Birding Your Way Event Brings The Joy of Birds to Everybody
September 08, 2026
Land & Water Resources
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA) and Dane County Parks are excited to welcome the public to a special celebration of the many ways our community enjoys birds on Saturday, September 19, 2026! The free event, designed with accessibility in mind, will be held at Fish Camp County Park, 3359 Fish Camp Road, in McFarland from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
It can be challenging for people with disabilities or other health concerns to participate in birding. SoWBA and Dane County Parks are passionate about sharing their love of nature and birds with everyone.
"This event is designed to make birding and the outdoors welcoming, inclusive, safe, and accessible for all," says Brenna Marsicek, Director of Outreach at SoWBA. "It is so important to uplift and amplify the experiences of birders with disabilities because this is a hobby that truly anyone and everyone can participate in, enjoy, and benefit from. Activities like birding by ear or offering stationary birding events make it easier for more people to enjoy the natural world."
All event activities are entirely free of charge. There will be two 90-minute birding sessions, each with a guided tour and a stationary option to observe and identify birds by sight and sound. Additional scheduled activities include bird photography and nature journaling. Some offerings require prior registration due to limited space; visit www.danecountyparks.com/birdingyourway to sign up or for more information. Partner organizations will offer tables with information about how to get involved in the birding community in safe, accessible ways.
“Dane County Parks is committed to ensuring recreational activities accessible to people of all abilities. We hope this event offers participants a chance to connect with nature through birding—whether through stationary observation or movement-based exploration.” says Lael Pascual, Engagement & Visitor Services Manager for Dane County Parks. “Fish Camp County Park was chosen as the event location for its variety of birdwatching opportunities. From the paved Lower Yahara River Trail to paddling on the Yahara River or sitting along the shore of Lake Kegonsa, there are many ways to see and hear birds. There's something here for everyone.”
Bathrooms, drinking water, and accessible parking are all available onsite. Volunteers will direct guests to parking spaces at the park and in an overflow lot, with a shuttle running between the two. An electric-powered outdoor wheelchair will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. An electric, all-terrain outdoor wheelchair is also available and may be reserved by emailing heritagecenter@danecounty.gov then mentioning this event and the time slot you are hoping to use it for.
This event is sponsored by Alliant Energy Foundation.
Media Contact for Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance:
Kaitlin Svabek, Communications Director
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
ksvabek@swibirds.org
Media Contact for Dane County Parks
Lael Pascual, Engagement & Visitor Services Manager
Dane County Parks
pascual.lael@danecounty.gov