The public can help make the nesting process easier for birds by building a nesting box during a workshop Feb. 18 at Paynetown State Recreation Area on Monroe Lake.

For many birds, late winter is the time for mating and preparing a nest for early spring chicks. Providing a nesting structure offers a chance to watch a new generation hatch and fledge in your backyard.

The workshop is at 2 p.m. and involves assembling and decorating a wooden nesting box designed for a hairy woodpecker.

Participants must register in advance by Feb. 13 at bit.ly/nestboxfeb18. There are eight nesting box kits available for $15 per kit. Two people are allowed to work on the same kit.

Naturalist Jill Vance will discuss the hairy woodpecker’s mating and nesting behaviors during the workshop, which will last 90 minutes to two hours.

Admission to Paynetown SRA at 4950 S. State Road 446, Bloomington, is free during winter.