Carleton Place binocular loan program offers free binocular rentals for birdwatching along local trails and wetlands
Bird lovers, casual wanderers and curious kids now have a new reason to flock to downtown Carleton Place.
The Town of Carleton Place has launched a new binocular loan program through the Visitor Centre at 170 Bridge St., giving residents and visitors a free opportunity to spot herons, ducks, warblers and other feathered locals along town trails and wetlands this spring.
“It’s really about amplifying the assets we already have,” said Jessica Hansen, the town’s manager of Recreation and Culture. “Birdwatching is becoming a trendy thing within Lanark County because our county has so many beautiful trails and systems that other places don’t.”
The idea hatched after staff began discussing ways to encourage more people outdoors during spring and fall bird migrations. Along with 10 sets of loanable binoculars, the town also created birding brochures highlighting local hotspots including the Roy Brown Trail, Riverwalk Trail and stretches of the Beckwith Trail system.
“Not everybody has binoculars,” Hansen said. “What if we purchased some binoculars that were available for loan and people could go out and enjoy the whole experience without needing to buy binoculars?”
The project was fully funded through a $1,600 grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, with support from TD Carleton Place branch manager Kayla Millar.
The binoculars are free to borrow for 24 hours. Visitors simply need to provide photo identification and contact information.
“We don’t want you to keep them,” Hansen laughed. “Because they’re not cheap either.”
Hansen settled on Nikon Prostaff 8×30 binoculars featuring Nikon clarity, waterproof construction, durability and eco friendly glass that is lead free and arsenic free.
The launch has also sparked an unexpected side effect: birdwatchers sharing tips and sightings with one another.
Hansen said local birders quickly responded with trail suggestions, sightings and advice after the town asked residents to share their favourite birdwatching spots.
“We got some really fabulous and thoughtful responses from residents,” she said. “People were showing us this program called eBird where you can track species sightings, and others were sending us lists of birds they’ve seen and where they found them.”
Some residents even followed up later with new discoveries from local trails.
“They’re feeling a sense of ownership of it, which is so beautiful,” Hansen said. “They feel compelled to help see it through.”
The town also hopes to launch guided birdwatching walks this fall led by experienced local birders.
Until then, Hansen says the goal is simple: grab a pair of binoculars, head outside and maybe discover that the tiny chirping blur overhead is actually a goldfinch instead of “just some little brown bird.”
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