Join Sonja for an evening stroll to explore the sights and sounds of the nocturnal world under the full moon!
PVAS Host: Sonja Melander
This is a free/donation-based program. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants.
If the sky is clear, we will hike by the light of the full moon along the trails at Yankauer Nature Preserve. If the evening is cloudy, we will still enjoy an evening stroll as a group. Regardless of the weather, we will enjoy the unique sights, sounds and smells of the nocturnal world together!
Please note that Yankauer Nature Preserve is normally open only from dawn to dusk, but is accessible at night through special nighttime events like these. We hope you join us!
- Walking Distance: 1-1.5 miles
- Pace/Activities: Moderate – steady but able to maintain a conversation. The group will make several stops along the way to regroup and to discuss interesting things we are noticing or thinking about! This hike typically involves a longer stop at the Potomac River overlook to pause and enjoy the nighttime environment.
- Exposure: Forested/dense canopy cover
- Terrain:Hard ground/hiking trail. Gentle slopes/rolling hills. The paths at Yankauer have a lot of roots and rocks and can be slippery when wet.
- Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting location.
- Parking/Where to Meet: Yankauer Nature Preserve has about 20 parking spaces. The group will assemble by the kiosk/sign near the composting toilets.
- What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a flashlight! When the ground is wet, the trail can be slippery, so you may want to consider bringing a walking stick.
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 pricing structure & policies.
About Sonja: Sonja is the Associate Director of Education for the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. She has been leading guided group nature walks for over a decade. She loves exploring different habitats under all sorts of weather conditions, by both daylight and moonlight and – when needed – flashlight!