Join Master Naturalist Roy Boyle for a frolic in the forest identifying trees and shrubs at Cool Spring Nature Preserve.

PVAS Host: Roy Boyle

Free and open to the public. For ages 16 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

After some basic instruction in terminology and identification techniques, participants will walk the trails and practice together the science and art of tree identification. We will be hiking with participants from the training program that will occur just before we start.

If you have the book, “”Winter Tree Finder”” by May Theilgaard Watts and Tom Watts, bring it along. A few copies will be available to use during the program. Bring binoculars, a pocket knife, and your PVMN jeweler’s loupe for magnifying the small parts of twigs if you have them. A phone with a camera is also useful.

The program will be entirely outdoors. Light rain or snow will not cancel the program. An hour of education credit is available for Master Naturalists.

• Walking Distance: 1-1.5 miles
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Partial shade/winter canopy. Some areas of full sun.
• Terrain: Mowed grass/earthen trail Gentle slopes/rolling hills
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Participants should meet at the back deck (just down from the parking lot) of the Nature Center.
• What to Bring: Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots are needed to hike the slightly hilly wide trails. Dress in layers and for the weather. Water and some snack food nourishment are recommended.

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 pricing structure & policies.

About our Host: Roy Boyle is a middle school science teacher with a very real addiction to birding and all things nature. His degrees include a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Science Education. Roy has worked as a state park environmental educator and has been birding for over 40 years. Roy sets up and offers an online Kahoot game on various subjects every other month for Potomac Valley Audubon Society where Master Naturalists play along for education credit. He is also a member of Potomac Valley Master Naturalists and currently serves as Education Chair.