This spring, Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) invites people in the community to look up, listen closely and get to know the birds along the Susquehanna River a little better. Three Introduction to Birding workshops will be offered on Saturday, March 28, each designed for a specific age group.

A 10 a.m. session will be geared toward families. An 11 a.m. session will address adults, and a 12:30 p.m. session will introduce teenagers to birding. While each session is tailored for its specific audience, all share the same goal: helping participants connect with their feathered neighbors and the river landscape they call home.

Sarah Gotwols, a Lancaster County native who has spent countless hours on land and water observing birds and other wildlife in the region, will lead the program.

"We've worked with Sarah before on birding walks and lectures, but this is the first time we've offered this workshop series," said Sonya Vayansky, program manager for SNHA. "Sarah has a real talent for welcoming beginners into birding, and we're always looking for engaging ways to help people explore and enjoy the parks, trails and outdoor spaces within the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. This felt like a natural fit."

Participants can expect a friendly, low-pressure introduction to birding at the workshops, Vayansky said.

"They'll learn practical skills, like how to use binoculars, field guides and bird-identification apps, along with tips for spotting and identifying birds in the field," she remarked. "It's also a great chance to meet others who share an interest in nature and to learn from an experienced birder who knows our region well."

The workshop for families will introduce the basics of birdwatching in a hands-on, kid-friendly way, designed to keep young birders curious and engaged outdoors. The adult session will cover core birding skills, as participants are introduced to bird identification basics, while the program for teens will encourage youths to pursue a new outdoor hobby as they learn beginning identification skills and how to record their sightings.

Gotwols leads birdwatching walks throughout the year with the Lancaster Conservancy and the Lancaster County Bird Club. She has also been a presenter with SNHA aboard the historic tour boat Chief Uncas and at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage.

Holding a program like the birding workshop is important to SNHA, Vayansky said.

"Connecting people to the natural and cultural resources of York and Lancaster counties is central to our mission," she said. "When people spend time outdoors and build a personal connection to these places, they're more likely to care about protecting them. Workshops like this give people the confidence and tools to experience our parks and trails in a new way - and to see them as places worth preserving."

There is a per-person charge for the workshops. Children and teens under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Adults accompanying teens to the teen workshop do not need to register or pay for a ticket. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars, if possible, although some will be available to borrow during the program. To register for a workshop, visit https://susqnha.org/events.