Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Thursday May 1 through May 31

Birdathon!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A friendly, team competition to see who can count as many birds of as many species as possible at ANY of the PVAS managed nature preserves during the month of May!How to Participate:Gather friends! Form a team (1-4 participants) and c......More

Tuesday May 20 6:00am - 9:00am EDT

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

CANCELED: Cool Spring Climate Watch Survey

Join KC to learn about National Audubon’s community science project, Climate Watch!PVAS Host: KC Walters Free and open to the public. For ages 16 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 5 participants. PVMN Continuin......More

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

Wednesday May 21 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

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

Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve

Join Bill Telfair for a morning bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Bill Telfair Free and open to the public. For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. Join trip leader Bill Telfair......More

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

Wednesday May 21 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

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

RESCHEDULED | Bird Walk at Sundogs Bed and Breakfast

This program was rescheduled from its original date of Wednesday, May 14, due to the weather forecast. Join us for a scenic spring bird walk at Sundogs Bed and Breakfast, where we’ll explore lush gardens and grasslands during the peak of migration!PVAS Host: Nancy Kirschbaum, Carol Winckler Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. All birding enthusiasts, from beginners to experts, are welcome! Join us for a guided bird walk at the stunning garden and grassland preserve of Sundogs Bed and Breakfast during the peak of spring migration. We’ll be on the lookout for vibrant species such as Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows, Prairie Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, Great Crested Flycatchers, and a variety of migrating warblers. For those interested, an optional extension at the end of the walk will take us just half a mile down the road to the public parking lot at Dam #4 on the Potomac River, where we’ll search for Green Herons, Swallows, and more warblers. A heartfelt thank-you to Peggy Bowers for generously opening this beautiful property for our birding adventure! Photo credit: Lorraine Minns/Audubon Photography Awards Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles, with an easy option to return to the cars for those who prefer a shorter walk.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: The group will often be at the woods’ edge and open meadows, so expect areas of full sun.Terrain: Mostly mowed grass/earthen trail. Fairly level groundRestroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available. Note that access requires going up/down stairs.Parking/Where to Meet: Park in the Sundogs Bed and Breakfast parking lot. The group will gather by the parking lot.What to Bring: The grass may be wet in the morning, so wear sturdy, waterproof or water-resistant shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Ticks can be active in May, so consider wearing long pants, high socks, and bug spray for extra protection. Bring water to stay hydrated, and if you have them, binoculars and cameras will enhance your birding experience. For those interested in bird identification and tracking, you may want to download the free birding apps from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Merlin (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) and eBird (https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/).Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our Program Policies. About Nancy: Nancy’s interest in birds began with a bird feeder that her dad built. On a fourth grade field trip to a bird banding station, she got to hold and release an American Goldfinch, and she became a confirmed lifelong birder. Nancy has participated in many bird counts and breeding bird atlas projects. She met her husband, Elliot, on a Baltimore Bird Club field trip, and they have traveled and birded together for over forty years. Nancy is a retired elementary school teacher and a member of PVAS and the Maryland Ornithological Society. About Carol: Carol has had an interest in birding since childhood when grandma would take her for walks on the family farm in Illinois, letting her hold her bird book and look through her binoculars. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has been a Master Naturalist since 2017. She became a PVAS member in 2007 while taking her first Birding 101 class. She continues to enjoy participating in bird walks, helping teach birding classes, and take part each year with the Christmas Bird Count and Birdathon.

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

Wednesday May 21 9:30am - 11:30am EDT

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

Forest Storytime at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Step into the enchanting world of the forest with our immersive storytime adventure!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas Free and open to the public. This program is intended for families with children. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required Step into the enchanting world of the forest with our immersive storytime adventure! Each month, we’ll gather in the woods, where a PVAS environmental educator will guide us through a captivating tale that brings the wonders of nature to life. This will be followed by an engaging nature activity that will deepen our connection to the themes presented in the stories. As the seasons change, so will our stories, unveiling the mysteries of the world around us. Come along for an unforgettable experience filled with discovery, imagination, and the thrill of exploring the great outdoors. Let’s learn, explore, and let our curiosity soar together! Beginning at about 10:30, you are invited to explore the preserve’s trails on your own self-guided hike or join one of our program instructors for a group hike. Our guided hike will highlight the unique sights and seasonal happenings in the preserve at that time of year. To enhance your experience, we offer an optional take-along activity to enjoy during your hike. Activities will vary each month and may include items like binoculars to borrow, a scavenger hunt, and more. If you would like to join the group hike, our program instructors will announce that they’ll be leading a hike for anyone who wants to join. All you have to say is “I’m coming!” and you are all set! Optional Donation This program is offered at no cost, but we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to help support program expenses and staff time. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. You can donate online here, or you donate at the time of the program by cash or check (made payable to “Potomac Valley Audubon Society”). Walking Distance: Little to no walking for the first part of the program. Walking distance will vary for the optional hike depending on a variety of factors including participant interest and ability.Exposure: This event may take place under the pavilion at Yankauer, or in an open-air clearing in the woods, weather-dependent.Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail. Gentle slopes/rolling hillsRestroom: 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: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes! You may also want to consider bringing a packed lunch – for the Yankauer pavilion or elsewhere! Please be sure to pack out your waste.About Amy: Amy is our Lead Teacher and Naturalist. She first worked for PVAS starting in 2012 as a camp counselor for three summers and then as camp director in 2015. While studying at Towson University, Amy interned with the National Aquarium and Irvine Nature Center and worked for the University’s Office of Sustainability as a Compost Educator. Amy was also very involved in her university’s Outdoor Adventure program where she worked as an Outdoor Trip Leader, Kayak Clinic Instructor, Challenge Course Facilitator and Climbing Gym Supervisor. After earning her BA in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Informal Environmental Education in 2015, she served as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps member, working as a naturalist at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland. Most recently, Amy worked as a field instructor at the Mountain Institute at Spruce Knob, West Virginia, where she led students on backpacking trips and taught Watershed Education programs. In her free time, Amy enjoys backpacking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking and cross-country skiing.

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

Wednesday May 21 12:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

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

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Mason Zeller 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 1......More

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

Thursday May 22 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Yankauer Nature Preserve!PVAS Host: Mason Zeller 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. Throughout the year we periodically host family-oriented volunteer workdays. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. 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 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. About Mason: Mason is originally from Kansas City and graduated from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo with a degree in political science and a minor in environmental studies. He has spent the last two years as a paralegal at a Los Angeles law firm, but has also spent time volunteering and working on a mayoral campaign in his hometown. He is excited by the opportunity to make an environmental impact locally through his position at PVAS, and is hoping this experience serves as a foundation for a career in land management and conservation. In his free time, Mason likes to read, watch movies, go to concerts, and explore local hiking trails.

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

Friday May 23 10:00am - 1:00pm 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

Join the Land Management and Conservation team for trail stewardship at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve!PVAS Host: Mason Zeller 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. Throughout the year we periodically host family-oriented volunteer workdays. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. 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 Mason: Mason is originally from Kansas City and graduated from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo with a degree in political science and a minor in environmental studies. He has spent the last two years as a paralegal at a Los Angeles law firm, but has also spent time volunteering and working on a mayoral campaign in his hometown. He is excited by the opportunity to make an environmental impact locally through his position at PVAS, and is hoping this experience serves as a foundation for a career in land management and conservation. In his free time, Mason likes to read, watch movies, go to concerts, and explore local hiking trails.

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

Sunday May 25 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD, 21755

Wildflower Walk at Gathland State Park

[vc_row fullwidth=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Enjoy a woodland stroll with us to welcome Spring’s first blooms!PVAS Host: Kathy Bilton, Bob Schwartz Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible For just a short time each spring, delicate wildflowers emerge from the forest floor, transforming the woods with their vibrant colors before quickly fading away. These spring ephemerals take advantage of a brief window of sunlight before the trees leaf out, disappearing just as suddenly as they arrived. Their timing is everything—not just for them, but for the pollinators and wildlife that depend on their brief appearance.Join us for a walk through the springtime forest, where we’ll search for these short-lived blooms and take in the beauty of a season that never stands still. At Gathland State Park, we can hope to see Mountain Laurel, Mapleleaf Viburnum, Pink Lady’s Slippers, Large Whorled Pogonias (a type of orchid), and Fringe Trees among the rocks and roots! Thank you for leaving the wildflowers for all to enjoy! Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less. An entire walk may take up to two hours, but participants may leave the group and turn back at any time.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)Exposure: Mostly shadedTerrain: There is a slope at the start of the trail but it is mostly flat after the slope.Restroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Participants will meet at the parking lot south of Gapland Road here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VCF6CKxa4L9ghB586. You can view a map of the park here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/parkmaps/gathlandmap.aspxWhat to Bring: Bring water and dress for the weather! We strongly recommend that you wear sturdy shoes (with good tread and ideally with ankle support) and bring a walking stick.Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Bob: Originally from Chicago, Bob earned an undergraduate degree in Forest Ecosystem Science and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and is about to complete a Master of Science in Environmental Biology and Climate Change from Hood College in Maryland. Bob serves as Western Watershed Forester for the Maryland Forest Service where he works with private and public landowners to improve forested watershed health through facilitation of cooperative conservation and restoration projects. In his free time Bob is a book nerd, loves to explore far and wide to find cool habitats, and work in his native plant garden. He lives in Brunswick, MD with his wife Ellen and their cat Ollivander.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Rd, Jefferson, MD, 21755

Sunday June 1 11:00am - 1:30pm EDT

Long Meadow Farm

A Garden Party with a View

Join PVAS for its annual spring fundraiser event, at Long Meadow Farm. This site is situated on 100 acres of permanently protected farmland in Shepherdstown, WV. Explore beautiful gardens while enjoying sweeping mountain views and a delicious champagne brunch at the hom......More

Long Meadow Farm

Monday June 2 9:00am - Friday June 6 3:00pm EDT

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

FULL | Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Camp Survivor (entering grades 1-6)Welcome to Camp Survivor, where adventure meets essential life skills! Campers will learn the crucial art of pathfinding, master the flames with fire-building exercises, practice important first-aid s......More

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

Monday June 2 9:00am - Friday June 6 3:00pm EDT

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

Discovery Camp: Everything Outdoors

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everything Outdoors (entering grades 1-6)Summer is the time for outdoor exploration! Join us for a week of all of our favorite nostalgic camp activities. We will go on hikes, build forts in the woods, make crafts, play games, and make ......More

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

Tuesday June 3 9:30am - 3:00pm EDT

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

Case Nature Center Open Day

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

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

Thursday June 5 9:00am - 11:30am EDT

Ambrose Park Children’s Garden, 25494 Mall Dr, Martinsburg, WV, United States

Nature in the Neighborhood: Bugs a Billion

Come explore the wonders of nature with us!PVAS Host: Amy Thomas Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required – just drop in! Each week (Thursdays, 9-11:30 am), we’ll cover a new nature top......More

Ambrose Park Children’s Garden, 25494 Mall Dr, Martinsburg, WV, United States

Friday June 6 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

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

Butterfly Walk at Cool Spring Preserve

Join Master Naturalist Andrea Diggs for a walk full of wings and wonder, exploring butterflies at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Andrea Diggs 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. This program has a minimum of 2 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Join us for a Butterfly Walk at Cool Spring Preserve, where we’ll explore the diverse habitats that make this area a haven for butterflies—including the marsh, meadow, and woodlands’ edge. As we move from one scenic spot to another, we’ll discuss the fascinating world of butterflies, including their behavioral patterns, migration habits, and the important role of both food sources and host plants. Along the way, you’ll learn how to distinguish between different butterfly families such as sulfurs, skippers, and swallowtails, with plenty of time for observation, conversation, and discovery. Walking Distance: 1-1.5 milesPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe) to Moderate (steady but able to maintain a conversation)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. Slopes can be slippery when wet.Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms will be available at the start and the end of the program.Parking/Where to Meet: Participants should meet at the back deck (just down from the parking lot) of the Nature Center.What to Bring: Dress for the weather (including sturdy shoes) and bring water. Be sure to wear sunscreen! We recommend bringing a sketchpad for drawing and/or bringing a camera!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 Andrea: Andrea Diggs is a long-time lover and learner of nature, having grown up running around in the woods and mountains of Appalachia in Western VA and Southern WV. Her fascination with butterflies intensified when she became the steward of three acres of land in Jefferson County, WV in 2007 and sought to return the old farmland to Mother Nature’s care. That goal is still in process, but in 2021 she registered her garden with the state as “Symphonic Garden” and specializes in making bouquets inspired by music, donating them to non-profit organizations or just giving them to friends (after quickly learning she preferred this over selling them). With each year, she increases the amount of native plants to mix in with non-invasive flowers for these bouquets – all grown without fertilizers, tilling, or any kind of chemicals. She selects her plants and flowers based on the needs of the butterflies and other beneficial insects and then will wander the garden for hours at a time observing the results and studying her butterfly books. As of 2023, Symphonic Garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat and Butterfly Garden, and in 2024 she successfully completed all requirements to become a West Virginia Master Naturalist. When not in the garden, Andrea is dedicated to her music profession as a performer and teacher. She is the adjunct flute professor at Shepherd University and a member of several instrumental and vocal ensembles in the region.

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

Sunday June 8 11:00am - 3:00pm EDT

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

Window Screen Painting: A Folk Art

See Art from the Outside—Look Out from the Inside!PVAS Host: Clare Chesnavage This is a fee-based program. $25/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible Discover the magic of painted screens—functional works of art inspired by a beloved Baltimore folk tradition. In this hands-on workshop led by artist Clare Chesnavage, you’ll transform a simple screen panel into a vibrant one-way viewable painting. Using just a small amount of water-soluble paint, you’ll create an image visible from the outside, while preserving a clear view and airflow from the inside. We’ll introduce a red-roofed cottage scene as a starting point, but your screen is your canvas—feel free to follow your own inspiration. Add trees, mountains, wildlife, or paint something entirely different. The process is simple, but the results are magical, especially when viewed from outdoors in natural light. Whether you’re drawn to the art, the illusion, the eco-friendliness of this craft, or the tradition, this is a perfect blend of creativity and craft. Learn more about Clare’s work at: windowscreenpainting.weebly.com Walking Distance: This is a stationary art class, but students can paint outside as well.Pace/Activities: Little to no walkingExposure: This program will be shaded – on the back deck of the Case Nature Center under the living roof. In case of extreme weather, the program may be moved inside.Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available.Parking/Where to Meet: Participants should meet behind the Nature Center on the back deck.What to Bring: Ideas and images they might want to paint.Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our pricing structure & policies. About Clare: Originally from Dundalk, I’ve always known about Baltimore Window Screen Painting, a beloved local tradition. After taking my first class with Tom Lipka in 2000, I was hooked—he showed me how to bring my drawings to life through paint, and it felt magical. Like many in this folk-art tradition, I’m largely self-taught but deeply grateful for the guidance I received from Master Screen Painters over the years. I love to teach and am always happy to donate my time and supplies to share this unique art form. I find my greatest inspiration in the outdoors and in the simple things that make me happy, which is why painting outside feels most natural. Teaching at Craftworks at Cool Springs Preserve several years ago was please and I am excited to be asked back again with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society—I’m continually inspired by the region’s beauty and the Society’s mission and the inspiring work that they do at the Nature Center. https://windowscreenpainting.weebly.com/

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

Sunday June 8 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

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

Nature Journaling at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Join Master Naturalists Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara for Nature Journaling!PVAS Host: Deana Thorsell, Noah Alcantara 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 12 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible At Yankauer Preserve, late spring and early summer are excellent times to explore deep shaded cedar groves and spot wildflowers and birds along the sunnier trails or stroll out to the Potomac River overlook. Late spring is splendid, no matter the weather, so dress for the weather, and tune in to your senses. Come with your nature journal supplies (pencil and blank book, other supplies welcome), a chair (if you’d like), bug spray and water. We’ll start at the picnic tables under the pavilion for a short introduction, walk the trails independently to observe and ponder, and eventually return to the shaded pavilion to add details to our work, and share techniques and exercises to inspire our nature journal habits. Whether you’ve been keeping journals for years, or a budding beginner, we welcome you to come out and put pencil to paper in the company of other enthusiasts. Should you have questions or would like to know more about nature journaling, please email Deana Thorsell at wvdeana@hotmail.com or feel free to call her at 304-264-6335. Walking Distance: Approximately 1 -2 miles.Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)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: Meet at the pavilion.What to Bring: Come with your nature journal supplies, a chair (if you’d like), water, and an open mind to trying new materials and techniques!Register Here!Registration will remain open until the start of the program. Read our Program Policies. About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it! About Noah: Noah has a deep passion for science, nature, and the environment, as well as a strong desire to give back to a program that has given him so much. Through the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS), he has gained invaluable knowledge and experiences by attending various events over the years. He learned to identify birds not only by sight but also by sound through Birding 101 and guided bird walks. He was awarded two scholarships to summer camps, including Hog Island, further enriching his connection to nature. Noah’s love for art led him to explore nature journaling with his grandmother. Many people believe they aren’t artistic enough to keep a nature journal, but he has discovered that even a simple notation, a collected leaf, a photograph, or a quick sketch can transport you back to that moment, helping you reflect on your observations, thoughts, and emotions. In 2022, becoming a Master Naturalist felt like the natural next step in his journey. While he may not be the same six-year-old who was once obsessed with birds, he remains just as eager to learn, explore, and give back. His goal is to inspire others who have yet to discover how incredible PVAS truly is. Noah is currently attending Shepherd University, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.

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

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Birdathon!

CANCELED: Cool Spring Climate Watch Survey

Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve

RESCHEDULED | Bird Walk at Sundogs Bed and Breakfast

Forest Storytime at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Trail Stewards Volunteer Workday at Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve

Wildflower Walk at Gathland State Park

A Garden Party with a View

FULL | Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor

Discovery Camp: Everything Outdoors

Case Nature Center Open Day

Nature in the Neighborhood: Bugs a Billion

Butterfly Walk at Cool Spring Preserve

Window Screen Painting: A Folk Art

Nature Journaling at Yankauer Nature Preserve

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