Accessible Birding Trip to Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR

Photo credit: Boardwalk at Nisqually by Mary Birchem

Trip leader: Mary Birchem

Registration and contact for further information: Pre-registration required. Please contact Mary Birchem at mbirchem5@nullgmail.com to register.

Description: This event is in honor of Birdability Week, which is a celebration of birders with disabilities and other health concerns. You don’t have to be a “birder” to join, and birders of all levels are welcome. This event is family friendly. We will enjoy each other’s company and whatever feathered friends we happen upon. We will be traveling at a slow pace along a one-mile boardwalk trail that is flat and in good condition through woodlands and freshwater marshes. The trail is accessible from the parking lot, there are no curbs, and it is paved leading up to the boardwalk. There is an accessible bathroom at the visitors center and an accessible portable toilet about ½ mile down the trail. There may be distant gunshot noises from hunting activities, and there is some freeway background noise on portions of the trail. No pets are allowed at the refuge. There are three benches along the boardwalk loop.

Group size is limited to 12 people.

What to bring: Binoculars and a field guide. Merlin Bird ID is great phone app for identifying birds. Water and snacks. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof shoes if you’re able. We may have extra binoculars available for use, email Mary to confirm.

Directions: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia. We will start at the pond overlook next to the visitors center.

Parking: There are five van accessible parking spaces. There is a $3 entrance fee at the Refuge.