Posted on October 7, 2025
Post categories: In the Media Urban Design & Planning
In a recent article on accessible birding, Monique McClure, grant manager at the College of Built Environments (CBE) and avid birder, shares how infrastructure affects inclusion outdoors. McClure uses a mobility scooter for many outings and often researches parking, trail conditions and restroom access before choosing a site.
“Is the trail paved? Are there benches? Can I get my scooter in the bathroom?” she asks. These details may seem minor, but they can determine whether someone participates at all.
McClure encourages birding organizations to offer clear accessibility info online and to stay open to adjustments. When she asked about terrain on a nighttime owl walk in Seattle, organizers shifted the route to accessible trails.
Her experience underscores the need for thoughtful design and clear communication. Accessibility, she reminds us, isn’t optional—it’s essential.