The Birdwalk is Back for 2026!
Sponsored by
Concept
Bellevue Forward is developing a creative, community-centered initiative that blends environmental education, urban ecology, and public art in a playful and engaging way. The Brickvue Birdwalk invites residents of all ages to build bird models out of LEGO bricks, which will then be installed throughout the borough in trees and other natural areas as part of a self-guided walking tour.
Participants will pay a small entry fee ($5–$10) to select a species of bird to recreate, embracing creativity over realism. These whimsical models will be perched in designated trees across Bellevue, creating a vibrant public art trail. Accompanying the installations, a printed and digital directory will guide participants through the borough’s neighborhoods, encouraging exploration and discovery.
A core educational component of the Brickvue Birdwalk will center on urban forestry and biodiversity. Each tree hosting a LEGO bird will be identified by species, accompanied by information about local birds, native tree types, and the broader ecological role of Bellevue’s urban canopy. This aligns with the event’s broader goals: fostering environmental stewardship, encouraging outdoor activity, and deepening public understanding of the flora and fauna that share our urban environment.
Key collaborators include the Bellevue Shade Tree Commission, whose expertise supports the ecological education goals of the project. Additional partnerships and collaborations are welcome.
Proceeds from the event will support local environmental and educational efforts, including the Bellevue Elementary LEGO Club and future community tree-tending workshops. The Brickvue Birdwalk exemplifies Bellevue Forward’s commitment to creative placemaking and community engagement, offering imaginative, inclusive programming that cultivates community pride, learning, and a deeper connection to place.
Images
Needs + Goals
Volunteer Opportunities
- Seeking 10-20 volunteers to accomplish the tasks, including, but not limited to:
- Bird model collecting
- Bird model placement
- Community build events
- Staking signs
- Tabling at Bellevue Night Market
- Making a digital map of the bird placement
- Photography
- Social media promotion
- Graphic design
- Maps
- Signs
- Printing and mounting on signs
Goals
- 50 registrants (minimum)
- 50 models (minimum)
- Secure sponsorships/partnerships/collaborations (in-kind or otherwise)
- Fundraising goal to cover costs (ultimately a break-even program)
- $10 per registrant at 50 minimum = $500 (minimum)
- “100 registrants” = $1,000 (ideal)
- “100+” = the more the better
- Monetary donations beyond registrants
Tentative Schedule
- Taking flight in September!
Purchase the 2025 Brickvue Birdwalk photo book – sales support growing the birdwalk program
2025 Map
Walking Route Starting at Wunderbar (Bellevue, PA)
- Begin at Wunderbar. (fuel up!)
- Walk down Lincoln Avenue to North Harrison Avenue.
- Turn left on North Harrison and continue up to Teece Avenue.
- Turn right on Teece/North Fremont, then follow it to Dawson Avenue. Walk down to Dawson Avenue to North Balph Avenue.
- Cross North Balph Avenue and continue down Dawson Avenue to North Sprague Avenue.
- Walk up North Sprague until you reach the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, then cut through the church property to North Jackson Avenue.
- Follow North Jackson back to Lincoln Avenue. Cross Lincoln Ave so you’re on the side of Moochi & You.
- Walk down Lincoln to Balph Avenue, cross to walk up North Balph Avenue then cut through Bayne Park to Teece Avenue.
- Take Teece Avenue to North Howard Avenue.
- Follow North Howard to Lincoln Avenue.
- Walk to Fremont Avenue, cross Lincoln Avenue, and return to Wunderbar. (fuel up again!)
Communication
📝 Host Tree Request Letter
Subject: Want to Host a LEGO Bird in Your Tree? 🐦✨
Dear Neighbor,
Bellevue Forward is hatching a new, whimsical community project—and we’d love your help!
We’re launching a creative walking tour called Brickvue Birdwalk, where neighbors of all ages will build colorful LEGO bird models. These birds will be “perched” in trees throughout Bellevue to create a fun, family-friendly experience that blends art, nature, and community.
We’re reaching out to see if you’d be willing to host one of these birds in a tree on your property—either in your front yard, visible from the sidewalk, or somewhere that visitors can safely view from the public right-of-way.
Hosting a bird means:
- Giving us permission to temporarily install a small LEGO bird in a tree (usually zip-tied or gently mounted).
- Staking a sign in your yard that details information such as the designer of the board, the type of tree, and other interesting bits of information related to urban forestry.
- Helping us keep an eye on it during the short tour period.
- Being part of something creative and unexpected in our community!
If you’re interested or have questions, please reach out by [insert contact info or form link]. We’ll coordinate timing, placement, and everything else with you directly. No trespassing signs will be provided to you for free.
Thank you for helping bring a little extra magic to Bellevue!
Warmly,
RJ Thompson
Founding Chair
Bellevue Forward
call/text 4127797665
bellevuepa.us/brickbirds
🪧 Bird Installation Sign Text
🐤 Meet the Brick Bird!
This tiny creature was built by a Bellevue neighbor as part of our Brickvue Birdwalk project—a community tour of LEGO birds perched in local trees. This tree is a [TYPE] and [PRESENT FACTS]. [PRESENT ADDITIONAL FACTS]
💡 Built for fun. Placed with permission.
🌳 Please don’t touch or remove.
📍 Learn more at: [website or QR code]
💚 Instagram this bird and tag @BellevueForward
Disruption Deterrent
Here are a few creative, low-cost strategies you could consider to minimize theft of the LEGO bird models while still making the project approachable and fun:
🧷 1. Secure Mounting Methods
- Zip ties or fishing wire: Use clear or color-matched ties to fasten birds to branches or trunks inconspicuously. Also – create the illusion of flight!
- Small wire cages or domes: House birds in wire cloches or hanging mesh globes—protective, but still viewable.
- Wooden platforms: Mount birds on small wooden plaques that can be screwed or strapped into place temporarily.
🎨 2. Disincentivize Theft with Personalization
- Sign the base: Each bird could have the builder’s name or initials on it—making it personal and less appealing to steal.
- QR Code tags: Attach QR tags that link to builder stories, the route map, or educational blurbs. This adds a community value layer that theft disrupts.
🚫 3. Location Strategy
- Higher placement: Install birds slightly out of reach—low enough to see, high enough to deter grabbing.
- Involve private properties: Ask residents along the route to “host” birds in trees close to their homes, providing passive oversight. Provide no trespassing signs to private residents that are participating.
🛡️ 4. Create a Culture of Respect
- Include signage: A simple “Built by your neighbor! Please don’t remove” message can go a long way.
- Community campaign: Build in a lead-up effort about respect, stewardship, and shared spaces, e.g., “Help keep the flock flying!”
🦉 5. Designate “Watchbirds”
- Assign volunteers to check on specific zones once a day (or every couple of days). This could be part of the fun—like a mini patrol system.