Birdability is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making birdwatching and outdoor recreation accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, health concerns, or other challenges. Founded by passionate birders who believe that nature should be enjoyed by everyone, Birdability works to break down barriers by promoting inclusive practices, providing resources, and advocating for accessible birding locations.

The Birdability Map is an ongoing collaboration between Birdability and National Audubon. Birdability is a brand new nonprofit whose mission is to share the joys of birding with people who have disabilities and other health concerns. By using this map, you not only discover beautiful birding spots but also support an inclusive community that celebrates the joy of birdwatching for all. Join us in making birding accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

The organization also offers educational programs and community-building initiatives, helping to create a welcoming environment for people of all abilities. Through their efforts, Birdability is transforming the birding community, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty and joy of birdwatching.

With the help of Virginia Master Naturalists, we can help to reduce or remove this information barrier. Using their resource, we can improve access to Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail sites, known as great places to view wildlife. Our goal is to put every accessible VBWT site on the map. Lisa Mease, intern with DWR’s Watchable Wildlife program and Watchable Wildlife Biologist Meagan Thomas will be presenting a training workshop about this exciting new opportunity and how you can help. The day after the training session, we will send information out to all chapters about the activity details, including a Better Impact template so that chapters can approve the activity. Volunteers who want to participate in the activity but who cannot attend the training live should plan on watching the recording.

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Zoom

Registration: Please pre-register at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudOytrTstG9WOAMaz2iT1bae_KJkA7ry1

Recording: The session will be recorded, and we will share the link for the recording in the following bi-weekly email and on Better Impact.

Taken from email VMN Training for New VBWT Birdability Project