Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Tuesday September 22 4:00pm - 6:30pm 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

Wednesday September 23 9:30am - 2:30pm EDT

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

Wee Naturalists at Yankauer: Monarch Migration

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Session Theme: Monarch MigrationPVAS Host: Amy Thomas $12/child (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). The program is designed for children ages 3–5, but welcomes curious and adventurous two-year-olds to join in the nature-based fun. Each registered child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. They may have up to two adults and one sibling under two years old accompany them for free and without registering. Siblings above five are not permitted to attend. Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants. This class is all about the amazing monarch butterfly! We’ll study their life cycle, their amazing migration journey to Mexico, and even pretend to migrate just like them as we play a migration game. We’ll also go on a flower and pollinator safari and do a craft using flowers!Click here to learn more about the Wee Naturalist program and to see all the Wee Naturalist program dates. Click here to learn more about the Wee Naturalist program and to see all the Wee Naturalist program dates. Walking Distance: Wee Naturalists will need to be able to hike approximately ¼–½ mile with short breaks, and/or the adult caregiver is willing to carry them for part of the hike if needed.Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting location.Parking/Where to Meet:The group will meet at the pavilion near the start of the trail.What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring whatever else you need to be ready to explore (water, snacks, etc). Please remember that we ask guardians are actively supporting and engaged with their child(ren) to help them, and others, get the most out of the activities.Register Here for the morning session (9:30-11 am)!Register Here for the afternoon session (1 - 2:30 pm)!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: Amy is a PVAS Program Specialist. 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.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Wednesday September 23 10:00am - 12:30pm 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

Friday September 25 10:00am - 12:30pm 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

Saturday September 26 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

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

CANCELED | Full Moon Walk at Yankauer Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This event has been canceled because the guide is no longer available on this date. We are looking forward to the October full moon walk! Join Sonja for an evening stroll to explore the sights and sounds of the nocturnal world under the full moon!PVAS Host: Sonja Melander $5/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). Kids 4 years and under may attend for free and without being registered. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants. If the sky is clear, we will hike by the light of the full moon along the trails at Yankauer Nature Preserve. If the evening is cloudy, we will still enjoy an evening stroll as a group. Regardless of the weather, we will enjoy the unique sights, sounds and smells of the nocturnal world together! Please note that Yankauer Nature Preserve is normally open only from dawn to dusk, but is accessible at night through special nighttime events like these. We hope you join us! Walking Distance: 1-1.5 milesPace/Activities: Moderate – steady but able to maintain a conversation. The group will make several stops along the way to regroup and to discuss interesting things we are noticing or thinking about! This hike typically involves a longer stop at the Potomac River overlook to pause and enjoy the nighttime environment.Exposure: Forested/dense canopy coverTerrain:Hard ground/hiking trail. Gentle slopes/rolling hills. The paths at Yankauer have a lot of roots and rocks and can be slippery when wet.Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting location.Parking/Where to Meet: Yankauer Nature Preserve has about 20 parking spaces. The group will assemble by the kiosk/sign near the composting toilets.What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a flashlight! When the ground is wet, the trail can be slippery, so you may want to consider bringing a walking stick.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 Sonja: Sonja is the Associate Director of Education for the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. She has been leading guided group nature walks for over a decade. She loves exploring different habitats under all sorts of weather conditions, by both daylight and moonlight and – when needed – flashlight! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Tuesday September 29 8:00am - Monday October 5 6:00pm EDT

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

StoryWalk® at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Enjoy a storybook on a nature walk at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Susannah Olsen Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required A StoryWalk® is a great ......More

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

Tuesday September 29 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2146 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Eidolon Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Eidolon 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 the......More

Eidolon Nature Preserve, 2146 Orleans Rd., Great Cacapon, WV, 25422, United States

Wednesday September 30 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

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

10 Year at Cool Spring: A Community Celebration

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join us to celebrate PVAS’s 10 year anniversary at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: PVAS staff & volunteers Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. No registration require......More

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

Friday October 2 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT

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

October Outdoor School: Not-So Creepy Crawlies

October’s Theme: Not-So Creepy CrawliesPVAS Educator: Ellie George $200/child (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). This price includes all of the Outdoor School sessions for the month. Registrations after the first session will be prorated. For kids ages 6-10. Pre-registration is required and limited to 8 participants. This program has a minimum of 2 participants. Join us this October for a month-long Halloween extravaganza! Learn all about the animals (and some plants) that have a bad reputation for being spooky, yucky, or just downright weird. We will explore the true lives of carrion feeders, study real animal skulls, learn about poisonous plants, and get hands-on experience with nature’s cleanup crew – cockroaches and worms! October dates: October 2, October 16, October 23, and October 20. Note that we are skipping October 9 because that is the day of our Trail of Bones event. Click here to learn more about Outdoor School. 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 Ellie: Ellie is a PVAS Program Specialist. She is a lifelong resident of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. She grew up in the woods of western Berkeley County, where she discovered a great love for wild spaces and outdoor exploration. Ellie holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Shepherd University with a minor in English. Between semesters and after graduation, she gained experience in a number of roles including camp counselor for underserved youth in Morgan County, intern at the National Conservation Training Center, a college lab assistant, and program development and nonprofit administration at a local food security organization. She also spent time working at an organic vegetable farm to fuel her ardent need to be outdoors. She joined Potomac Valley Audubon Society for the first time as an AmeriCorps Environmental Educator for the 2022-2023 school year and summer camp season. After her term expired, she avidly volunteered with PVAS whenever possible, and worked part time for the 2025 summer camp season. She settled into her role as Cool Spring Camp Director and Program Specialist in 2026. Ellie is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies, with the possibility of continuing to a master’s degree. She resides in Berkeley County. In her free time, she can be found reading, crafting, cooking (especially with foraged ingredients,) and listening to, performing, and writing music.

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

Sunday October 4 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

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

EcoCraft Workshop | Design Your Own Nature Junk Journal

Join us for a calming, creative workshop where nature and recycled treasures come together in your own unique journal.PVAS Host: Susan Wolcott, Deana Thorsell $10/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 25 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants. During this workshop, participants will learn what a junk journal is, how to use one, and how to transform everyday recycled materials into meaningful, creative pages. Using existing journals or creating one during this session, participants will tear, cut, paste, and layer papers from reused items such as receipts, envelopes, paper bags, magazines, old book pages, greeting cards, labels, ribbon, and more. They can design and add pockets, envelopes, tuck spots, and decorative elements, turning simple scraps into personal treasures. We will gather under the pavilion at Yankauer Nature Preserve, where participants can relax, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy a calm yet creatively energizing atmosphere. Junk journaling is both soothing and exciting there is freedom in knowing there is no single “right” way to create. No two journals will ever be the same each one reflects the personality and creativity of its maker. Participants may choose to write in their journal, use it as a memory or treasure book, or continue adding pages and found items long after the workshop ends. Junk journaling centers on recycling and reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded, giving new life to paper scraps and everyday items while encouraging thoughtful, sustainable creativity. Participants are encouraged to try something new, embrace the process, have fun, and enjoy making art in a supportive, relaxed environment. Walking Distance: About a half milePace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Forested with dense canopy coverTerrain: Hard ground/hiking trail. Some rolling hills.Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the start of the trailParking/Where to Meet: The group will meet at the pavilion near the start of the trail.What to Bring: Please bring a composition notebook (new or used) or some other book that is 24 pages or less (like a childrens book). Go on a scavenger hunt in your home to find glue, odds and ends of paper items, ussed greeting cards, ephemera, old magazines, old books, photos to insert in your book, double sided tape, old mail (flyers, postcards, advertisements, greeting cards, envelopes), business cards, lace/ribbon, stamps and ink, stickers, labels from clothing, hole puncher, playing cards, etc. The idea is to use items you would normally throw away to make them into something else to use in your journal. We will also bring items to share with the group, so it is okay if you do not have all these things.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 Suan:Susan earned her Master Naturalist certification in 2022. As a lifelong maker, Susan enjoys many creative pursuits, and especially likes working with paper and in nature. She has explored journal making for several years and finds the process satisfying and relaxing. She is interested in projects and activities that help people make a connection with nature. She also has a keen interest in edible and medicinal plants. “ One of the great things about being older is that I have a lot of knowledge to share. 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! “

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

Wednesday October 7 9:30am - 2:30pm EDT

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

Wee Naturalists at Cool Spring: Nuts about Nuts!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Session Theme: Nuts about Nuts!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas $12/child (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). The program is designed for children ages 3–5, but welcomes curious and adventurous two-year-olds to join in the nature-based fun. Each registered child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. They may have up to two adults and one sibling under two years old accompany them for free and without registering. Siblings above five are not permitted to attend. Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants. Some are spikey some are smooth and round and some fly through the air. Seeds and nuts are everywhere! October is a great time to go on a seed and nut scavenger hunt! After a nut themed storytime, hike and craft, you and your little one will be nuts about nuts! Click here to learn more about the Wee Naturalist program and to see all the Wee Naturalist program dates. Walking Distance: Wee Naturalists will need to be able to hike approximately ¼–½ mile with short breaks, and/or the adult caregiver is willing to carry them for part of the hike if needed.Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.Parking/Where to Meet: Check in at the back deck near the bottom of the stairs next to the Case Nature Center.What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring whatever else you need to be ready to explore (water, snacks, etc). Please remember that we ask guardians are actively supporting and engaged with their child(ren) to help them, and others, get the most out of the activities.Register Here for the morning session (9:30-11 am)!Register Here for the afternoon session (1 - 2:30 pm)!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: Amy is a PVAS Program Specialist. 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.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

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

Bird Walk on the C&O Canal Towpath at Town Creek Aqueduct, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, 21555

Bird Walk on the C&O Canal Towpath at Town Creek Aqueduct

Join JP Miller and Kris Phillips for a bird walk along the C&O Canal starting and ending at the Town Creek Aqueduct.PVAS Host: Kris Phillips, JP Miller 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 10 people participants. This program has a minimum of 2 participants. Join JP Miller and Kris Phillips for a bird walk along the C&O Canal starting and ending at the Town Creek Aqueduct. This area is nestled between the Potomac River and Green Ridge State Forest, making it ripe for some great birding. We will look and listen for birds along and in the canal next to the trail. Some species we may observe include Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Common Raven, and Eastern Towhee. Anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills Walking Distance: 3 miles: 1.5 miles towards Oldtown then 1.5 miles back to Town CreekPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Mixed shade/sunTerrain: Asphalt and gravel. Little to no elevation changeRestroom: There are no restroom facilities at the meeting location.Parking/Where to Meet: Meet in the Town Creek Aqueduct parking area at 9:30am (Google maps link). From the town of Paw Paw, once you cross the Potomac River, travel approximately 5.5 miles along Rt. 51 (Rt. 9 turns to Rt. 51 once you cross the river) and make a left at the sign for the Town Creek Aqueduct. Travel another approximately 0.5 miles on the gravel road, which ends at the Aqueduct.Information on NPS websiteInformation on C&O Canal Trust websiteWhat to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the gravel path. Dress for the weather. 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.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 Kris: Kris is a Potomac Valley Master Naturalist and enjoys hiking, birding, gardening and cooking. She never goes outside without her binoculars. About JP: JP enjoys birding wherever he finds himself. He advocates for awareness and stewardship of the natural world everywhere he goes.

Bird Walk on the C&O Canal Towpath at Town Creek Aqueduct, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, 21555

Wednesday October 7 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

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

Nature's Palette Watercolor Workshop: Saw whet owl

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join us for a monthly celebration of nature, creativity, and curiosity! This month’s subject is the Saw-whet owl!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: credit: iNaturalist, georgeh04[/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 October 7 6:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

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

Master Naturalist Open House at the Byrd Auditorium in Shepherdstown

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join Potomac Valley Master Naturalists to learn about the program!PVAS Host: Potomac Valley Master Naturalists Free and open to the public. This program is for adults. Registration is not required Are you passionate about the natural w......More

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

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

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

Monthly Program | Saw-whet Owl Monitoring: Banding and Research at Lamb’s Knoll, MD

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Potomac Valley Audubon Society welcomes Doug Inkley, Station Manager at Lambs Knoll Master Banding Station!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 6:00 PM: Master Naturalist Open House6:30 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 Doug Inkley, Station Manager at the Lambs Knoll Master Banding Station, for an engaging look at the research and conservation efforts focused on the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Operated entirely by volunteers, Lambs Knoll is part of Project Owlnet, a continent-wide monitoring program that has helped reveal important patterns in owl populations and migration. Doug will show how the team of research volunteers conducts the owl monitoring work at Lamb’s Knoll. He will also discuss the broader findings and impacts of Project Owlnet research, uncovering where these tiny owls travel and the challenges they face. Join us to learn more about how we learn about these tiny nocturnal predators swooping over ridges in darkness on their fall migratory path! Image credit: Laura FrazierAbout the Presenter: Doug is a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Prior to his retirement Doug was the Senior Scientist for the National Wildlife Federation. Doug has experience banding passerines, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse. He has been banding NSWOs (and the occasional eastern screech owl) at Lambs Knoll since 2016. Doug assumes the Manager position at the Lambs Knoll Master Banding Station in 2026. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Friday October 9 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

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

Trail of Bones

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Enjoy a Halloween hike on the “Trail of Bones” at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas $12/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is ......More

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

Saturday October 10 10:00am - 1:00pm EDT

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

Nature Journaling at Poor House Farm Park | Color, Change, and Letting Go

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Join Jessica Ramey for Nature Journaling!PVAS Host: Jessica Ramey Free and open to the public. 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 Color, Change, and Letting Go: October invites us to slow down and notice transformation. Journal vivid fall colors, shifting textures, fallingleaves, and the graceful process of letting go as the landscape prepares for winter. 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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

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