Meet and learn about our amazing Animal Ambassadors as they munch their food!
Watch Willow the Wood turtle, Scute the Box turtle, and the rest of PVAS’s Animal Ambassadors as they exercise and enjoy their meals. A PVAS representative will provide fascinating insights into the lives of these creatures, while also sharing important conservation messages. Learn simple ways you can help protect species like these and contribute to wildlife preservation in your own community.
Depending on the weather, we may spend some time outside or the program may be entirely inside. Reptiles are ecothermic (“cold-blooded”) animals, which means that their body temperature primarily depends on the temperature around them. Although we love taking them outside for exercise and enrichment, we need to be careful to make sure they do not get too hot or too cold!
After the program, you’re 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”).
Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required
Turtle Time takes place monthly from September to May.
“It’s hard to find activities that keep things moving so the kids are engaged and don’t get bored and this program was perfect for that. That constant movement and tid bit of facts incorporated throughout was great!”
“This was such a great program. The teachers were all super knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They did a great job with a wide variety of kids. At first I was worried that the program wouldn’t be great for my 1.5 year old, but the staff were so great with her and she was totally enthralled by the turtles, cockroach, and snake. I was impressed but how willing they were to let her participate, even though she’s so little. I also learned a lot and really enjoyed myself!”
“I so enjoyed the “Turtle Time” program. The staff were insightful, well informed and enthusiastic. Questions were answered and immersion in the care of the turtles was wonderful. Lovely facility. Really appreciated this program and will certainly avail myself of future offerings.”