Queer Birding for Every Body - Western Massachusetts
June 7, 2025 — 9:00 am - 11:00 am ET
Rain date: June 8, 2025
Last day to register: June 5, 2025
Spend your morning with TVOP Volunteers Sam, Amy, and your fellow queer and trans birders at a popular birding trail in Hadley, MA. With the hubbub of spring migration dying down, June is a great time to get to know the breeding birds of the Connecticut River Valley like Baltimore orioles, bobolinks, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and more. We will move slowly along a mostly flat 1.1-mile loop trail that meanders through diverse, bird-friendly habitat and features views of the Holyoke Range in the distance.
All abilities and experience levels are welcome on this beginner-friendly outing! We particularly want to center LGBTQ+ folks with disabilities or mobility challenges who might face barriers to accessing traditional outdoor recreation spaces. Masks are required for all participants while with the group. Please let us know if there are ways we can make this event more accessible for you when registering. Binoculars are recommended, but feel free to bring whatever equipment you find most comfortable when enjoying birds. We will have 9 extra pairs of binoculars to share.
Accessibility: The surface of this wide (60”) trail is a mix of elevated boardwalks and hard-packed crushed stone with wooden edging. In addition to standalone benches, there are nine regularly spaced viewing decks with seating that will provide plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the nature around us. There are no steps to navigate, but there is one 120-foot section of boardwalk with an 8% grade and a pullout with benches for resting. Although there are many sections of full sun, multiple decks are shaded, including a gazebo directly off the parking lot with a view of a small wetland. We will move at the pace of the slowest person and may alter our route/distance depending on the needs of the group. We may encounter leashed dogs. Masks (KN95 or better) are required at this event, but we will have extras. Registration is limited to 12. More detailed information on our meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Hadley area, MA (Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, Nonotuck lands)
Parking: Large gravel lot with ample parking and three reserved spots, as well as two portapotties (one standard sized and one wheelchair accessible). Closest bus stop is 2 miles away.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends who are not service animals remain home on this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: June 7, 2025
Hike: 1.1 mile, 20ft elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, KN95 mask or better.
COVID SAFETY
Masks (KN95 or better) are required during this event. We ask that participants please step away from the group when drinking, eating, or taking a break from wearing a mask. Please be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
