to know
OFO and TOC welcome all people who are interested in birds and birding and strives to create an inclusive, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. OFO and TOC trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leader 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 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 OFO 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 leader.
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 leader, 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: TOC and OFO aim 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 leader 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.
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."
