Slow and Mindful Bird Walk - Accessibility Options

MINDFUL BIRDING AND NATURE OBSERVATION AT CROMWELL VALLEY PARK
Sunday, November 1st, 2026
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm for ½ mile loop – through 5:00 pm for the ¾ mile loop.
• Group Leader: Mia Walsh, President, Cromwell Valley Park Council
• Group Co-Leaders: Laura Lechtzin and Ben Banaag
• Group Size: Maximum of 12
• Cost: Free, Registration is Required
Note: If you would like assistance with your binoculars or need binocular training, please arrive 15 minutes early at 3:15 pm
What is Mindful Birding and Who Should Attend?
This slow, mindful birding and nature observation event is for beginner birdwatchers and nature lovers who want to consciously experience nature and the environment, rather than simply counting the number of species of birds seen in 90 minutes. We will practice mindfulness techniques while learning more about the Cromwell Valley Park “resident” birds, their habits and how they interact with our changing ecosystems.
What Will We Do?
This nature-based wellness program will provide a connection between you and the birds, taking in the visual cues and markers and the sounds of the birds and other nature-based activity. A PDF document will be sent to all registrants showing flash cards of birds we anticipate seeing, which can be printed at home as a guide.
Accessibility and Distances:
• Mobility Accessibility: People with walkers or wheelchairs are invited to participate, as well as anyone ready to relax and move at the pace of our slowest participant.
• Neurodivergent Attendees: This is a welcoming environment for those with anxiety, sensory differences, or cognitive patterning differences
• Distance: We will travel a total of .5 miles on paved asphalt trails which meander through old-growth fields and a small forested-area with a babbling brook. An additional loop of .3 miles will be added for those wishing to continue. For those needing a break, there are picnic tables and benches available at the .25 mile mark, though you must enter a grassy area to access these.
Meeting Location:
 Public Transportation: No public transportation is available.
 Parking: There are two van-accessible parking spaces, as well as 40 other parking spaces on newly paved asphalt surfaces.
 Entrance: Please use the Sherwood entrance and follow the parking signs to the far side of the Sherwood House. See diagram.
 Restrooms: One wheelchair accessible port-a-potty is available, as well as one other port-a-potty.
 Shelter/Seating: There are 8 backless benches and 3 picnic tables at the .25 marker, but these require leaving the asphalt path. There is very little shade on this route.
Access Needs:
What access needs or accommodation requests do you have? We will do our best to accommodate your access needs.
“There is nothing you need to find on this walk. Let the birds you encounter—or don't encounter—be your teachers. Notice what happens when you slow down enough to be with them.”