Disability Pride Bird Outing at Rosetta McClain Gardens (04 Jul 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Disability Pride Bird Outing at Rosetta McClain Gardens,

Led by Jack Alvo, John Nishikawa, Rose Petrich.

Date: Saturday July 4th. 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.

This is a joint event sponsored by Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO),and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC). 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.

If you know someone who would enjoy joining this outing, please pass the information on.

Number of attendees: Limited to 15 people. Participants may also bring one additional person for support.

Registration: Outing is free with registration. Please go to OFO's website (OFO.ca) to register. The event is listed on the home page under 'Upcoming Events and Webinars'

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 9:30 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.

Targets: Various songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, 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 subway station: The #12B bus (east) will take approximately 15 minutes and let you off 160 meters from the entrance to the gardens. From Warden subway station: The 117 bus (south) will take approximately 10 minutes and let you off at Birchmount just north of Kingston Rd. Walk east on Kingston Road approximately 800 meters to 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 Jack Alvo at 647-330-1892 with any additional questions you may have about this event, or how we can make it more accessible for you.

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Disability Pride Bird Outing at Rosetta McClain Gardens (04 Jul 2026)