Learn how YOU can get involved in the time-honored tradition of the Christmas Bird Count 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 20 participants.
PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible
The Christmas Bird Count is the nation’s longest-running community science project, where volunteers of all experience levels team up to count every bird they see in a designated area. This can be in your backyard, your neighborhood, or throughout a whole section of the count circle. This data helps scientists track population trends, guide conservation efforts, and protect species for the future. Join the fun, get outside, and be part of a holiday tradition that truly makes a difference!
Upon completing this training, you will be encouraged to sign up for one (or more) Christmas Bird Counts in our area, so, please save these dates!
Dec 14 – Washington County
Dec 21 – Charles Town
Jan 4 – Inwood
- Walking Distance: Little to no walking.
- Activities: This is an indoor, classroom event.
- Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms will be available.
- Parking/Where to Meet: The Shepherdstown Library has about 30 parking spaces. The group will assemble inside the large group meeting room on the right after entering the building.
- What to Bring: Bring supplies for taking notes: paper/notebook and something to write with.
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.