Disability Pride Month walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens - TOC/OFO Joint Event
Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 9:00 am - 11 am or 12 pm
Leaders: Jack Alvo and John Nishikawa
Description: Please join us to enjoy the lovely nature at Rosetta McClain Gardens. 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 by the parking lot at Rosetta McClain Gardens. The City of Toronto describes Rosetta McClain as a “fully-accessible garden park that features special braille signage, raised planters, rose gardens and a rock fountain surrounded by a pergola. It is a haven for flower connoisseurs and bird and butterfly watchers.” We will listen for bird song, look for songbird nests and adult songbirds feeding their young. There is a high likelihood of spying hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and dragonflies enjoying the planters and gardens in full bloom, while we make our way through the park at a leisurely pace. Occasionally a fox is seen darting through the grounds! We may hear the waves and gulls over Lake Ontario.
This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leaders will help identify bird calls and songs and there are many benches so we can all stop, listen and enjoy.
Type of trip: Birding basics, behavior, and vocalizations. Insects and flora. Sun and shade.
Who should come: This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC], 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: Rosetta McClain Gardens are located on Glen Everest Road in Scarborough, just east of the intersection of Kingston Road and Birchmount Road. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6980072,-79.2584461,15z?hl=en&authuser=0). It has a parking lot where you can park for free and which includes a number of handicapped parking spots.
Public Transportation: From Victoria Park subway station: The #12C bus (east) will take approximately 15 minutes and let you off 160 meters from the entrance to the gardens.
From Warden subway station: The 69A bus (south) will take approximately 10 minutes and let you off 800 meters from the entrance.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours including rest stops.
Approximate Distance: 1.5 kilometers.
Terrain: Mostly level. Planted flower gardens, open spaces, and tall trees for shade.There are paved trails and Inter-locking bricks in some sections.
Accessibility: Suitable for people using mobility aids.
Facilities: Washrooms (wheel-chair accessible), drinking fountain and gazebos.
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.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Leaders and participants must comply with local Public Health guidelines at the time of the event. Anyone experiencing any possible symptoms, who has met someone with COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, must stay home. Please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ to find out if you are at risk.
TOC Field Trips
TOC aims to provide birding outings which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the event, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leader in advance, by emailing outings@torontobirding.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
