Appalachian Ecology Institute Workshops
These 1-to-4-day field-oriented workshops are designed for the amateur or professional naturalist (ages 18+) who are interested in learning more about the natural history and ecology of the central Appalachians.
Certificates of completion will be provided to all attendees and no experience is required, other than ability and gear for hiking rocky terrain on Hawk Mountain trails. Housing or camping on site may be available for an additional fee.
Scholarship opportunities are available via our IDEA Fund; click here to apply. Courses are Act 48 eligible. Contact Laurie Goodrich at [email protected] or Rebecca McCabe at [email protected] to inquire.
Birdwatching for Beginners
Saturday, May 30, 2026
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us for this full-day fun workshop on bird-watching for beginners. Are you curious about how to begin to learn your birds? Or what tools you might need? You do not need to have any advance knowledge to join us for this one day field exploration where we get you started on a new hobby and way to explore nature. Come learn about the books, apps, and binoculars that are suited for beginners and how to use them. Discover the common birds found in forest and fields of Pennsylvania, and how to identify by sight and sound. We will explore Hawk Mountain and nearby areas, make a bird list for the day, and get you started on a new hobby! With the Bird Atlas underway this is a great time to begin learning your birds and contributing to the Atlas data collection even from your backyard!
Registration required. Limited to 10 participants.
$100, $85 for Members & Students
Appalachian Forest Ecology & Tree Identification
Sunday, June 14, 2026
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Together we will explore the diversity and ecology of Appalachian trees and shrubs of Hawk Mountain in this full-day workshop. Dr. Chris Sacchi, Kutztown University professor, and HMS science staff will share how to identify common trees and shrubs of Appalachians, and how to understand and measure trees, tree seedlings and their communities. The workshop will take place at Hawk Mountain and compare trees found on ridges to those in valleys. Join us to learn your Appalachian trees and foster a new appreciation for their interesting ecology! The morning will be spent learning how to identify trees and plants in the forest, while in the afternoon we will explore the forest community and learn how ecologists study or measure forest communities.
Registration required. Limited to 12 participants.
$100, $85 for Members & Students
Dragonfly and Damselfly ID and Natural History for Beginners
Saturday, Aug 1, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
This workshop will focus on the natural history of dragonflies and damselflies of Berks County, PA. About 90 species of these acrobatic insects can regularly be seen in the county. Dr. Todd Underwood, Kutztown University Biology Professor, will give a morning lecture on the life cycle of dragonflies and damselflies and how to identify the families and common species found locally. Ponds at Hawk Mountain will be explored to practice identification and capture and release techniques before lunch. After lunch, an offsite field trip will be made to the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area, a very diverse wetland complex, to view more species of dragonflies and damselflies.
Registration required. Limited to 12 participants.
$100, $85 for Members & Students
Migration Magic: Enjoying Neotropical Migrant Birds on the Move
Saturday, Sept 12, 2026 to Sunday, Sept 13, 2026
6:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Sat) and 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Sun)
Birdwatching is a fast-growing pastime and viewing bird migration along the Mountain can be a thrilling introduction to birds and their identification. Neotropical birds are a subset of birds that travel from North to South America along migration corridors each fall. Hawk Mountain is well known for its concentration of neotropical migrants in fall and birdwatching is an exciting way to enjoy nature. Geared towards novice and intermediate birdwatchers, Dr. Terry Master will provide an introduction to neotropical birds, their identification and migration behavior, and provide attendees with the tools to continue their education after the workshop. Participants will be sent a pre-recorded Zoom lecture one week prior to the course. During the two-day field component, Dr. Master and the group will explore different habitats on and around Hawk Mountain to find and identify migrating songbirds and raptors. The workshop will also include a brief introduction to trapping and banding songbirds.
Registration required. Limited to 10 participants.
$200, $175 for Members & Students
Introduction to Raptor Field Techniques
Thursday, Oct 29, 2026 to Sunday, Nov 1, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily
This four-day workshop builds your skills in raptor field techniques and offers insight on how biologists study raptors. Learn new methods, or hone existing skills, at the birthplace of raptor conservation during fall migration. You will receive hands-on training in raptor identification, trapping methods, handling, proper measurement techniques, blood sampling, surveys, telemetry, and more. Small class sizes ensure individual participation and training as students assist biologists on active research projects. No special experience is necessary, and the class is open to the public. Note: intermediate hiking uphill on rocky, uneven terrain and extensive time outside in different types of weather.
Deposit of $100 due at registration. Limited to 8 participants per class.
$700, $650 for Members & Students