AAPI SoCo Bird Walk - FREE

[If you are interested in this Bird Walk but unable to attend on this date, or because it is full, please contact us by email [email protected] or call (707) 328-1285 for future event announcements.]

Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Sonoma County (AAPIC SoCo) is a group of concerned residents of Sonoma County who are troubled by historic and present anti-Asian sentiments and actions in the Bay Area and in the country. Our members include Asian and non-Asian Americans. We want to create a safe and welcoming community through organizing and offering activities and networking among the AAPI communities in Sonoma County. A priority is to serve the most vulnerable members. This is our first community event of this kind and we're excited to provide more if we receive a positive response.

Join environmental conservation professional, bird expert, and Sonoma County resident Lishka Arata for a bird walk at Northwestern Community Park in NW Santa Rosa to observe, identify, and learn about local birds. No matter what level you are at, Lishka will help you identify your local birds and teach you ways that you can keep learning on your own. She has worked with environmental non-profit Point Blue Conservation Science for 17 years as a biologist, educator, and science communicator. She is white European America and has family and other loved ones who are mixed race and Asian American. So supporting community that is a safe and comfortable place for people who are mixed race and Asian American hits home.

Lishka will lead us on a flat paved and gravel trail around the park which is mostly shaded by large trees. The whole trail is about 0.8 miles, and we’ll be stopping frequently to observe birds in the sky, in the trees, on buildings, in bushes, in the creek, and on the ground.

There is a spacious parking lot as you turn in from Marlow Road. There are two portable toilets on site. There are no park benches, but the organizers will provide some lawn chairs for resting in a shaded area near the parking lot.

You will learn some of the basic skills to identify and learn about local birds. Our goal is to equip you with skills to be able to keep observing, identifying, and learning from birds. You will have the option of birding with or without binoculars and spotting scopes and you will receive instruction on how to use this equipment. We will likely identify between 10 and 20 bird species on the walk by sight and sound. You will also receive an introduction on how birds teach us about and contribute to the health of the environment.

This walk is suitable for anyone from age 10 and up to seniors, and we are centering those in the AAPI community. Youth below 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The trail is also wheelchair and walker accessible. For those who need assistance in walking, please sign up with someone who can assist you. Our goal is to ensure that everyone will be taken care of and have a good time. We are limiting sign up to 15 people, but we will have a waitlist and plan future walks if we receive ample interest.

Dress in layers. Morning chill will turn sunny and hot later. Wear comfortable walking shoes (e.g. flat closed-toe shoes). Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. You are welcome to bring snacks. If you have binoculars, bring them!

We will provide binoculars to borrow, water to refill, and water bottles to keep and reuse compliments of CamelBak. We will also provide light snacks. Spotting scopes on a tripod will also be available.

If you have not been vaccinated, we request that you wear a face mask. And even if you have been vaccinated and if you prefer, you can wear one for the duration of the walk as well. The organizers will be wearing masks.

Sign up here on Eventbrite or email or call (see below). Limited number of places available. Please register early. Registration deadline: July 29, 2021.

• Email: AAPI Coalition of Sonoma County - [email protected]
• Phone call: (707) 328-1285 to talk to Grace

Photo credit: Lina Hoshino

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Northwestern Community Park (Across the street from James Monroe Elementary School off Marlow Road, 0.3 miles north of Guerneville Road), F64X+F8, Santa Rosa, United States