Learn how YOU can get involved in a birding community science project (or two) this winter!

PVAS Host: KC Walters

Free and open to the public. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult participant. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

The winter season is a GREAT time to get into birding and become a community scientist. Many community science projects simply require an interest in birds and a little bit of time. There’s no need to be an expert to get involved! This one-session, classroom course will introduce you to some of the bird-related community science projects you, your friends, and/or your family can get involved in this winter. We will cover projects such as the Christmas Bird Count, Climate Watch, Project FeederWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count.

• Walking Distance: Little to no walking.
• Activities: This is an indoor, classroom event.
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms will be available.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Cool Spring Preserve has about 20 parking spaces. The group will assemble inside the Case Nature Center (red building).
• What to Bring: Bring supplies for taking notes: paper/notebook and something to write with.

Register Here!

About KC Walters: 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.