Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Friday December 19 8:00am - Sunday January 4 6:00pm EST

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

StoryWalk® at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]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......More

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

Friday December 19 8:00am - Sunday January 4 6:00pm EST

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

StoryWalk® at Yankauer Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Enjoy a storybook on a nature walk at Yankauer Nature 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® ......More

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

Sunday December 21 All Day

Jefferson County WV

Christmas Bird Count - Charles Town Circle

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Christmas Bird Counts have been an Audubon Society community science tradition for over 100 years!PVAS Host: KC Walters This event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible Get engaged with community science! Birders of all experience can support research to better understand the trends and health of bird populations in our area. To learn more about the history of the Christmas Bird Count and where the data goes, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign-Up Now!” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fevents.civicchamps.com%2Forganizations%2F3134%2Factivities%2F293008|target:_blank”][vc_column_text css=””]How to Participate:Individually – If you live in the Charles Town area, you may count birds at your home feeders and report the results. Please click here to check the map to see if you are in the Charles Town Circle. If so, please register below and then print the Charles Town tally sheet to record your observations. All birders, regardless of experience, are welcome to participate in counting birds at home feeders!In a Group – You may also like taking a more active role by registering as a team of birders and heading out in the fields. Get together with your team to drive to the various locations, or, in your own vehicle, join a caravan of birders. Each team will be assigned a section within the Charles Town Circle and will keep a Charles Town tally sheet. Seasoned birders are encouraged to claim a section. Beginner birders, please reach out to KC Walters to be paired up with as seasoned birder.Important Information:Maps: Here is a link to the entire Charles Town Circle. After registration, you will be sent a map highlighting your individual section. The maps can be printed out from your home computer or downloaded to your phone for use in an interactive application, Avenza Maps. Check out this YouTube video to learn how to use Avenza Maps.Tally Sheet: This checklist may be used by those birding at home as well as those birding a section in a group. Your completed tally sheet can be emailed to [email protected] Rally: Gather with fellow CBC birders at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring at 5:00pm to share in a delicious potluck meal and talk about awesome sightings from the day! Tallying the birds will begin at 6:00pm. You can join via Zoom for the reporting out of results!Find more information, visit Christmas Bird Counts or email KC Walters. Please also consider joining in the Inwood Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, January 4th, 2026! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jefferson County WV

Sunday December 21 7:30am - 10:30am EST

USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, 407 Reservoir Road, Kearneysville, WV

Charles Town Christmas Bird Count: Guided Participation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join Carlo and Heather for the Charles Town Christmas Bird Count at USGS!PVAS Host: Carlo Olivares, Heather Walsh 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 10 participants. Join trip leaders Carlo and Heather for a guided Christmas Bird Count experience at USGS! This hands-on outing is perfect for anyone interested in becoming part of a time-honored community science tradition. Under their guidance, you’ll learn how to conduct a Christmas Bird Count—from spotting and identifying birds to recording observations that contribute to a nationwide conservation effort. All are welcome, no birding experience required. After the count, you’re invited to return to Cool Spring in the evening for the optional Tally Rally, where birders from across the Charles Town circle gather to enjoy good food, tally the day’s sightings, and swap stories from the field. Come learn, explore, and be part of a festive day of birding and community! The property has a mix of open ponds and woods, with excellent wetland quality and diverse bird species! Click here to see a list of birds seen in past Decembers! (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!) Walking Distance: ~ 2-2.5 mile, with the option of dropping out at the midpointPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Very little to no shade.Terrain: Asphalt, gravel, and mowed grass. The route is generally flat.Restroom: No restrooms are available.Parking/Where to Meet: Park in the lot along Reservoir Rd here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FmsL7ZBdT6YybPFF7. The group will assemble near the parking area along Reservoir Rd.What to Bring: Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring along drinking water. Bring binoculars and/or a camera if you have them!Register Here!About Carlo: Carlo got hooked on bird-watching through PVAS on one of our bird walks last winter. Since then Carlo has learned how to identify various local and migrant birds through sight, sound, and flight patterns. Carlo hopes to grow his knowledge and guide others on their bird-watching journey. About Heather: Heather Walsh has worked at the EESC for 17 years as a fish biologist. Her research focus is to better understand how environmental changes affect the health of wild fish and what that could mean from a human perspective. She is also a member of PVAS and enjoys birding as a pastime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, 407 Reservoir Road, Kearneysville, WV

Monday December 22 7:00am - 9:00am EST

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

Winter Solstice Sunrise: A Walk to Welcome the Light

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Embrace the dawn of winter together with a peaceful walk and warm drinks as we welcome the solstice sunrise.PVAS Host: Sonja Melander $10/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for all participants 3 and over and limited to 20 participants. We will gather in the quiet darkness at the Case Nature Center and set out together along the trails at Cool Spring Preserve. As we walk, we will share solstice-related reflections and science facts, taking time to appreciate the peacefulness of the early morning. We will arrive at an eastward view over the wetland just in time to witness the first sunrise following the shortest day of the year. After welcoming the light together, we will make our way back to the Case Nature Center to warm up with cozy beverages like cocoa (vegan) with candy canes and coffee with cinnamon. Join us as we come together to commemorate this special time of year and share in the beauty of nature’s cycles. Note that sunrise is at 7:28 am so the group will leave the Case Nature Center promptly just after 7:00 after a very brief introduction. Walking Distance: About 1 mile or lessPace/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 hillsRestroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.Parking/Where to Meet: Participants should meet behind the Nature Center on the back patio.What to Bring: Dress for the weather – layer up and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight/headlamp for the first part of the event. You may also want to consider bringing a small blanket or sitting pad to use while watching the sunrise. We will have mugs available at the Case Nature Center, but you may also want to consider bringing a travel mug with you.Register Here!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 daylight, moonlight, sunrise, and sunset![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Thursday January 1 All Day

Cacapon State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, Berkeley Springs,, WV, United States

Master Naturalist Open House at Cacapon Resort State Park First Day Hike

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]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 na......More

Cacapon State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, Berkeley Springs,, WV, United States

Friday January 2 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST

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

Full Moon Walk at Yankauer Nature Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join Sonja for an evening stroll to explore the sights and sounds of the nocturnal world under the full moon!PVAS Host: Sonja Melander This is a free/donation-based program. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. 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

Sunday January 4 All Day

Berkeley County, WV, United States

Christmas Bird Count - Inwood Circle

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn][vc_column_text css=””]Christmas Bird Counts have been an Audubon Society community science tradition for over 100 years!PVAS Host: KC Walters This event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible Get engaged with community science! Birders of all experience can support research to better understand the trends and health of bird populations in our area. To learn more about the history of the Christmas Bird Count and where the data goes, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign-Up Now!” color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fevents.civicchamps.com%2Forganizations%2F3134%2Fopportunities%2FeyJvcHBvcnR1bml0eUlkIjozMTUxNiwiZGF0ZSI6IjIwMjYtMDEtMDQifQ%3D%3D|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]How to Participate:Individually – If you live in the Inwood/Martinsburg/Hedgesville area, you may count birds at your home feeders and report the results. Please click here to check the map to see if you are in the Inwood Circle. If so, please register below and then print the Inwood tally sheet to record your observations. All birders, regardless of experience, are welcome to participate in counting birds at home feeders!In a Group – You may also like taking a more active role by registering as a team of birders and heading out in the fields. Get together with your team to drive to the various locations, or, in your own vehicle, join a caravan of birders. Each team will be assigned a section within the Inwood Circle and will keep a Inwood tally sheet. Seasoned birders are encouraged to claim a section. Beginner birders, please reach out to KC Walters to be paired up with as seasoned birder.Important Information:Maps: Here is a link to the entire Inwood Circle. After registration, you will be sent a map highlighting your individual section. The maps can be printed out from your home computer or downloaded to your phone for use in an interactive application, Avenza Maps. Check out this YouTube video to learn how to use Avenza Maps.Tally Sheet: This Inwood tally sheet may be used by those birding at home as well as those birding a section in a group. Your completed tally sheet can be emailed to [email protected] Rally: Gather with fellow CBC birders virtually on Zoom to report out on results and talk about awesome sightings from the day!Find more information, visit Christmas Bird Counts or email KC Walters. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Berkeley County, WV, United States

Sunday January 4 All Day

Washington County, Maryland

POSTPONED: Christmas Bird Count - Washington County Circle

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Christmas Bird Counts have been an Audubon Society community science tradition for over 100 years! Host: Mark Abdy, Washington County Bird Club This event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, p......More

Washington County, Maryland

Sunday January 4 7:30am - 9:30am EST

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

Inwood Christmas Bird Count: Guided Participation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join Wil Hershberger and KC Walters for the Inwood Christmas Bird Count at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve!PVAS Host: Wil Hershberger and KC Walters 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. Join trip leader Wil Hershberger and KC Walters for a guided Christmas Bird Count experience at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve! This hands-on outing is perfect for anyone interested in becoming part of a time-honored community science tradition. Under Wil’s expert guidance, you’ll learn how to conduct a Christmas Bird Count—from spotting and identifying birds to recording observations that contribute to a nationwide conservation effort. All are welcome, no birding experience required. After the count, you’re invited to attend a Zoom meeting in the evening for the optional Tally Rally, where birders from across the Inwood circle gather online to tally the day’s sightings and swap stories from the field. Come learn, explore, and be part of a festive day of birding and community! Walking Distance: 1-1.5 milesPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.Terrain: Mowed grass/earthen trail Mostly flat, some gentle slopesRestroom: No restrooms are available.Parking/Where to Meet: The group will assemble by the parking lot.What to Bring: Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring along drinking water. Bring binoculars and/or a camera if you have them! 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. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Wil Hershberger: Wil has been photographing and recording the natural world for more than a decade and his work has been published in magazines, calendars, and books. His recordings of birds, frogs and insects are archived at the Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. His website can be found at natureimagesandsounds.com [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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

Wednesday January 7 9:30am - 3:00pm EST

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 January 7 10:00am - 11:00am EST

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

Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Join us for a turtle-filled morning at the Case Nature Center!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas Free and open to the public. While this is a free program, we encourage you to consider donating to our “Critter Care” fund to contribute to the......More

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

Wednesday January 7 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST

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

Nature's Palette Watercolor Workshop: Eastern bluebird

[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 Eastern bluebird.$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. Photo credit: Deborah Felmey/Audubon Photography Awards[/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

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Potomac Valley Audubon Society

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StoryWalk® at Cool Spring Preserve

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