From left, Annemarie Read of Travis Audubon, Birdability founder Virginia Rose and Birdability executive director Cat Fribley are seen here on an accessible birding outing at a Blair Woods Nature Preserve in Austin, Texas. (Provided photo — Mike Fernandez/National Audubon Society)

KEENE — A third of American adults enjoy birding. But how many more could experience the joy of connecting with wildlife if birdwatching became safe and welcoming for more people? Cat Fribley and Virginia Rose of Birdability will share their stories at the free virtual event “Birdability: Enhancing Access to Birding & Nature” hosted by the Adirondack Land Trust on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Birdability (birdability.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access and inclusivity for birdwatchers with disabilities and other health challenges. On Jan. 28, Birdability Executive Director Cat Fribley and founder Virginia Rose will discuss the Birdability Map, a crowdsourced guide to accessible birding locations around the world, and share practical insights on how to remove barriers that prevent people from birding. Sign up for this free virtual event online at adirondacklandtrust.org/event/birdability/.

“The Adirondacks offer unique birding experiences, but mountainous habitats can be challenging for anyone to navigate safely,” said Adirondack Land Trust Stewardship Manager Derek Rogers. “I’m excited to hear more about Cat and Virginia’s adventures in birding and what the Adirondack Land Trust can do to make our preserves welcoming and safe destinations worthy of the Birdability Map.”

The Adirondack Land Trust owns Glenview Preserve near Saranac Lake and High Meadow Preserve outside Lake Placid. While both properties are currently closed to the public, future plans include accessible wildland trail networks.

“Birding can be a real entry point for folks with disabilities to access the natural world, and land trusts in particular play a vital role in moving access forward,” said Fribley, who has been birdwatching in all 50 states. “The investment the Adirondack Land Trust is making to develop access features at their preserves made this event a natural partnership as we all advocate for expanded access to the outdoors.”