Is the walk wheelchair accessible?

The route uses mostly paved, gently graded paths; organizers accommodate mobility needs—contact staff in advance for specific assistance.

Do I need my own binoculars?

No, binoculars enhance the experience but shared optics are often available; bringing your own is convenient.

Yes—this program welcomes ages 5 to 105 with a relaxed pace geared to families and beginners.

Where do we meet for the walk?

Participants typically meet at Reiman Gardens’ main entrance a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

How long is the walk?

Expect about one hour of standing and short walking segments at an easy pace.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Programs may be adjusted or canceled; check the booking/referral link for updates and notifications.

Accessible Birding at Reiman Gardens: Birdability Spring Walk in Ames, Iowa

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, stages a calm, inclusive introduction to spring migration with the Birdability Bird Walk led by the director. This one-hour walk threads through garden paths, mixed plantings and small water features that attract warblers, sparrows, and migrating songbirds. Designed to be accessible for participants aged five to 105, the walk combines close listening for songs with slow, point-and-look stops so sighted and low-vision birders can each take part. The route visits formal beds, native prairie plantings, and shady tree lines where early migrants alight. Expect to hear the clipped chipping of sparrows, the buzzy song of warblers, and the high notes of swallows as they sweep the edges of the gardens. A few ponds and wetland plantings work as microhabitats here, drawing waterfowl and emerging amphibians in spring; these small aquatic elements make the gardens an outsized birding spot within an otherwise agricultural landscape. What makes this offering special is its accessibility paired with expertise: the walk is led by the gardens’ director, whose slow, descriptive approach opens birding to people with varying mobility and sensory needs. Binoculars are often shared and descriptions are specific—calls, field marks, and behavior are emphasized over checklist pressure. That personable instruction blends with the intimate scale of the gardens to produce big encounters in a compact visit. For visitors staying in Ames, this program is a low-effort way to plug into local natural rhythms without a long drive. It’s also a family-friendly introduction to field biology: children can learn to identify basic species and to listen for habitat cues that predict where birds will be. The walk’s timing during spring migration amplifies variety—peak mornings deliver the highest chances for new arrivals. Practical details: plan on a mostly paved, gently graded route; expect standing and short strolls for about an hour. Dress in layers for April and May mornings, and bring hearing aids or a companion if you rely on amplified descriptions. The program’s relaxed pace makes it ideal for beginners, older adults, and families. Participants typically gather at the gardens' main entrance a few minutes before start time; staff check in and go over mobility accommodations and route adjustments. The director frequently highlights seasonal plant-bird relationships, pointing out early-blooming shrubs and nectar sources that help fuel migration. For photographers, a small telephoto lens and a quiet shutter technique work best to capture movement without disrupting birds. Advance online registration is advised when spring programming fills up. Bring patience.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.