Welcome!
Welcome to the OSBC Young Birders Initiative! Are you or your family members between the ages of 8-18 interested in birds and birding? Check out the Young Birders Initiative.
Mission
The Young Birders Initiative aims to connect young birders with their birding peers. We also strive to increase young birders’ overall knowledge and awareness of birds and bird habitats.
Initiative
The YBI hosts monthly guided birding walks for youth interested in birds, led by adults and youth birders alike.
Upcoming Walks
Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Youth Birders Walk at Trustom Pond NWR
South Kingstown
Join the Youth Birders Initiative for a spring bird walk in South County! Trustom Pond is Rhode Island's only undeveloped salt pond and provides critical habitat for dozens's of species of waterfowl as well as numerous species of migrant songbirds. The hike could be as long as 3 miles on flat packed pathways. Bring your own binoculars.
Open to birders ages 8-17. We accept younger participants on a case-by-case basis. Parents or other responsible adults should accompany any birders younger than 12.
Meeting location: Meet at the parking lot on Matunuck School House Rd. (click here for google maps directions)
Leader: Matt & Susan Schenck--susandschenck@gmail.com
Requirements
- YBI walks are designed for children ages 8 -18.
- All children under 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No exceptions.
- Participants 14 years old and older may be dropped off and picked up at the end of the hike.
- children who are dropped off must have a signed permission slip.
Download and print a permission slip HERE.
View YBI Policies and Procedures HERE.
OSBC Youth Initiative Walk Leaders
Our OSBC Youth walk leaders are knowledgeable about birds and how children learn.
Our main walk leader is Amanda Pompili, who can be reached by email at ivmeer@hotmail.com. Please email Amanda for information about upcoming walks.
To inquire about leading a youth walk yourself, please email Susan at susandschenck@gmail.com.