Queer Birding With TVOP and ACAB (Feminist Bird Club, Western MA)
June 8, 2024 — 9:00 - 11:00 am ET
Rain date: June 15, 2024
Last day to register: June 5, 2024
Come celebrate Pride month with The Venture Out Project and the Anti-racist Collective of Avid Birders (Feminist Bird Club, Western MA)! On this joint bird walk, we will explore one of the gems of Amherst, MA, in search of the rainbow of birds that inhabit the Connecticut River Valley during the summer months: scarlet tanagers, Baltimore orioles, yellow warblers, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and more. The only thing gayer than birding on a warm June morning is doing so in the company of your fellow queer nature lovers!
All experience levels are welcome. Binoculars, or other devices to help you see (such as small scopes or cameras with a zoom lens), are recommended for this event, but we will have extra pairs to share.
We will plan on walking 1.2 miles round trip, moving slowly and frequently stopping to search and observe. The trail begins in a former apple orchard (now meadow) and then winds through the woods, ending up on a grassy path overlooking a scenic pond and beaver dam. Although the trail itself is gentle, it is not wheelchair-accessible. Terrain is variable and ranges from level gravel or dirt paths to more narrow trails with uneven footing over rocks and roots. Sections of the trail follow a stream and may be muddy or require walking on slippery boardwalks. This conservation area is close to a shooting range, and participants should be aware that gunshots may be heard.
Important Note: Do you need universal outdoor masking in order to feel safe at this event? Please let us know in the "Medical Conditions" section of the registration form! Masking policy will be determined based on needs of the group and will be communicated to registered participants prior to the event. All participants should prepare to bring a mask (K/N95 or better) and expect to wear it when social distancing isn't possible and/or if immunocompromised individuals are in attendance.
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 so we can collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Amherst area, MA
(Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Nonotuck lands)
Parking: Gravel lot, no public restrooms available. Dirt pullout if lot is full.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask furry friends remain home on this adventure.
Meet: June 8, 2024
Hike: 1.2 miles, ~100 ft 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 or hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, (K)N95 masks, and binoculars.
COVID SAFETY
Masking policy will be determined based on needs of the group and will be communicated to registered participants prior to the event. All participants should prepare to bring a mask (K/N95 or better) and expect to wear it when social distancing isn't possible and/or if immunocompromised individuals are in attendance.
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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.
