Join Master Naturalists Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara for Nature Journaling!

PVAS Host: Deana Thorsell, Noah Alcantara

Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

Spring is here! Why not experience it at Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield! Join Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara as we walk along the trail for new life along the Shenandoah River. We’re hoping the leaves aren’t out yet so you can see and watch the great blue heron rookery. You’ll love seeing them repairing and reinforcing their nests, maybe seeing their babies and showing themselves off. There are so many of them here! We may see geese, ducks, and turtles. Possible tracks on the riverbank. We’ll walk down to the eagle’s nest and maybe we’ll see the start of the beautiful native blue bells blooming along the river.

Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and tune in to your senses as we walk the paved trail that is flat. Come with your nature journal supplies, a chair (if you’d like), and something to drink. We’ll meet in the parking lot to share prompts and say hello, meander the trails at our own pace, and return to the same spot to share our inspiration with others.

Whether you’ve been keeping journals for years, or a budding beginner, we welcome you to come out and put pencil to paper in the company of other enthusiasts.

Should you have questions or would like to know more about nature journaling, please email Deana Thorsell at wvdeana@hotmail.com or call 304-264-6335

• Walking Distance: Approximately 1 mile
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.
• Terrain: Mostly flat, paved path.
• Restroom: Restrooms are not available at this site.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet in the parking lot.
• What to Bring: Come with your nature journal supplies, a chair (if you’d like), water, and an open mind to trying new materials and techniques!

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our Program Policies.

About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it!

About Noah: Noah has a deep passion for science, nature, and the environment, as well as a strong desire to give back to a program that has given him so much. Through the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS), he has gained invaluable knowledge and experiences by attending various events over the years. He learned to identify birds not only by sight but also by sound through Birding 101 and guided bird walks. He was awarded two scholarships to summer camps, including Hog Island, further enriching his connection to nature. Noah’s love for art led him to explore nature journaling with his grandmother. Many people believe they aren’t artistic enough to keep a nature journal, but he has discovered that even a simple notation, a collected leaf, a photograph, or a quick sketch can transport you back to that moment, helping you reflect on your observations, thoughts, and emotions. In 2022, becoming a Master Naturalist felt like the natural next step in his journey. While he may not be the same six-year-old who was once obsessed with birds, he remains just as eager to learn, explore, and give back. His goal is to inspire others who have yet to discover how incredible PVAS truly is. Noah is currently attending Shepherd University, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.