Jerry Berrier reads Ponds and Marshes sign
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Accessible Nature Trails

As an avid birder, I especially like some of the all-persons nature trails located at Mass. Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.

Here in Massachusetts, there are many accessible nature areas.  As an avid birder, I especially like some of the all-persons nature trails located at Mass. Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.

Mass. Audubon is committed to making their nature trails usable by people with the broadest possible range of abilities.  I have had the privilege of serving as audio engineer and accessibility advisor at ten of their accessible nature trails over the past several years, and we plan to upgrade two additional ones by the end of 2015.  All of these accessible trails meet physical ADA specifications and are therefore wheelchair-friendly.  We have also created audio trail guides which can be accessed by dialing a phone number, via an internet web page, or by borrowing an MP3 audio player at certain sanctuaries.  While we understand that most folks who are blind are likely to visit along with a sighted companion, the audio trail guides provide explicit navigational instructions.  Most of the accessible trails also have a rope-guide so that a person who is blind can walk safely and independently while enjoying nature.  We have also added braille and large print trail guides, braille signage, and tactile markers along rope-guided sections to indicate seating, and items of interest such as various trees, stone walls, unique rocks, and other things to be touched and explored.  To learn more about what Mass Audubon offers, including which trails are reachable by public transportation, go to:  http://www.massaudubon.org/accessibility.

a nature trail through sunny woods
A nature trail through sunny woods

Many wildlife sanctuaries in the U.S. and abroad provide interpreter-guided bird walks throughout the spring and summer.  An expert staff person or volunteer leads the group and “interprets” what is heard and seen along the way.  This is a great way to learn about nature and local birds, and it is especially suitable for families and small groups.

By Jerry Berrier

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