Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Monday August 3 9:00am - Friday August 7 3:00pm EDT

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

FULL | Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Camp Survivor (entering grades 1-6)Get ready for one of our most popular camp sessions, Camp Survivor! This camp is all about learning those all-important outdoor survival skills. Campers will come away with many essential skills, incl......More

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

Monday August 3 9:00am - Friday August 7 3:00pm EDT

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

Discovery Camp: Everything Outdoors

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everything Outdoors (entering grades 1-6)Everything Outdoors Camp is your chance to get in on all of your favorite summer camp activities! This is the week to do EVERYTHING that makes camp exciting, from crafts, to fort-building, to co......More

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

Monday August 3 9:00am - Friday August 7 3:00pm EDT

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

Discovery Camp: Nature Skills

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nature Skills (entering grades 7-12)This camp session is perfect for middle and high school campers who are interested in developing their outdoor skillset in a fun and welcoming environment. Campers will hone their survival skills and......More

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

Friday August 7 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Shepherd University Swift Tower, 604 University Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

A Swift Night Out!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Celebrate Chimney Swifts in Shepherdstown during ‘A Swift Night Out’!PVAS Host: KC Walters Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, youth (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, just stop by! PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible A Swift Night Out is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about and encourage interest in Chimney Swifts and Vaux’s Swifts. How to Participate: Start by meeting us at the Chimney Swift Tower off of University Drive near Dunlop Hall on Shepherd University’s campus.Visit all five stations we will have set up at the tower to learn all about Chimney Swifts. After visiting all the stations, you will receive a sweet Swift treat!After receiving your treat, hangout and wait for the Chimney Swifts to arrive. Be prepared to witness a mesmerizing bird display!Please contact KC Walters at [email protected] with any questions you may have. 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. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Shepherd University Swift Tower, 604 University Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

Saturday August 8 9:30am - 3:00pm EDT

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

Nature Center Open House

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join us for a Special Weekend Open House at the Case Nature Center!PVAS Host: PVAS Nature Center Ambassadors Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not re......More

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

Sunday August 9 12:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Rachel Caron Homestead, 613 Marion Ave, Springdale, PA, 15144

Rachel Carson Homestead Field Trip

Explore the childhood home of Rachel Carson with the Rachel Carson Fan Club!PVAS Host: Annie Young $20 for seniors, $8 for children 12 and under, $23 for all others. (members receive 10% discount) These fees cover the entrance fees to the Rachel Carson homestead. You may also purchase an iron-on transfer for the Rachel Carson Fan Club for $3 each, which you can add to a shirt, sweatshirt, tote bag, and more (see photo below)! For ages 7 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. Note that registration closes the evening of Wednesday, August 5. Limited to 20 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Join the Rachel Carson Fan Club for a rare opportunity to visit the Rachel Carson Homestead, just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rachel’s love of nature began in the fields and woods surrounding her childhood home and eventually inspired Silent Spring, the groundbreaking book that launched the modern environmental movement. This is a special chance to explore the home where Carson’s remarkable journey began! We’ll gather at 12:00 p.m. for a picnic lunch before enjoying the nearby Sensory Trail, where we’ll take time to experience nature much as Carson did, with curiosity, wonder, and all of our senses. Afterward, we’ll tour the Homestead with expert docents from the Rachel Carson Homestead Association. To help everyone coordinate carpools, registration will close early on Wednesday, August 5. Space is limited, and this special tour is available by appointment only, so we hope you’ll join us for this unique adventure! photo credit: Craig Varga Walking Distance: About a mile or lessPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Mostly shadedTerrain: The Homestead has limited accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors, including parking access, restroom and first floor. The second floor is accessible by old, steep, narrow stairs.Restroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the homestead (https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6TctfkKnrWpd53X7) at noon for the group to be able to enjoy their lunches at the picnic tables together and walk the sensory trail the homestead. The tours will begin at 1 pm. Registered participants will be sent a link to be able to share carpooling needs/preferences. Carpooling groups will need to meet at approximately 8 am, depending on the location.What to Bring: Bring a packed lunch to enjoy with the group at the picnic tables by the homestead. You may also want to bring a method of payment for the gift shop.Register Here!If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled. Read our pricing structure & policies. About our Host: Annie Young has been working in various roles for PVAS for 20 years. She helped pilot and instruct the Watershed Initiative for fourth graders, created curriculum and led Wee Naturalists, led field trips, created community programming for visiting artists and biologists held at Cool Spring Preserve and volunteered for events. She has her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from UVA and is the owner and director of Rainbow Montessori School , a nature-based preschool in Charles Town. Annie’s favorite things are spending time with her daughter in nature and crafting with found materials.

Rachel Caron Homestead, 613 Marion Ave, Springdale, PA, 15144

Monday August 10 8:00am - 10:30pm EDT

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

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Yankauer Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Yankauer Nature Preserve!PVAS Host: Alexus Smetzer Free and open to the public. Please note that we may not have an age-appropriate task for children, as these volunteer workdays are geared towards ages 16+. Children under 16 are welcome to attend, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for planning purposes. If you do not register, we cannot contact you about event changes or cancellations. PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible Summer is the BUSIEST time at the Nature Preserves! Help us maintain the trails and preserve features for summer campers and all of our visitors. All hands are welcome and helpful! Walking Distance: Approximately 1 milePace/Activities: Moderate to leisurely with several breaksExposure: Mostly under canopy coverTerrain: Dirt covered hard ground/walking trailRestroom: Composting toilets on siteParking/Where to Meet: The group will meet in the front parking lotWhat to Bring: Participants should wear sturdy, close-toed footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Bring your work gloves, a refillable water bottle, and any accessories that will help you stay comfortable.Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]About Alexus: Alexus is a recent Shepherd University graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies with a focus in aquatics. During her time there she worked in the aquaponics laboratory at “Tabler Farm”, was a member of Pi Epsilon, and served on the executive board for her sorority Delta Zeta that was very active in the community. Alexus has always had a love for conservation and is very excited to work with the PVAS team! Alexus loves being in nature, hiking, reading and spending time with her two dogs Clover and Banks as well as her two cats Spruce and Juniper.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Monday August 10 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA, 20132, United States

Wellness Walk at Sweet Run State Park

Let’s get outside and enjoy the trails together!PVAS Host: Ellen Murphy This is a free/donation-based program. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants. Join us for our Wellness Walk at Sweet Run State Park, Virginia’s newest state park, tucked into the rolling hills of northwestern Loudoun County. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, this beautiful landscape invites exploration of clear-running streams, quiet woodlands, and traces of a 19th-century farming community that once thrived here. As we meander through the well-maintained, shaded trails, we’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of nature—from birdsong overhead to the rustling of leaves underfoot. The park’s blend of natural and cultural history offers both a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the past. Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less.Pace/Activities: Moderate (steady but able to maintain a conversation)Exposure: Mostly shadedTerrain: Earthen trail with some hilly, rocky sections that could be slippery when wet Depending on the path the group chooses to take, you can expect some elevation gain.Restroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the parking lot at https://maps.app.goo.gl/vwgumN2BdKHmX2L1A. Please note that there is a $10 per vehicle parking fee at Sweet Run State Park.What to Bring: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes!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 pricing structure & 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).

Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA, 20132, United States

Monday August 10 9:00am - Friday August 14 3:00pm EDT

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

Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

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

Monday August 10 9:00am - Friday August 14 3:00pm EDT

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

Discovery Camp: Woodland Theater

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Woodland Theater (entering grades 1-6)Woodland Theater Camp is the perfect place to express your creativity and imagination. Our theater camp is unique from others, as it challenges campers to create their own stories, characters, scri......More

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

Tuesday August 11 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

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

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join Bill Telfair and Master Naturalist Scot DeGraf for a morning bird walk at Rolling Ridge Conservancy!PVAS Host: Bill Telfair, Scot DeGraf This is a free/donation-based program. For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants. Explore the habitat and the bird life with others on the gorgeous trails of Rolling Ridge Conservancy, the largest privately-owned wilderness area near Washington DC and along the entire Appalachian Trail. Anyone with an interest in birding is welcome to join trip leaders Bill and Scot as they explore some of the 1500 acres of protected woodlands. These walks are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Click here to see a list of birds seen in past Augusts! (Some places may not have an eBird list for that month, so that is a great opportunity for you to add the birds you see at this bird walk!) Rolling Ridge Conservancy welcomes donations, which can either be accepted on the morning of the walk or through their website (https://www.rollingridgeconservancy.org/donate). Please ask Bill or Scot how your donations will help foster their mission. Walking Distance: ~2-3 milePace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Forested with dense canopy coverTerrain: Earthen trail with some hilly, rocky sections that could be slippery when wet Mostly flat, some gentle slopesRestroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at 138 Tupelo Ln, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. The buildings in this area are in a circle and people can park anywhere off the circle.What to Bring: Please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring along drinking water, and dress for the weather. Walking poles are encouraged. Binoculars will be available for anyone who needs them.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 pricing structure & policies. About Bill: Bill has been birding since he was 8 years old. He has been on EBird since 2003, with a life list of 1,820 and a US list over 500. He has participated in Christmas Birds counts in both CA and WV, as well as the C&O bird count for 10 years. About Scot: Scot is a Potomac Valley Master Naturalist. Photo credit: Scot DeGraf[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Tuesday August 11 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT

National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443

CIT Reward Day

CITs- join us for a special reward day in gratitude for your help this summer!PVAS Host: Laurel Schwartz, Ellen Murphy This is a free program in gratitude to the Counselors-in-Training (CITs) who served with PVAS at Summer 2026 camps! Only CITs from 2026 summer camp may register. Pre-registration is required. Registration will close one week before the program on July 31, due to NCTC needing a participant list in advance. This program has a minimum of 10 participants. Counselors-in-Training who are registered to volunteer for at least one camp session this summer are invited to attend a CIT Reward Day at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV! We hope you’ll join us to learn about wildlife, filmmaking, aquatic sciences, and environmental history- including an archives tour. Participating CITs will meet career professionals in different conservation fields, and will have a rare chance to explore the NCTC campus, which is not generally open to the public, except during special events. This exciting opportunity is made possible by the Friends of NCTC and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. You won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy a day of fun and learning with your fellow Counselors-in-Training! CITs who participate in the reward day and are signed up for a CIT session during the week of August 10-14 are excused from CIT service for the day. All CITs are highly encouraged to attend as a reward for their hard work this summer. Lunch is available for purchase on-site (around $10). Registration is required for this reward day! Walking Distance: 2 miles or less. We may go for a short hike on NCTC property.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full exposure/clear view of the sky.Terrain: Dirt covered hard ground/walking trail, rocky, some steep slopes. Gentle slopes/rolling hillsRestroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available.Parking/Where to Meet: Parents/ Guardians must bring a valid government-issued form of ID to enter the NCTC facility. You may drive up to the visitor’s center entrance at the main entry building to drop CITs off for the day.What to Bring: Please bring either money for lunch (between 10 and 18 dollars. Cash or credit/ debit card is fine), or bring a packed lunch. Keep an eye out for email communications, as it is always possible that the cafeteria will be closed on the day that we visit. In that case, packed lunch would be the only option. CITs may also choose to bring a notebook or nature journal to take notes during the presentations. Cameras are welcome as well!Register Here!Registration will close on July 31. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Laurel: Laurel Schwartz is a PVAS Program Specialist. Since September 2021, she has managed PVAS’s 4th Grade Watershed Program. Additionally, she is the Audubon Discovery Camp Director. You can read more about Laurel here: https://www.potomacaudubon.org/team/laurel-schwartz/ About Ellen: 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).”

National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443

Tuesday August 11 5:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, 4069 Back Creek Valley Rd., Hedgesville, WV, 25427, United States

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve!PVAS Host: Alexus Smetzer Free and open to the public. Please note that we may not have an age-appropriate task for children, as these volunteer workdays are geared towards ages 16+. Children under 16 are welcome to attend, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for planning purposes. If you do not register, we cannot contact you about event changes or cancellations. PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible Summer is the BUSIEST time at the Nature Preserves! Help us maintain the trails and preserve features for summer campers and all of our visitors. All hands are welcome and helpful! Walking Distance: less than 1 milePace/Activities: Moderate to leisurely with several breaksExposure: Mostly exposedTerrain: Grass covered hard ground/walking trailRestroom: No restrooms, but plenty of “facili-trees”Parking/Where to Meet: The group will meet in the front parking lotWhat to Bring: Participants should wear sturdy, close-toed footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Bring your work gloves, a refillable water bottle, and any accessories that will help you stay comfortable.Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Alexus: Alexus is a recent Shepherd University graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies with a focus in aquatics. During her time there she worked in the aquaponics laboratory at “Tabler Farm”, was a member of Pi Epsilon, and served on the executive board for her sorority Delta Zeta that was very active in the community. Alexus has always had a love for conservation and is very excited to work with the PVAS team! Alexus loves being in nature, hiking, reading and spending time with her two dogs Clover and Banks as well as her two cats Spruce and Juniper.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, 4069 Back Creek Valley Rd., Hedgesville, WV, 25427, United States

Tuesday August 11 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

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

Nature's Palette Watercolor Workshop: Great Rhododendron

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join us for a monthly celebration of nature, creativity, and curiosity! This month’s subject is the Great Rhododendron, the state flower of West Virginia!PVAS Hosts: Lindsay Chase, Deana Thorsell $15/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). For ages 12 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. This program has a minimum of 4 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Join us each month as we explore a new corner of the natural world through watercolor. We’ll begin by getting to know the month’s theme—whether it’s a bird, plant, or seasonal scene—through a short, engaging lesson. Then we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a watercolor painting inspired by that subject, using reference photos we provide. The process is great for beginners—no experience is necessary! Along the way, we’ll chat about fun facts, artistic details we notice, and whatever else comes up in good company. You’ll head home with a beautiful watercolor creation: maybe a 5×7” greeting card or a piece worthy of your fridge or a frame. Come ready to learn, create, and enjoy the process—together. Walking Distance: Little to no walkingRestroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet upstairs, inside the Case Nature Center.What to Bring: Supplies will be provided, but we welcome you to bring any favorite supplies of yours that you would like to use!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 pricing structure & policies. About our instructor, Lindsay Chase: Lindsay has always loved all things nature, from birds to bugs to wildflowers and everything in between. After moving to West Virginia in 2024, she fell even more in love with all the wild and wonderful beauty of the region. Her joy and sense of place has only grown through her involvement with PVAS and completing the 2025 Master Naturalist program. Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her passion for nature, creativity, and connection with her community. 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! Photo credit: iNaturalist, rflora[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Wednesday August 12 9:30am - 3:00pm EDT

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

Case Nature Center Open Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join us for a day of discovery at Case Nature Center!PVAS Host: PVAS Nature Center Ambassadors Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. Visit ......More

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

Wednesday August 12 1:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

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

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Alexus Smetzer Free and open to the public. Please note that we may not have an age-appropriate task for children, as these volunteer workdays are geared towards ages 16+. Children under 16 are welcome to attend, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for planning purposes. If you do not register, we cannot contact you about event changes or cancellations. PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible Summer is the BUSIEST time at the Nature Preserves! Help us maintain the trails and preserve features for summer campers and all of our visitors. All hands are welcome and helpful! Walking Distance: Approximately 1 milePace/Activities: Moderate to leisurely with several breaksExposure: Mostly under canopy coverTerrain: Grass covered hard ground/walking trailRestroom: Port-o-pot on siteParking/Where to Meet: The group will meet in the front parking lotWhat to Bring: Participants should wear sturdy, close-toed footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Bring your work gloves, a refillable water bottle, and any accessories that will help you stay comfortable.Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Alexus: Alexus is a recent Shepherd University graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies with a focus in aquatics. During her time there she worked in the aquaponics laboratory at “Tabler Farm”, was a member of Pi Epsilon, and served on the executive board for her sorority Delta Zeta that was very active in the community. Alexus has always had a love for conservation and is very excited to work with the PVAS team! Alexus loves being in nature, hiking, reading and spending time with her two dogs Clover and Banks as well as her two cats Spruce and Juniper.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Wednesday August 12 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT

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

Weed Warrior Training at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Become a PVAS Weed Warrior!PVAS Host: KC Walters and Alexus Smetzer This is a free/donation-based program. For ages 12 and older. All youth (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. This program has a max of 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. If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled. 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.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Saturday August 15 10:00am - 1:00pm EDT

Poor House Farm Park, Poor House Rd, Martinsburg, WV, 25403

Nature Journaling at Poor House Farm Park | Dragonfly Days

Join Jessica Ramey for Nature Journaling!PVAS Host: Jessica Ramey This is a free/donation-based program. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 12 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Capture the energy of late summer as dragonflies, insects, and vibrant activity fill the air. Sketch, note patterns, and engage your senses in a playful exploration. Walking Distance: Approximately 1 mile, though it could be longer.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail in some areas, mowed grass in other areas. Gentle slopes/rolling hills, though there may be some steeper areas the group may choose to take.Restroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the pavilion near the pond.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. If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled. Read our pricing structure & policies. About our Host: Jessica lives in Martinsburg, WV and is a middle school science and special education teacher with a passion for helping others connect with the natural world. Her journey into nature journaling began after attending the Hog Island Audubon Society summer camp for educators, sponsored by PVAS. Since then, she has embraced journaling as a way to slow down and deepen her connection to nature. She leads a nature journaling club at her school and is currently a Master Naturalist candidate through PVAS. Jessica is excited to lead this program and hopes participants of all ages—regardless of artistic ability—will discover the joy of observing and documenting the natural world through words, drawings, and personal reflections.

Poor House Farm Park, Poor House Rd, Martinsburg, WV, 25403

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FULL | Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

Discovery Camp: Everything Outdoors

Discovery Camp: Nature Skills

A Swift Night Out!

Nature Center Open House

Rachel Carson Homestead Field Trip

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Wellness Walk at Sweet Run State Park

Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

Discovery Camp: Woodland Theater

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk

CIT Reward Day

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve

Nature's Palette Watercolor Workshop: Great Rhododendron

Case Nature Center Open Day

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

Weed Warrior Training at Cool Spring Preserve

Nature Journaling at Poor House Farm Park | Dragonfly Days

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Pelham Jewish Center

Potomac Valley Audubon Society

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