Events Calendar

Upcoming events

• Outdoor Cooking Class

  • Start
    Monday, June 03, 2013
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, June 24, 2013
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Cacapon State Park
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Second Session has been rescheduled for Monday, June 24.  The rain date will be July 1. 

  PVAS will offer its first-ever Outdoor Cooking Class this June. The class will be led by master naturalist Clark Dixon and held at Cacapon State Park in Morgan County.  

  
  

  It will consist of two Monday evening sessions: one on June 3 and the other on June 10.

  
  

  Both sessions will last from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

  
  

  The first session will be a classroom-style session that will be held in the shelter next to the Park's Nature Center.  It will provide instruction on techniques for cooking outdoors without pots and pans or other kitchen utensils.  Because it will be held under roof, this session will be held rain or shine.

  
  

  The second session will be held in the Park's Campfire Circle and will involve actual cooking.  Each participant will decide beforehand what he or she will cook and bring the necessary ingredients.  The instructor will prepare a cobbler that will provide dessert to the whole group.

  
  

  If this second session is rained out, the alternative date will be July 1. 

  
  

  Participation in the class is limited and each participant will pay a fee of $10 that will cover both sessions.  This can be paid to the instructor at the first class.  However, each participant may bring one guest, such as a child or spouse, to both sessions.

  
  

  Pre-registration will be required.  For more information, contact Kelly Wolf at kheldreth@hotmail.com or 304-229-6229.

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• Audubon Discovery Camp WAITING LIST: Camp Survivor 1 (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, June 17, 2013
  •  
  • End
    Friday, June 21, 2013
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Waiting List ONLY
  

  Price: No Fee
  When: June 17 – 21, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve
  

  Although this session is currently full, we maintain a waiting list so that campers can be contacted when openings occur.  No money is required to be on the waiting list.  Campers are contacted in the order they register for the waiting list.

  Although there are not guarantees that you will placed in a spot, it's worth your time to be on the waiting list.  In past years, almost every camper on a waiting list has been placed in a session.

  
  

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• Nature Photography Camp For Teens

  • Start
    Monday, June 17, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, June 21, 2013
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Shepherd University
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: June 17-21, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–4:00pm
  Where: Shepherd University Center for Contemporary Arts Computer Lab
  

  Ages: 14-18 (entering grades 9-12)

  Learn the basics of digital photography, even if you’ve never held a camera!   Learn how to take the BEST pictures, then download the images to a computer and edit them.  Much of each day is spent outside taking pictures!  A Nikon 35mm digital SLR cameras is provided for your use during the week!  This camp is sponsored in part by Jefferson County Arts and Humanities Association.

  This session is held at Shepherd University's Contemporary Arts Center. 
  

  Before and After Care is not available for this camp.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor 1 (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, June 17, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, June 21, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: June 17-21 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve
  

  Are you the one who will be THE survivor?  Learn how to survive in the great outdoors while having plenty of fun!  We'll have a blast building a fort, checking and forecasting the weather, tracking wildlife, practicing camp craft activities, playing challenge games, and learning survival skills. 
  

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  You may also choose Before Care for this week. (After care is not available.)  Full information about Before  Care is listed on the Audubon Discovery Camp page on this website.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

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• NCTC Bird Walk

  • When
    Saturday, June 22, 2013
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    National Conservation Training Center
  • Spaces left
    0
  • Registered
    20 attendees

  Registration is closed

  
  The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a birding trip to the National Conservation Training Center outside Shepherdstown on Saturday, June 22, 2013.
  
  The trip is free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, but space will be limited and registration is required. Children will be welcome.
  
  To register, go to the Society's website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact trip leader Sandy Sagalkin at monsansagalkin@myactv.net or 240-291-6465 no later than Thursday, June 20.
  
  The Center's 538-acre campus is not normally open to the public, so this is a good opportunity to visit.
  
  The campus contains a mix of fields and forest, and it provides good habitat for a rich variety of bird species. This particular trip will focus on the summer breeding population of birds. It also should provide a good opportunity to see NCTC's resident Bald Eagles..
  
  The trip will last about three hours and involve walking about two miles over moderate terrain.
  
  Everyone should plan to wear comfortable walking or hiking boots, bring along bug spray to ward off ticks, and dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions.
  
  PVAS will provide binoculars for those who do not have their own.
  
  The trip may be cancelled if there is bad weather. For further information or to check on possible weather cancellation, contact Mr. Sagalkin.
  
  

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• Audubon Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor 2 (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, June 24, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, June 28, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: June 24-28, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve
  

  Are you the one who will be THE survivor?  Learn how to survive in the great outdoors while having plenty of fun!  We'll have a blast building a fort, checking and forecasting the weather, tracking wildlife, practicing camp craft activities, playing challenge games, and learning survival skills. 
  

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  Before and After Care is not offered this week.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

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• Harpers Ferry Bird Walk

  • When
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • Location
    Harpers Ferry, WV

  Join Potomac Valley Audubon Society for a bird walk on the C&O Canal near Harpers Ferry on Wednesday, June 26.
  
  There is no fee and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. Children will be
  welcome. The walk will involve about 4 miles of level walking along the towpath.
  
  Participants should plan to meet at 7:00 a.m. outside John
  Brown's Fort, where Potomac and Shenandoah Streets meet in
  Harpers Ferry National Park. Parking is available along Potomac Street near the train station.
  
  From there, participants will take the footbridge over the
  Potomac River and walk about two miles northwest along the C&O Canal towpath and back. Species likely to be sighted include songbirds, Bald Eagles, vultures, and waterfowl.
  
  Participants should bring water and insect repellent and dress
  appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. The Society will provide binoculars for those who do not have their own.
  
  The walk may be cancelled in the event of severe weather.
  
  For more information contact trip leader Deb Hale at
  debhale72@gmail.com or 304-535-2346.

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp: Bugs-a-Billion! (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, July 01, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 05, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Price: $120 per camper
  When: July 1-3, 5 2013 (No camp July 4th)
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve
  

  It’s a buggy world out there so spend a week looking for ALL of them!  Dig into logs, watch bugs at work, play buggy games, jump like a grasshopper, scurry like a spider, roll up like a roly-poly!  You’ll find them all at camp!  (No camp on July 4^th).

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  You may also choose Before and/or After care for this week. Full information about Before and After Care is listed on the Audubon Discovery Camp page on this website.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp For Teens: Camp, Canoe, Canal (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, July 01, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 05, 2013
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: July 1-3, 5 2013 (No camp July 4th)
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve                                      Age:  10-13 (entering grades 5-8).

  Begin and end your week at Yankauer Preserve, but spend one day hiking Maryland Heights and exploring nearby Harpers Ferry, and another day canoeing part of the Shenandoah River. 
  

  On these off-site adventure days, campers are dropped off and picked up at the specific site.  Details about the weekly schedule will be sent to parents.  Off-site adventure day times are 9 am-5 pm each day. 
  

  Before and after care for this session is offered on Monday and Friday only.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp For Teens: WAITING LIST Camp, Canoe, Canal (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, July 01, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 05, 2013
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  Waiting List Only
  When: July 1-3, 5 2013 (No camp July 4th)
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve                                      Age:  10-13 (entering grades 5-8).

  Although this session is currently full, we keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.  There is no charge for being on the waiting list.
  

  Begin and end your week at Yankauer Preserve, but spend one day hiking Maryland Heights and exploring nearby Harpers Ferry, and another day canoeing part of the Shenandoah River. 
  

  On these off-site adventure days, campers are dropped off and picked up at the specific site.  Details about the weekly schedule will be sent to parents.  Off-site adventure day times are 9 am-5 pm each day. 
  

  Before and after care for this session is offered on Monday and Friday only.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp: Camp Survivor 3 (Yankauer)

  • Start
    Monday, July 08, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 12, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: July 8-12 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Yankauer Nature Preserve
  

  Are you the one who will be THE survivor?  Learn how to survive in the great outdoors while having plenty of fun!  We'll have a blast building a fort, checking and forecasting the weather, tracking wildlife, practicing camp craft activities, playing challenge games, and learning survival skills. 
  

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  You may also choose Before and/or After care for this week. Full information about Before and After Care is listed on the Audubon Discovery Camp page on this website.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp: Bugs-a-Billion! (Peter Burr Farm)

  • Start
    Monday, July 08, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 12, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: July 8-12, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Peter Burr Farm, Route 9 (behind the DMV Office), Bardane WV
  

  It’s a buggy world out there so spend a week looking for ALL of them!  Dig into logs, watch bugs at work, play buggy games, jump like a grasshopper, scurry like a spider, roll up like a roly-poly!  You’ll find them all at camp!
  

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  Before and After Care is not offered this week.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Shannondale Springs WMA Bird Walk

  • When
    Wednesday, July 10, 2013
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Shannonedale Springs Wildlife Management Area

  The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a bird walk in the Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area on Wednesday July 10.
  
  There is no fee and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills. Children will be welcome.
  
  Participants should plan to meet at 7:00 a.m. at the parking lot by the WMA boat launch site off Mission Road.
  
  The walk will focus on breeding populations of warblers, vireos and orioles. No pre-registration is required.
  
  Participants should bring water and insect repellent and dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. The Society will provide binoculars for those who do not have their own.
  
  The walk may be cancelled in the event of severe weather.
  
  For more information contact trip leader Jim Farley at jamesfarley@frontiernet.net or 540-686-2056.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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• Audubon Discovery Camp: WAITING LIST Ol' Time Arts (Peter Burr Farm)

  • Start
    Monday, July 15, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 19, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  Price: There is no fee for the waiting list
  When: July 15-19, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Peter Burr Farm, Route 9 (behind the DMV Office), Bardane WV
  

  Although Ol' Time Arts is currently full, we keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.  There is no fee for waiting lists.
  

  Back in the day, art was everyday work!  This week, bake your own bread topped with butter you make, make a dipped candle, try natural dyes, make berry ink and write with a quill,  work with clay, weave on a lap loom, make a “pocket,” paint with watercolors,  maybe even learn embroidery, make a corn husk/yarn doll, or a hobby horse! This week is ideal for the arts lover who would rather do crafts than play games or hike.
  

  Dress in clothes you can get dirty!  Bring a lunch and morning snack, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
  

  You may also choose Before and/or After care for this week. Full information about Before and After Care is listed on the Audubon Discovery Camp page on this website.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Audubon Discovery Camp: Ol' Time Arts (Peter Burr Farm)

  • Start
    Monday, July 15, 2013
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 19, 2013
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Yankauer Nature Preserve
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Price: $150 per camper
  When: July 15-19, 2013
  Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
  Where: Peter Burr Farm, Route 9 (behind the DMV Office), Bardane WV
  

  Back in the day, art was everyday work!  This week, bake your own bread topped with butter you make, make a dipped candle, try natural dyes, make berry ink and write with a quill,  work with clay, weave on a lap loom, make a “pocket,” paint with watercolors,  maybe even learn embroidery, make a corn husk/yarn doll, or a hobby horse! This week is ideal for the arts lover who would rather do crafts than play games or hike.
  

  You may also choose Before and/or After care for this week. Full information about Before and After Care is listed on the Audubon Discovery Camp page on this website.
  

  T-shirts must be ordered by May 15 to ensure delivery at camp.
  

  For complete information about what to bring to camp, directions to Yankauer Preserve, and other things parents want to know, go to www.PotomacAudubon.org/discovercamp and click on the link to Parent Camp Information.
  

  Show details
• Claymont Mansion Bird Walk

  • When
    Tuesday, July 30, 2013
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Claymont Mansion
  • Registered
    1 attendee

  Register

  The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a birding field trip on the historic Claymont property outside Charles Town, WV on Tuesday July 30.
  
  The trip will begin at 6:30 a.m. and last about four hours. It is free and open to anyone with an interest, regardless of their birding skills. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.
  
  Pre-registration is required, as the group size will be limited.
  
  Field trip participants should plan to meet the trip leader on the Claymont entrance road where a wetland meets the access driveway. The entrance is located at 667 Huyett Road; it is marked by a street sign that says “Claymont Mansion.”
  
  The trip will involve about four miles of moderate hiking. It should offer opportunities to see a good variety of birds, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, gnatcatchers and raptors.
  
  This field trip will be conducted rain or shine. Participants should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather and bring drinking water, trail snacks and insect repellent. Those who need binoculars should let the trip leader know ahead of time, as loaner binoculars will be available.
  
  For more information,  contact trip leader, Joette Borzik, at 240-440-4221 or pep4223@comcast.net.
  
  

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• Sixth Annual Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival

  • Start
    Friday, September 20, 2013
  •  
  • End
    Sunday, September 22, 2013
  • Location
    Berkeley Springs, WV

  The Sixth Annual Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival will be held in and around Berkeley Springs the weekend of September 20-22.

  Most of the festival's events will be free and everyone is invited to attend.

  The festival is timed to coincide with the annual fall bird migration, which should be in full swing at that time.

  The festival will include walks, workshops and evening presentations for beginning and intermediate birders and families with children. Full details will be announced as the festival draws closer.

  In the meantime, if you have questions about the festival contact Judy Webb at the Nature Niche store in Berkeley Springs at 304-258-0992 or natureniche@earthlink.net.
  

  PVAS is the lead festival sponsor.

  
  

   

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• Cape May Fall Raptor Trip

  • Start
    Friday, October 11, 2013
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, October 14, 2013
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Cape May, NJ

  
  

  The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a hawk-watching trip to Cape May, NJ the weekend of October 11-14, 2013, which is Columbus Weekend.

  Anyone with an interest is welcome to participate and there will be no fee. But participants will be expected furnish their own transportation and arrange for their own accommodations.

  Hotel and motel reservations should be made now, because Cape May is a very popular destination in October. Those planning to use the Lewes-Cape May Ferry also need to make reservations early for the same reason.

  The trip will be led by local birder Sandy Sagalkin, and it will focus on several hawk-watching sites in the Cape May area. It will offer good opportunities to see Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, American Kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Coopers Hawks, Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers and other raptors. 

  Those who participate will also be able to take advantage of a variety of free educational opportunities offered by the Cape May Bird Observatory and the New Jersey Audubon Society. Their offerings include such events as a Mini-Hawk ID workshop for beginners, a Hawk-banding demonstration, a Monarch tagging demonstration and bird walks that are open to the public.

  The Cape May Bird Observatory website (www.birdcapemay.org) contains a list of Cape May hotels and motels which offer discounts to birders who are members of the Observatory. The savings can be significant enough that trip participants who are not already members may wish to join; this can be done easily online.

  Sandy Sagalkin will be staying at Leith Hall, a Victorian B&B in Cape May.  They offer discounts to members of the Cape May Bird Observatory.  Mention Sandy’s name to Elon or Susan, the proprietors when making a reservation.  Their number is 609-884-1934 or check out their website.

  Those who wish to participate should pre-register by contacting trip leader Sagalkin by phone at 240-291-6465. For more information, contact him by email at monsansagalkin@myactv.net.

  
  

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• Natural History Workshop: Natural History of Fish

  • When
    Monday, November 04, 2013
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    NCTC Fish Lab
  • Spaces left
    17
  • Registered
    3 attendees

  Register

  Price: $10 for Certified Potomac Valley Master Naturalists and Current Course Students. 
                $15 for General Public
  When:  Monday November 4, 2013
  Time:  6:00 p.m.-9 p.m.
  Where: NCTC Fish Lab
  
  Fish constitute a large class of vertebrates and who better to explain their natural history than the US Fish and Wildlife Service!  Learn about the life history of fish, common fish of West Virginia, and threats to fish habitat.  This session will be held at the NCTC Fish Lab building which is behind the main entry building.
  
  Pre-registration is required. Refunds are possible only if the class is cancelled.
  

  Directions to NCTC:  From the 4-way stop in Shepherdstown, follow Route 480 toward the Potomac River.  Turn left on Shepherd Grade Road (across from the Shepherd University stadium) and continue about 6 miles.  The main entrance to NCTC is on the right.  NCTC is a federal facility with a security station.  Be prepared to show picture ID.  You will be directed to parking.

  
  

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