KENT, Conn. — The Kent Land Trust recently partnered with SOAR Experiences, Laurie Doss, students from Marvelwood School, and Kent Parks and Recreation to host an accessible outdoor adventure on Skiff Mountain focused on bird banding, community science and inclusive access to nature.
Participants experienced an up-close introduction to bird banding, learning firsthand about bird research, migration tracking and conservation efforts.
Guided by Kent Land Trust Director Laurie Doss and Marvelwood School students, attendees also explored the use of the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to identify birds by sight and sound while contributing observations to community science efforts.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came as participants gently held wild birds before their safe release back into the forest. Several birds already carried identification bands from previous years, highlighting the ongoing importance of long-term conservation research.
A defining feature of the event was accessibility. Thanks to the generous support of SOAR Experiences, specialized all-terrain track chairs made it possible for participants with mobility challenges to independently explore trails that otherwise would have been inaccessible. SOAR Experiences also provided training and support throughout the day, ensuring every participant could comfortably experience the woods.
“We’ve heard many stories about how SOAR Experiences is changing lives,” said Melissa Cherniske, Kent Land Trust program manager, “and during this event, we saw it with our own eyes.”
For several attendees, the experience carried profound emotional significance. Two participants shared that they had not been in the woods in more than five years despite once being avid outdoor enthusiasts. During the event, they not only returned to the forest but also held birds in their hands for the first time in years.
Organizers noted that many participants arrived feeling uncertain or anxious about what the day might bring. By the end of the experience, those feelings had transformed into gratitude, joy, confidence and renewed possibility.
“Days like this reminded us how powerful it is to create opportunities for everyone to experience nature,” said Cherniske. “Accessibility was not just a goal for this event — it became a reality.”
All bird banding was conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Kent Land Trust extended heartfelt thanks to SOAR Experiences, Laurie Doss, Marvelwood School students, and all participating partners and volunteers who made the day possible.