Walk 9:00 – 11:00 am / Check-in 8:30 – 9:00 am

Leaders: Jerry Berrier (blind birder) jerry.berrier@gmail.com; Michealle Larkins  mlarkins@brooklinebirdclub.org, 617-448-0796; Mass Audubon Naturalist Correne George

Join us for the Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2026, a birding event during which birders try to see or hear as many bird species as possible on May 3-4, 2026. The Bird-a-Thon’s goal is to encourage blind and partially sighted birders of any age, experience, or location to go outdoors and listen for bird songs and sounds. This birding event is specifically designed for blind and low vision birders and others with disabilities to enjoy birds during a guided outing. No previous birding experience needed.

We will walk one (1) mile on the All Persons Trail (Universally Accessible trail). The trails and boardwalk traverse meadows and wetlands, home to birds, butterflies, and plants on crushed stone path and boardwalk. A naturalist will provide information about birds and the natural environment during the bird-a-thon. Fruit (such as bananas, apples, oranges, etc.) will be available after the walk.

Registration:
To participate in the outing please register by contacting Michealle Larkins at mlarkins@brooklinebirdclub.org or 617-448-0796.

Possible birds:
Tree swallow, Yellow Warbler, Phoebe, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Red-tailed hawk

What to bring/wear:
Binoculars if you have one, weather appropriate attire (jacket etc. if cold out) sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle (can be filled on site), and snacks as needed. Please apply non-Deet bug repellent only on site to protect birds and humans who may have respiratory issues. If you use Deet, please apply before coming on site. Please no fragrances due to potential triggers for medical conditions.

What we provide:
• Loaner binoculars – thirty-five (35) available
• Monocular – one (1) available
• Handheld magnifiers
• Bird field guides

Accessibility features:
• All Persons Trail at least 36” wide with packed crushed stone path and boardwalk with 3” lips
• Trails are mostly flat; one area with slight incline approximately 50 feet of distance.
• Human guides (please contact Michealle Larkins in advance if needed-see above)
• For other access accommodations (please contact Michealle Larkins)
• Indoor and outdoor water fountains (34” from ground)
• Sensory trail manual in braille
• Two (2) rollators with four (4) wheels
• One (1) all terrain wheelchair
• Large format edition of Eastern Birds Field Guide

Benches and shade:
• There are benches at 6 locations along the All Persons Trail, at least every 1/8 of a mile.
• Six (6) picnic tables at a gazebo midway on the trail provide shade and rest
• Tree cover is available on approximately 0.4 miles of the trail/boardwalk

Auditory (sound) environment:
• Some traffic noise

Bathrooms:
• Three (3) accessible bathrooms in nature center
• One (1) All Gender bathroom with baby changing station in nature center
• Two (2) accessible bathrooms outdoors halfway down the trail at the Gazebo

Parking:
• Four (4) signed accessible parking spaces in a large lot of fine gravel surface. There are no lines marking spaces. Spaces can be used for van access.
• Additional accessible parking spaces can be created – please notify when you register if accessible parking is needed
• Two (2) ChargePoint charging stations

Directions from the street/nature center entrance:
• 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan
• Travel on driveway 0.1 mile to a fork in the road, turn right and continue for 0.1 mile to the parking lot. Accessible spaces and charging station on the left.

Public transit:
• From Forest Hills station take bus 31 towards Mattapan and get off at Blue Hill Ave. and Wellington Hill St. then walk 1.1 miles to 500 Walk Hill St. or
• From Forest Hills station take bus 21 towards Ashmont and get off at Morton & Courtland Rd. stop, then walk 1.1 miles to 500 Walk Hill St. or
• From Ashmont station take bus 21 towards Forest Hills t and get off at the Morton St. at Havelock St. stop, then walk 1.1 miles to 500 Walk Hill St. or
• From Mattapan station take bus 28 going towards Ruggles, get off at Blue Hill Ave. @ Fessenden St., then walk 1 mile to 500 Walk Hill St.

Check-in location:
In front of the Boston Nature Center entrance across from parking lot

For access needs contact:
If you have any questions, would like to discuss the outing and/or access needs prior to the trip please contact Michealle Larkins at 617-448-0796 or mlarkins@brooklinebirdclub.org. On the day of the outing please call rather than email.

Additional information:
For details about the Bird-a-Thon visit Birdability’s website www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon.
For details about the Boston Nature Center visit their website Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary.

To join the outing:
Please contact Michealle Larkins at mlarkins@brooklinebirdclub.org or 617-448-0796