Join Jessica Ramey for Nature Journaling!

PVAS Host: Jessica Ramey

This is a free/donation-based program. 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

Join Jessica for a peaceful morning of nature journaling at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve! Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to nature journaling or have kept journals for years.

Nature journaling is a practice of recording your observations, thoughts, and questions about the natural world through a mix of drawing, writing, and even numbers. It encourages you to use all your senses—seeing patterns you hadn’t noticed before, hearing new sounds, feeling the breeze or bark textures, and smelling the scent of nearby plants. By slowing down and tuning in, we begin to deepen our awareness and connection to the environment around us.

October is a wonderful time to visit Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, a 46-acre wetland landscape in Back Creek Valley, Berkeley County, WV. Once marshy farmland, the preserve now features restored ponds and marshes, making it a haven for migrating and nesting waterfowl. Trails along the marsh and creek edges offer opportunities to spot wetland birds and enjoy the vibrant fall colors, especially in the open meadow.

We’ll begin at the preserve entrance/the parking lot with a brief introduction, then explore the marsh edges at your own pace, observing birds and the seasonal scenery. Afterward, we’ll regroup to share observations, discuss what we’ve seen, and reflect on the highlights of this autumnal landscape.

• Walking Distance: Approximately 1 -2 miles.
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Forested/dense canopy cover
• Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail Gentle slopes/rolling hills
• Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting location.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the pavilion.
• 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! You may also want to bring bug spray.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About our Host: Jessica lives in Martinsburg, WV and is a middle school science and special education teacher with a passion for helping others connect with the natural world. Her journey into nature journaling began after attending the Hog Island Audubon Society summer camp for educators, sponsored by PVAS. Since then, she has embraced journaling as a way to slow down and deepen her connection to nature. She leads a nature journaling club at her school and is currently a Master Naturalist candidate through PVAS. Jessica is excited to lead this program and hopes participants of all ages—regardless of artistic ability—will discover the joy of observing and documenting the natural world through words, drawings, and personal reflections.