On a late Friday afternoon in July the DEIB Committee members and Thurston County Specialized Recreation staff and participants met at the Interpretive Park along Capitol Lake. We gathered for a Feathered Friends Friday celebration. The weather was perfect, and numerous ducks and other birds joined us down by the dock, in the trees and foraging along the paths. We from SSBA had all things bird with us: binoculars, bird making crafts, bird books, and large pictures of birds that we put in the trees so participants could practice their bino skills. We also had snacks and smiles, and a willingness to engage and enjoy time outdoors with new friends, their caregivers, and staff from Thurston County Recreation. There were 14 participants, so we split into 2 groups. One group stayed by the dock with the ducks, equipped with a spotting scope to observe the ducks and a craft table. The other group walked down the Interpretive Trail to the other dock. We stopped along the way to check out the birds on the trail or in the bushes. We ambled along and quietly talked or excitedly exclaimed our sightings. After 45 minutes the groups switched activities.
The Feathered Friends Friday Event seemed to flow smoothly. The Interpretive Trail on Deschutes Parkway along Capitol Lake was the perfect place. It was on the bus route and Dial-A-Lift route. The bathroom was well-maintained and accessible, and the paths were level and easy to navigate.
I want to thank Suzanne, James, Stevie, and Janet from SSBA and Tracey and 2 other staff members from Thurston County Special Recreation for helping make this adventure possible. There are 2 more similar adventures coming soon.
Sally Nole
DEIB SSBA
