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 hills
• Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the start of the trail
• Parking/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.