Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Thursday April 24 5:00pm EDT

Sunny Meadows Garden Center, 7437 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713

Spring Native Plant Sale: Pre-order!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Pre-order and day-of shopping options available!This fundraiser supports the Monarch Waystation grant program and educational activities of The Monarch Alliance, a program of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society! [/vc_column_text]......More

Sunny Meadows Garden Center, 7437 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713

Tuesday May 6 9:30am - 3:00pm EDT

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Case Nature Center Open Day

Join us for a day of discovery at Case Nature Center!PVAS Host: PVAS Nature Center Docents Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. Visit us at the Case Nature Center! Meet our friendl......More

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Tuesday May 6 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Big Slackwater Boat Ramp, Sharpsburg, 21782

Wellness Walk at the C&O Canal Towpath at Big Slackwater

Join Ellen Murphy for a lively walk!PVAS Host: Ellen Murphy Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants. Join us for our May Wellness Walk along the C&O Canal Towpath, starting at Big Slackwater and journeying to Dam #4 before returning for a picnic. This scenic stretch of the towpath offers stunning, unobstructed views of the Potomac River as the trail winds along rocky riverside cliffs. Along the way, we’ll pass interpretive signs that share the rich history of the canal. At Dam #4, we’ll experience the raw power of the water as it pours over the structure, filling the air with its roar and even sending a vibration through the ground. Originally built to supply water to the canal, the dam has also harnessed hydroelectric power for over a century. The C&O Canal Towpath is a perfect place to enjoy nature, history, and good company. Don’t miss this opportunity for a peaceful walk through a beautiful and fascinating landscape! At the end of the walk, we will enjoy a picnic together! Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less.Pace/Activities: Moderate (steady but able to maintain a conversation)Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail Mostly flat, some gentle slopesRestroom: There are restrooms available at Big Slackwater.Parking/Where to Meet: Ellen will send a detailed email to registered participants.What to Bring: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes! Bring a lunch for the picnic!Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled. Read our Program Policies. About our Host: Ellen is retired from PVAS (and a former National Park Ranger and Girl Scout Camp Director). With PVAS, she taught the Watershed Program, taught general environmental education for PK-5th grades, and directed Audubon Discovery Camp for 11 years. She has been a Master Naturalist since 2007. Her favorite word is “Look” and my favorite place is Yankauer Nature Preserve. She and her husband Kevin have been married for 39 years, residents of WV for almost 30 years, and “parents” to a series of pound puppies (currently #8 and 9).

Big Slackwater Boat Ramp, Sharpsburg, 21782

Tuesday May 6 10:00am - 2:00pm EDT

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

RESCHEDULED: Volunteer Workday at Eidolon Nature Preserve

We recently expanded the parking lot at Eidolon and now volunteers are needed to help with the finishing touches!PVAS Host: KC Walters Free and open to the public. Please note that we may not have an age-appropriate task for children, as these volunteer workdays are gea......More

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Wednesday May 7 9:30am - 11:30am EDT

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve

Join us for a turtle-filled morning at the Case Nature Center!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required Connect with the amazing animals at the Case Nature Center/Cool Spring Preserve! Watch Willow the Wood turtle, Scute the Box turtle, and the rest of PVAS’s Animal Ambassadors as they munch their food and get exercise while a PVAS representative shares information about these wonderful creatures in our care. Beginning at about 10:30, you are invited to explore the preserve’s trails on your own self-guided hike or join one of our program instructors for a group hike. Our guided hike will highlight the unique sights and seasonal happenings in the preserve at that time of year. To enhance your experience, we offer an optional take-along activity to enjoy during your hike. Activities will vary each month and may include items like binoculars to borrow, a scavenger hunt, and more. If you would like to join the group hike, our program instructors will announce that they’ll be leading a hike for anyone who wants to join. All you have to say is “I’m coming!” and you are all set! Optional Donation This program is offered at no cost, but we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to help support program expenses and staff time. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. You can donate online here, or you donate at the time of the program by cash or check (made payable to “Potomac Valley Audubon Society”). Walking Distance: Little to no walking for the first part of the program. Walking distance will vary for the optional hike depending on a variety of factors including participant interest and ability.Exposure: This event is generally held indoors, though depending on the amount of people that show up and weather conditions, we may hold some of this program outside near the back, covered deck of the Case Nature Center.Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.Parking/Where to Meet: After parking in the gravel lot, go through the main entrance/top floor of the Case Nature Center right next to the parking lot.What to Bring: Dress for the weather in case we go outside for part of the program.About Amy: Amy is our Lead Teacher and Naturalist. She first worked for PVAS starting in 2012 as a camp counselor for three summers and then as camp director in 2015. While studying at Towson University, Amy interned with the National Aquarium and Irvine Nature Center and worked for the University’s Office of Sustainability as a Compost Educator. Amy was also very involved in her university’s Outdoor Adventure program where she worked as an Outdoor Trip Leader, Kayak Clinic Instructor, Challenge Course Facilitator and Climbing Gym Supervisor. After earning her BA in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Informal Environmental Education in 2015, she served as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps member, working as a naturalist at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland. Most recently, Amy worked as a field instructor at the Mountain Institute at Spruce Knob, West Virginia, where she led students on backpacking trips and taught Watershed Education programs. In her free time, Amy enjoys backpacking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking and cross-country skiing.

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Wednesday May 7 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, 213 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443

PVAS Monthly Program: Legislative Currents: 2025 Water Policy & Environmental Outcomes in West Virginia

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society welcomes Maria Russo, policy specialist at WV Rivers Coalition.PVMN Continuing Education Eligible This in-person program is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome to attend. PARKING: Both Shepherdstown City parking and Shepherd University Campus parking are available. A map of city parking is here. Meters are not enforced after 6 pm. Spots along High Street are recommended.A map of campus parking is here. You may park in any of the Red lots. C and A are closest to the Byrd Center. Part of B lot is gated, but you may park in any spots near the Facilities building that are not behind the gate.SCHEDULE 6:30 PM: Social time with light refreshments. In order to reduce waste, we are asking that people bring their own mugs. 7:00 PM: Presentation begins!8:00 PM: Approximate end of the program – though it may last longer depending on questions and discussion!We will also be offering this program virtually! Here is the Zoom link so you can join in from home. If you are not able to attend live, in-person or virtually, you can view a recording of the Monthly Program presentation later! We typically post the recording within several days. Presentation Description – Join Maria Russo, Policy Specialist at West Virginia Rivers Coalition, to discuss the impacts and outcomes on environmental protection and water policy from the 2025 West Virginia legislative session. We will discuss key bills that did and did not make it across the finish line, including those that dealt with data centers, aboveground storage tanks, and threats to drinking water protections. This discussion will be followed by a Q&A. . About the Presenter:Maria was raised on a small farm in Shenandoah Junction and went on to attend Brown University, earning Bachelor’s Degrees in both Public Policy and Latin American Studies. Early in her career, Maria worked on restorative drug policy and criminal justice campaigns, supporting grassroots organizing efforts and public policy advancement. More recently, Maria worked as a Lobbyist with the West Virginia Environmental Council, helping to pass the PFAS Protection Act and other legislation that supports environmental protection in the state of WV. As the Policy Specialist at WV Rivers, Maria hopes to combine policy progress with community engagement to ensure effective participation in shaping the future we hope to see.

Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, 213 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443

Saturday May 10 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

Bird Walk at the Walsh Property (near Charles Town)

Join Karli Rogers and Heather Walsh for a morning bird walk at Heather’s property!PVAS Host: Heather Walsh, Karli Rogers Free and open to the public. This program is for adults. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 2 par......More

Saturday May 10 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Red Fox Farm, Smithsburg, MD

Bird Walk at Red Fox Farm

Join Wil Hershberger and Lynne Cherry for a guided bird walk through the diverse habitats of Red Fox Farm, an old farm homestead circa 1940 bordered on two sides by Cunningham Falls State Park.PVAS Host: Wil Hershberger, Lynne Cherry This is a free/donation-based program. For ages 12 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. The property features a rich variety of habitats including apple orchards, fields (one fallow and managed for Indigo Buntings), blackberry thickets, rock outcroppings, ponds, wetlands, and streams fed by several natural springs. Many species of birds are found here, including warblers (Redstarts, Golden-winged, Blue-winged), goldfinches, and a variety of woodpeckers (pileated, red-bellied, sapsuckers, flickers). Wood Ducks often nest at one of the three ponds, and thickets around the springs are frequented by warblers, while birds bathe in the stream that flows from a small pond. Amphibians such as newts, salamanders, frogs, and toads lay eggs in the wetland area. The log farmhouse and barn, built in 1840, add to the charm of this historic landscape. Before and after the walk, enjoy bagels with cream cheese and other snacks. Don’t forget to bring bottles to collect delicious spring water from the bubbling springs on the property. You will also have the opportunity to take a tour of Lynne’s original children’s book illustrations! Image credit: Blue-winged Warbler, Gary Robinette/Audubon Photography Awards Walking Distance: Approximately 1 – 2 miles.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: There will be varying levels of exposure, as this property has diverse habitat.Terrain: Grass and other earthen paths. Generally flat, with one optional steep hill.Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms will be available.Parking/Where to Meet: You will be emailed detailed driving and parking directions before the program. The farm is about 10 minutes from the Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center.What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather (including a hat), and bring water. We also recommend you wear waterproof shoes and pants, as the group will be walking through the grass, which may be wet. If you have them, binoculars and cameras are recommended. You may also want to consider installing free birding apps creating by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology to your mobile device: 1) Merlin (which helps you identify birds!) and 2) eBird (which you can use to submit your sightings!)Additionally, at this program you will have the special opportunity to gather spring water, so bring bottles if you intend to do so!Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Wil: Wil Hershberger is a lifelong naturalist whose award-winning photography and sound recordings reflect more than a decade of dedicated observation of the natural world. His work, especially of birds, frogs, and insects, has been published in books, magazines, and calendars, and his recordings are archived at the Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wil and his wife Donna share their passion for nature through their West Virginia-based business, Nature Images and Sounds, LLC. Learn more at natureimagesandsounds.com. About Lynne: Lynne Cherry is a renowned author, illustrator, and environmental educator whose deep connection to nature shines through her 30 award-winning children’s books, including The Great Kapok Tree and A River Ran Wild. Her richly illustrated stories, often set in ecologically significant environments, have inspired generations of young readers to care for the natural world. Her art and storytelling have been used to launch environmental campaigns and performances in schools, and her book Flute’s Journey even helped protect a Maryland forest. Lynne is also the producer/director of the Young Voices for the Planet film series, which empowers youth to take climate action with optimism and courage. She has served as artist-in-residence at institutions like NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest in Costa Rica, and her work has been recognized with numerous fellowships and awards. Through her books, films, and talks, Lynne continues to inspire a reverence for nature and a belief that every person—especially young people—can make a difference. You can read more about Lynne on her website at https://www.lynnecherry.com/.

Red Fox Farm, Smithsburg, MD

Saturday May 10 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Ferry Hill Mansion,

Nature Journaling at Ferry Hill

Join Master Naturalists Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara for Nature Journaling!PVAS Host: Deana Thorsell, Noah Alcantara Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Come out to enjoy our Spring wildflower walk at Ferry Hill Ridge and possibly walk along the C&O Canal with Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara to experience birds singing, wildflowers blooming and life along the Potomac River. We could see some Squirrel Corn, Dutchman’s Breeches, Wild Ginger, Dwarf Larkspur, Cutleaf Toothwort, and Spring Beauty, to name just a few. We will meet at the Ferry Hill Mansion parking area at the top of the hill just over the bridge across from Shepherdstown. We’ll walk the trail(s) around Ferry Hill and stop and enjoy the beauty of the massive trees that line the driveway to the mansion. Some of the areas may be steep. Dress for the weather and come with your nature journal supplies and water to drink. We’ll share ideas and say hello, meander the trails at our own pace, and eventually return to the same spot to add details to our work and share our inspirations.Whether you’ve been keeping journals for years, or a budding beginner, we welcome you to come out to enjoy Nature Journaling in the company of other enthusiasts. Should you have questions or would like to know more about nature journaling, please email Deana Thorsell at [email protected] or call 304-264-6335. Walking Distance: Approximately 1 -2 miles.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Mostly shadedTerrain: Earthen trail with some hilly, rocky sections that could be slippery when wet Steep in some areas.Restroom: Restrooms are not available at this site.Parking/Where to Meet: We will meet at the Ferry Hill Mansion parking area at the top of the hill just over the bridge across from Shepherdstown.What to Bring: Come with your nature journal supplies, a chair (if you’d like), water, and an open mind to trying new materials and techniques!Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our Program Policies. About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it! About Noah: Noah has a deep passion for science, nature, and the environment, as well as a strong desire to give back to a program that has given him so much. Through the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS), he has gained invaluable knowledge and experiences by attending various events over the years. He learned to identify birds not only by sight but also by sound through Birding 101 and guided bird walks. He was awarded two scholarships to summer camps, including Hog Island, further enriching his connection to nature. Noah’s love for art led him to explore nature journaling with his grandmother. Many people believe they aren’t artistic enough to keep a nature journal, but he has discovered that even a simple notation, a collected leaf, a photograph, or a quick sketch can transport you back to that moment, helping you reflect on your observations, thoughts, and emotions. In 2022, becoming a Master Naturalist felt like the natural next step in his journey. While he may not be the same six-year-old who was once obsessed with birds, he remains just as eager to learn, explore, and give back. His goal is to inspire others who have yet to discover how incredible PVAS truly is. Noah is currently attending Shepherd University, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.

Ferry Hill Mansion,

Monday May 12 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Bird Walk at Eidolon Nature Preserve

Join Potomac Valley Master Naturalists, JP Miller and Kris Phillips, for a bird walk along some of the trails at Eidolon Preserve.PVAS Host: Kris Phillips, JP Miller Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. This program has a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 15 participants. We will explore some of this secluded preserve during the last couple of hours of sunlight to look and listen for birds preparing for their evening. Some species we may observe include a Yellow-bellied Cuckoo, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Wood-pewee, Cedar Waxwing, American Redstart and if we are lucky, a Cerulean Warbler. The Full Moon Walk at Eidolon will begin after this bird walk (learn more here). Anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. Walking Distance: We will walk approximately 2 miles through the woods along paths with some uphill and downhill portions.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop) to Moderate. There will be time to stop, look and listen throughout the walk.Exposure: Forested/dense canopy cover or open fieldTerrain: Hard ground/hiking trail – though depending on conditions some areas of the trail may be wet/soggy. Steep in some areas.Restroom: There is a port-o-pot located at the parking lot.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet in the parking lot inside the gate at 6 pm.What to Bring: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths. Dress for the weather, and bring water and snacks. Bring a pair of binoculars for better viewing of the birds. Any type of binoculars will help. We will have a couple of pairs of binoculars for people to borrow. You may also want to consider installing free birding apps creating by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology to your mobile device: 1) Merlin (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) and 2) eBird (https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/).Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled. Read our Program Policies. About Kris: Kris is a Potomac Valley Master Naturalist and enjoys birding, gardening and cooking. She has been participating in the MD and DC Breeding Bird Atlas, which is wrapping up its fifth and final year. About JP: JP is a Potomac Valley Master Naturalist and enjoys birding wherever he finds himself. He has been participating in the MD and DC Breeding Bird Atlas as he advocates for awareness and stewardship of the natural world. Photo courtesy of JP Miller.

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Monday May 12 9:00pm - 10:30pm EDT

Yankauer Preserve, 438 Whitings Neck Road, Martinsburg, WV, 25404, United States

Full Moon Walk at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Join Sonja for an evening stroll to explore the sights and sounds of the nocturnal world under the full moon!PVAS Host: Sonja Melander Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited t......More

Yankauer Preserve, 438 Whitings Neck Road, Martinsburg, WV, 25404, United States

Monday May 12 9:00pm - 10:30pm EDT

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Full Moon Walk at Eidolon Nature Preserve

Join Allen for an evening stroll to explore the sights and sounds of the nocturnal world under the full moon!PVAS Host: Allen Miller Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to ......More

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2145 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Tuesday May 13 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Land, 138 Tupelo Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk

Join Bill Telfair and Master Naturalist Scot DeGraf for a morning bird walk at Rolling Ridge Conservancy!PVAS Host: Bill Telfair, Scot DeGraf Free and open to the public. For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limit......More

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Land, 138 Tupelo Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV

Tuesday May 13 9:30am - 3:00pm EDT

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Case Nature Center Open Day

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Tuesday May 13 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Weed Warrior Training

Become a PVAS Weed Warrior!PVAS Host: KC Walters Free and open to the public. For ages 12 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible If you want to volunteer at our nature preserves, but can’t make it to the scheduled volunteer workdays, this training is for you! Our Associate Director of Conservation and Operations – KC Walters – will lead this PVAS Weed Warrior Certification training. Certified Weed Warriors will be given the knowledge and the tools needed to tackle invasive species at the preserves on their own schedules. Plus, they will be connected with other Weed Warriors to work together. No work gloves or tools are needed for the training, but long pants and bug spray are recommended. After successful completion of training, participants will become certified PVAS Weed Warriors! This certification comes with distinction, an awesome t-shirt to wear while performing duties, and exclusive access to the best tools of the trade. Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About our Host: Katelyn (KC) Walters, a Shepherdstown native, is our Associate Director of Conservation and Operations. KC is a Shepherd alumna, and holds a M.S. in Biology, with a focus in forest ecology, from James Madison University. Her master’s thesis evaluated the long-term effectiveness of treating hemlock trees for hemlock woolly adelgid infestation in Shenandoah National Park. During her college education, she interned with The Conservation Fund: Freshwater Institute and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. After graduation, she worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in southeastern Louisiana where she served as a forestry technician and became a certified Wildland Firefighter. KC then returned home to Shepherdstown and worked with Sustainable Solutions LLC as the Lead Natural Resources and GIS Technician. She joined the PVAS Team in April 2018 as the Land and Conservation Manager. Just shy of five years later, in January 2023, KC was promoted to the Associate Director position she holds today. KC enjoys riding horses, working with her dog, Paisley, on agility training, and stewarding the natural resources on her own property.

Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States

Wednesday May 14 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

Sundogs B&B, 255 Silver Spring Rd, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

Bird Walk at Sundogs Bed and Breakfast

Join us for a scenic spring bird walk at Sundogs Bed and Breakfast, where we’ll explore lush gardens and grasslands during the peak of migration!PVAS Host: Nancy Kirschbaum, Carol Winckler Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. All birding enthusiasts, from beginners to experts, are welcome! Join us for a guided bird walk at the stunning garden and grassland preserve of Sundogs Bed and Breakfast during the peak of spring migration. We’ll be on the lookout for vibrant species such as Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows, Prairie Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, Great Crested Flycatchers, and a variety of migrating warblers. For those interested, an optional extension at the end of the walk will take us just half a mile down the road to the public parking lot at Dam #4 on the Potomac River, where we’ll search for Green Herons, Swallows, and more warblers. A heartfelt thank-you to Peggy Bowers for generously opening this beautiful property for our birding adventure! Photo credit: Lorraine Minns/Audubon Photography Awards Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles, with an easy option to return to the cars for those who prefer a shorter walk.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: The group will often be at the woods’ edge and open meadows, so expect areas of full sun.Terrain: Mostly mowed grass/earthen trail. Fairly level groundRestroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available. Note that access requires going up/down stairs.Parking/Where to Meet: Park in the Sundogs Bed and Breakfast parking lot. The group will gather by the parking lot.What to Bring: The grass may be wet in the morning, so wear sturdy, waterproof or water-resistant shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Ticks can be active in May, so consider wearing long pants, high socks, and bug spray for extra protection. Bring water to stay hydrated, and if you have them, binoculars and cameras will enhance your birding experience. For those interested in bird identification and tracking, you may want to download the free birding apps from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Merlin (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) and eBird (https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/).Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our Program Policies. About Nancy: Nancy’s interest in birds began with a bird feeder that her dad built. On a fourth grade field trip to a bird banding station, she got to hold and release an American Goldfinch, and she became a confirmed lifelong birder. Nancy has participated in many bird counts and breeding bird atlas projects. She met her husband, Elliot, on a Baltimore Bird Club field trip, and they have traveled and birded together for over forty years. Nancy is a retired elementary school teacher and a member of PVAS and the Maryland Ornithological Society. About Carol: Carol has had an interest in birding since childhood when grandma would take her for walks on the family farm in Illinois, letting her hold her bird book and look through her binoculars. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has been a Master Naturalist since 2017. She became a PVAS member in 2007 while taking her first Birding 101 class. She continues to enjoy participating in bird walks, helping teach birding classes, and take part each year with the Christmas Bird Count and Birdathon.

Sundogs B&B, 255 Silver Spring Rd, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

Thursday May 15 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Sunny Meadows Garden Center, 7437 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713

Plant Sorting for the Spring Native Plant Sale - Day 1

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sign-up to volunteer to sort plant pre-orders for the Spring Native Plant Sale!Free and open to the public. For ages 16 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. PVMN Volunteer Credit Eligible. We......More

Sunny Meadows Garden Center, 7437 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713

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Spring Native Plant Sale: Pre-order!

Case Nature Center Open Day

Wellness Walk at the C&O Canal Towpath at Big Slackwater

RESCHEDULED: Volunteer Workday at Eidolon Nature Preserve

Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve

PVAS Monthly Program: Legislative Currents: 2025 Water Policy & Environmental Outcomes in West Virginia

Bird Walk at the Walsh Property (near Charles Town)

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Nature Journaling at Ferry Hill

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Case Nature Center Open Day

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