Join Wil Hershberger and Lynne Cherry for a guided bird walk through the diverse habitats of Red Fox Farm, an old farm homestead circa 1940 bordered on two sides by Cunningham Falls State Park.

PVAS Host: Wil Hershberger, Lynne Cherry

This is a free/donation-based program. For ages 12 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

The property features a rich variety of habitats including apple orchards, fields (one fallow and managed for Indigo Buntings), blackberry thickets, rock outcroppings, ponds, wetlands, and streams fed by several natural springs. Many species of birds are found here, including warblers (Redstarts, Golden-winged, Blue-winged), goldfinches, and a variety of woodpeckers (pileated, red-bellied, sapsuckers, flickers). Wood Ducks often nest at one of the three ponds, and thickets around the springs are frequented by warblers, while birds bathe in the stream that flows from a small pond. Amphibians such as newts, salamanders, frogs, and toads lay eggs in the wetland area. The log farmhouse and barn, built in 1840, add to the charm of this historic landscape.

Before and after the walk, enjoy bagels with cream cheese and other snacks. Don’t forget to bring bottles to collect delicious spring water from the bubbling springs on the property. You will also have the opportunity to take a tour of Lynne’s original children’s book illustrations!

Image credit: Blue-winged Warbler, Gary Robinette/Audubon Photography Awards

• Walking Distance: Approximately 1 – 2 miles.
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: There will be varying levels of exposure, as this property has diverse habitat.
• Terrain: Grass and other earthen paths. Generally flat, with one optional steep hill.
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms will be available.
• Parking/Where to Meet: You will be emailed detailed driving and parking directions before the program. The farm is about 10 minutes from the Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center.
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather (including a hat), and bring water. We also recommend you wear waterproof shoes and pants, as the group will be walking through the grass, which may be wet. If you have them, binoculars and cameras are recommended. You may also want to consider installing free birding apps creating by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology to your mobile device: 1) Merlin (which helps you identify birds!) and 2) eBird (which you can use to submit your sightings!)
  Additionally, at this program you will have the special opportunity to gather spring water, so bring bottles if you intend to do so!

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Wil: Wil Hershberger is a lifelong naturalist whose award-winning photography and sound recordings reflect more than a decade of dedicated observation of the natural world. His work, especially of birds, frogs, and insects, has been published in books, magazines, and calendars, and his recordings are archived at the Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wil and his wife Donna share their passion for nature through their West Virginia-based business, Nature Images and Sounds, LLC. Learn more at natureimagesandsounds.com.

About Lynne: Lynne Cherry is a renowned author, illustrator, and environmental educator whose deep connection to nature shines through her 30 award-winning children’s books, including The Great Kapok Tree and A River Ran Wild. Her richly illustrated stories, often set in ecologically significant environments, have inspired generations of young readers to care for the natural world. Her art and storytelling have been used to launch environmental campaigns and performances in schools, and her book Flute’s Journey even helped protect a Maryland forest. Lynne is also the producer/director of the Young Voices for the Planet film series, which empowers youth to take climate action with optimism and courage. She has served as artist-in-residence at institutions like NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest in Costa Rica, and her work has been recognized with numerous fellowships and awards. Through her books, films, and talks, Lynne continues to inspire a reverence for nature and a belief that every person—especially young people—can make a difference. You can read more about Lynne on her website at https://www.lynnecherry.com/.