Wings Over Deer Flat: A Bilingual Bird Walk Adventure Register

Date and Time:
Fri, Sep 20, 2024; 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM  (Mountain)

Organized By: ID Sierra Club, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, ID Latino Conservation Week

Location: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment Rd, Nampa, ID 83686, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Christina Contreras, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
   maria_contreras@fws.gov
Amanda Reed
   amanda.reed@sierraclub.org
   (509) 255-3374
Melissa Murillo, Peregrine Fund and Idaho Sierra Club
   murill000m@gmail.com

Accede a este sitio web en español aquí, or access this page in English below:

Photo taken by Jeffrey Watkins on a recent Idaho Sierra Club hike

Description:
Please join Idaho Sierra Club during Latino Conservation Week for a family-friendly bilingual birdwatching adventure at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge! This is a chance to get outside and explore the natural beauty of the Treasure Valley, while learning about over a dozen local bird species at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. All participants will receive an educational pamphlet, and trip leaders will provide guidance in both Spanish and English to help identify birds. This is a great opportunity for folks in the Treasure Valley to spend time outdoors during Latino Conservation Week and build community in a safe and inclusive space!

What to expect:

9:00 a.m. | Meet inside Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Introductions, trip overview/logistics, and safety discussion.
9:15 a.m. | Begin nature walk
10:30 a.m. | End nature walk, hand out sandwiches, time to hang out and socialize
11:00 a.m. | Adventure concludes

Level: Easy

More about difficulty, skill level, and safety
The trail we will be accessing is located behind the Visitor Center. The trail is estimated to be 1-2 miles in distance with relatively flat terrain (estimated elevation gain is around 100-200 ft). We will complete the trail in about 1 hour. Certain sections of the path change from paved to dirt, allowing for a more immersive experience. However, there is limited shade available on the trail, so it's essential to bring sun protection, closed toe shoes, protective eyewear, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. We will provide sunscreen and bug spray to share with the group. 

We will be making frequent stops throughout the hike to identify bird species and for questions that may arise. To ensure everyone can participate safely, we'll accommodate our pace and length of the hike. Visitors will have access to public restrooms and a water fountain inside the Visitor Center. To ensure all visitors are safe, Deer Flat staff will carry a first aid kit during the nature walk and all Deer Flat staff and Sierra Club staff/volunteers are CPR/First Aid certified.

Please note that wildlife encounters are possible, so please remember to stay on designated trails at all times and to avoid disturbing any wildlife. Your safety is our top priority, and we want you to have an enjoyable experience.

Driving directions to Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

• Take Exit 33 off of Interstate 84. 
• After exiting the freeway, turn right (west) onto Highway 55/Karcher Road. 
• Follow Karcher Road about 3.5 miles to Lake Avenue. 
• Turn left onto Lake Avenue and drive about 2.5 miles to the intersection with Roosevelt Avenue. 
• Turn right onto Roosevelt Avenue. 
• At Indiana Avenue at the top of the hill, turn left into the refuge and follow the road to the visitor center 

Address: 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, ID  83686-8046

Other considerations

• If you need special accommodations for you and your family, please contact Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge at DeerFlat@fws.gov or 208-467-9278, at least ten business days before the event
• Kids & families are welcome! (see information above to learn more about the difficulty/skill level and whether it would be a good fit for your kids)
• Dogs are welcome, but must be well-behaved, comfortable being in large groups of people, comfortable around other dogs, and leashed at all times.
• Please fill out a separate registration form for each person (including kids), so we can have a signed waiver on file for each person and know each individual's dietary preferences, etc. We will have additional waivers available on-site for anyone who isn't able to fill out the online waiver.
• We expect everyone joining this event to act respectfully and help create a safe and inclusive space for folks from marginalized identity groups. All participants must adhere to the standards of conduct in our Participant Agreement

Cost: Free! Plus, sandwiches and refreshments will be provided by the Sierra Club to eat during the event.

Signup Instructions: If possible, please register by the end of the day Tuesday, September 17 so we can accommodate everyone's dietary restrictions

Bring: Water, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, close-toed shoes, other clothing appropriate for the weather (we will provide sunscreen and bug spray to share). Optional: binoculars and/or camera for birdwatching.

Carpool: Let us know if you need help with getting to/from Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge in your RSVP!

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Leaders will check weather conditions the morning of the event. If the weather is considered unsafe, we will postpone the trip to a later date and communicate the new plans with all participants.