Potomac Valley Audubon Society Events

Wednesday January 22 9:30am - 11:30am EST

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

Friday January 24 7:30am - 10:30am EST

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

Climate Watch Survey

Join KC and Wil for the winter Climate Watch survey at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: KC Walters and Wil Hershberger Free and open to the public. For ages 16 and older. Registration is required and limited to 5 participants. PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible The Climate Watch project involves hemisphere-wide surveys to observe how bird populations are responding to climate change. Associate Director of Conservation and Operations, KC Walters and bird expert, Wil Hershberger, will be conducting their annual winter Climate Watch survey of the Cool Spring area. They will show you just how EASY and FUN it is to participate in this important community science research. Walking Distance: ~2-3 milesPace: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe).Exposure: Winter canopy cover.Terrain: Earthen trail with some hilly, rocky sections that could be slippery when wetRestroom: Restrooms are available for this program.Parking/Where to Meet: Parking lot at Cool Spring Preserve.What to Bring: Please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring along drinking water, and dress for the weather. Walking poles are encouraged. Binoculars will be available for anyone who needs them.Please register to participate. Snow date is 1/31/25. Register Here!About KC: Katelyn (KC) Walters, a Shepherdstown native, is our Associate Director of Conservation and Operations. KC is a Shepherd alumna, and holds a M.S. in Biology, with a focus in forest ecology, from James Madison University. Her master’s thesis evaluated the long-term effectiveness of treating hemlock trees for hemlock woolly adelgid infestation in Shenandoah National Park. During her college education, she interned with The Conservation Fund: Freshwater Institute and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. After graduation, she worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in southeastern Louisiana where she served as a forestry technician and became a certified Wildland Firefighter. KC then returned home to Shepherdstown and worked with Sustainable Solutions LLC as the Lead Natural Resources and GIS Technician. She joined the PVAS Team in April 2018 as the Land and Conservation Manager. Just shy of five years later, in January 2023, KC was promoted to the Associate Director position she holds today. KC enjoys riding horses, working with her dog, Paisley, on agility training, and stewarding the natural resources on her own property. About Wil: Wil Hershberger 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

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

Saturday January 25 8:00am - 12:00pm EST

Lock 38, 117844 Canal Road, Sharpsburg, MD, United States

C&O Canal Winter Bird Survey

Join Bill Telfair for this bird survey walk along a 3-mile stretch of the canal towpath (MP 71 – 73)!PVAS Host: Bill Telfair This event is free and open to the public. Anyone with an interest is welcome to participate. This is a good walk for those still working on their bird identification skills, but intermediate/advanced birders are also encouraged to help. Registration is required. For over 20 years, birds along the entire 185 miles of the C&O Canal have been counted. This survey is designed to provide a snapshot count of birds present on the C&O Canal. The count will take place regardless of the weather (only a very severe storm will alter scheduled survey) so please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear to walk the full three-mile route. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Telfair at [email protected] or 408-966-8895. Walking Distance: 3 milesPace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe).Terrain: Asphalt and gravel. The route is generally flat.Restroom: There are restrooms (non-flushing) available towards the start of the walk at Antietam Creek.Parking/Where to Meet: Participants should gather across the Potomac River from Shepherdstown at the large National Park Service parking area on Canal Road (past the railroad bridge) at 8:00 am SHARP. For those that are comfortable, carpooling with masks will be arranged down to Antietam Creek (MP 70). However, if you prefer not to carpool, you can team up with a family member or friend and leave one car at the large parking area and drive the other car down to Antietam Creek parking. The group will carpool or drive down to Antietam Creek (MP 70) and walk back toward the Rumsey Bridge (MP 73).What to Bring: Please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring along drinking water, and dress for the weather. Please bring binoculars if you have them.Register Here!About Bill: Bill has been birding since he was 8 years old. He has been on EBird since 2003, with a life list of 1,820 and a US list over 500. He has participated in Christmas Birds counts in both CA and WV, as well as the C&O bird count for 10 years.

Lock 38, 117844 Canal Road, Sharpsburg, MD, United States

Sunday January 26 10:00am - 1:00pm EST

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

Winter Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join Bob for special restoration work at Cool Spring Preserve!PVAS Host: Bob Schwartz PVMN Volunteer Service Hours Eligible • Registration is required. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult participant. Come help u......More

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

Tuesday January 28 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST

Shepherdstown Public Library, 100 E German St, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

Birding Advisory Group Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Share your thoughts and ideas on all things PVAS birding for 2025!PVAS Host: Sonja Melander and KC Walters Free and open to the public. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult participant. Registration is not ......More

Shepherdstown Public Library, 100 E German St, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, United States

Wednesday February 5 9:30am - 11:30am EST

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

Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve

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

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

Wednesday February 5 10:00am - 12:00pm EST

Antietam National Battlefield, Bloody Lane Trail, 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782

Wellness Walk at Antietam National Battlefield

Join Ellen Murphy for a lively walk!PVAS Host: Ellen Murphy Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. Let’s get outside and walk the trails together! Wellness Walks are monthly group walks to different locations. Walk distances vary but are often ~2 miles in length. This Wellness Walk will take place at Antietam National Battlefield on the Bloody Lane Trail, where we’ll enjoy the scenic beauty and learn about the area’s rich history. This historic trail offers a glimpse into the events of the Civil War, with interpretive signs and stunning views along the way. Learn more about the Bloody Lane Trail and its history here: https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/bloody-lane-trail.htm We hope to see you on the trail! Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less.Pace/Activities: Moderate (steady but able to maintain a conversation)Exposure: Full exposure/no shade.Terrain: Asphalt and gravel Gentle slopes/rolling hillsRestroom: Restrooms are available at the nearby Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center.Parking/Where to Meet: This Wellness Walk will take place at Antietam National Battlefield on the Bloody Lane Trail. The group will assemble at the NY State Monument near the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center. Ellen will send a email to registered participants with more details.What to Bring: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes!Register Here!About our Host: Ellen is retired from PVAS (and a former National Park Ranger and Girl Scout Camp Director). With PVAS, she taught the Watershed Program, taught general environmental education for PK-5th grades, and directed Audubon Discovery Camp for 11 years. She has been a Master Naturalist since 2007. Her favorite word is “Look” and my favorite place is Yankauer Nature Preserve. She and her husband Kevin have been married for 39 years, residents of WV for almost 30 years, and “parents” to a series of pound puppies (currently #8 and 9).

Antietam National Battlefield, Bloody Lane Trail, 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782

Saturday February 8 9:00am - 12:00pm EST

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

43rd Annual Birdseed Sale

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Potomac Valley Audubon Society’s 43rd Annual Birdseed Sale!Fill your feeders with high-quality seed and suet to feed our ‘wild’ friends all winter long! Proceeds from this sale support PVAS’s educational programs, conservation ......More

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

Tuesday February 11 7:30am - 10:30am EST

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

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk

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

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

Tuesday February 11 6:00pm - 7:30pm EST

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

Full Moon Walk at Yankauer Nature Preserve

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

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

Thursday February 13 6:30pm - 8:00pm EST

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

PVAS Monthly Program: American Kestrels: Nest Box Monitoring and Banding

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society welcomes October Greenfield, Wildlife Habitat Program Manager for The Piedmont Environmental Council and Co-coordinator of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative!PVMN Continuing Education Eligible This in-person program is free and ope......More

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

Wednesday February 19 7:30am - 10:30am EST

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 February 19 9:30am - 11:30am EST

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

Forest Storytime at Yankauer Nature Preserve

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

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Forest Storytime at Yankauer Nature Preserve

Climate Watch Survey

C&O Canal Winter Bird Survey

Winter Volunteer Workday at Cool Spring Preserve

Birding Advisory Group Meeting

Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve

Wellness Walk at Antietam National Battlefield

43rd Annual Birdseed Sale

Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk

Full Moon Walk at Yankauer Nature Preserve

PVAS Monthly Program: American Kestrels: Nest Box Monitoring and Banding

Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve

Forest Storytime at Yankauer Nature Preserve

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