Calendar by Venue
February 2019
Natural History Workshop: Art Inspired by Nature, Mandala Watercolor Workshop
Instructor: Susan Brookreson PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required. Please register below. Join Susan’s Art Inspired by Nature: Mandala Watercolor Workshop. This will be an morning of art, nature, creativity and fun! A mandala is an ancient, universal art form. It is circular in format; Mandala means circular in Sanskrit. Nature will be the inspiration for the creation of these mandalas. Mandala shapes in nature include flowers, the sun and moon, various fruits, shells, spiderwebs etc. These mandalas can be…
Find out more »Cool Spring Nature Preserve Volunteer Workday
Join us for the February Cool Spring workday! PVAS is looking for some cold-hardy and energetic volunteers to take down the natural playspace with KC! Please bring your work gloves, a refillable water bottle and any accessories that will help you stay comfortable (dress in layers!). Master Naturalists are eligible to earn volunteer hours! Please register below so we know how many volunteers to expect. Registering also allows KC to contact volunteers directly in event of a weather cancellation! Fill…
Find out more »March 2019
Homeschool Adventures: Animal Defenses
Through games and hands on activities, we’ll explore the different adaptations animals use to defend themselves.
Find out more »Natural History Workshop: Drawn from Nature by J.J. Audubon”
Instructor: Doug Pifer PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required. Please register below. On Sunday, March 10, 2019, Doug PIfer will lead a workshop “Drawn from Nature by J. J. Audubon.” The workshop will be held in the upstairs classroom at Cool Spring Preserve from 9-11 am. A professional artist, writer and naturalist for over 40 years, Doug Pifer will dress in period clothing such as J. J. Audubon would wear, and will bring two of his own life-size bid paintings,…
Find out more »Wee Naturalist: Nature Hike
Join us on a laid back, naturalist led nature exploration and hike around Cool Spring Preserve. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Let’s Hear it for Herps!
From slithering snakes to slimy salamanders, kids will learn about herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »Natural History Workshop: Spring Equinox Field Journaling
Instructor: Carolyn Duckworth PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required. Please register below. Celebrate the start of spring with a special field journaling workshop; creating a spring equinox memory. One of challenges of starting a field journal page is deciding where to start. We will make that easier by focusing on signs of spring, and making quick field notes using words and sketches. Then we’ll combine a classic field journal practice with contemporary ways to create a memorable page about the…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Nature’s Clean Up Crew
In this program we’ll learn about the importance of scavengers and the special adaptations that allow them to clean up our planet.
Find out more »Wee Naturalist: I’m Flying!
Birds, bats and bugs all have wings that allow them to take to the skies. We’ll learn about our different flying friends before dressing up as birds or birds to hike or “fly” on our trails.
Find out more »Cool Spring Nature Preserve Volunteer Workday
Join us for the March Cool Spring workday! PVAS is looking for some fun and energetic volunteers to rebuild the natural playspace with KC! Please bring your work gloves, a refillable water bottle and any accessories that will help you stay comfortable (dress in layers!). Master Naturalists are eligible to earn volunteer hours! Please register below so we know how many volunteers to expect. Registering also allows KC to contact volunteers directly in event of a weather cancellation! Fill out…
Find out more »April 2019
Wee Naturalist: Eggs!
We’ll discover the many different animals hatch from eggs, then go on an egg hunt for eggs painted like real bird eggs!
Find out more »Natural History Workshop: Art-To-Earth, Inc presents: The Chakras & Earth
Workshop Instructor: Susan Loonsk PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required. Please register below. This workshop has been rescheduled from its original date of March 9. Connect yourself to earth using the Chakras. Learn how the 7 major energy points in the body (or Chakras) correspond to different aspects of nature. You will make a Chakra Wall Art Piece to take home This hands -on workshop explores Ecopsychology concepts through nature and art activities. No Art experience necessary and supplies are…
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Bird is the Word
In this program we’ll learn about what makes birds unique, how to identify birds, and how to attract them to your yard.
Find out more »Natural History Workshop: Composting Myths and Addressing Common Problems
Instructors: Melanie Files and Rick Lowman PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. Please register below. Melanie and Rick, certified Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners and Master Composters, are excited to bring their years of experience and knowledge to the PVAS community. This hands-on workshop aims to help shred the myths about composting and provide answers to composting myths and common problems so that you can find the best solutions for your situation. In addition, Rick and…
Find out more »May 2019
‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: What’s Buggin’ You?
In this program we'll learn what makes an insect an insect, and what creepy crawlies don't quite make the cut.
Find out more »Wee Naturalist: INSECTigators
We’ll look at ways insects are different from other animals before hitting the trails as insectigators, in search of bugs and other creepy crawlies!
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: The Buzz on Bees
We’ll discover the role of bees, flies, butterflies and bats as pollinators!
Find out more »June 2019
Wild Child: Session 1
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Release your inner wild child as you explore nature from a “wild” point of view. Walk barefoot through mud, splash in the creek, forage for wild foods, build the ultimate fort, and create camouflage so you can hide in plain sight! Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Nature Detectives: Session 1
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Join us as we uncover the mysteries of the forest. We’ll peek under logs, hunt for animal tracks and scat, dissect owl pellets, examine bones and skulls, and investigate the signs that animals leave behind. There’s plenty of time for games and building your fort in the woods! Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Earth Art Camp: Session 1
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Get inspired by nature to create artistic masterpieces! We’ll collect our own natural clay to create sculptures, make leaf hammered bandanas, and create nature weavings! We’ll also dabble in nature journaling and create murals out of recycled materials! On Friday, parents are invited to see the campers’ final creations at an art exposition! Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »Camp Survivor: Session 2
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Could you survive if you were lost in the wilderness? We’ll have a blast building shelters, fires, and tools and learning how to purify water. We will also learn how to find food in the wild, use a compass, and tie knots. Through challenges that will test your mind, body and teamwork skills, you will truly know by the end of week if you have what it takes to be a SURVIVOR!…
Find out more »July 2019
Splish Splash: Session 1
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Get ready to get wet because this week is all about water! We’ll search for creek critters in Bullskin Run, build and race mini-rafts, build waterproof forts and learn to purify water in nature. Entering Grades: 1-6 $100 members / $120 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Wee Naturalist: Session 1
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 11:30 am Explore the natural world with your child! We’ll keep you moving with a variety of activities including circle time, short hikes, nature crafts, hands-on nature exploration, stories and imaginative play. Every day covers a different nature theme! Ages 3-5, accompanied by a parent/guardian $60 members / $70 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Wild Child: Session 3
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Release your inner wild child as you explore nature from a “wild” point of view. Walk barefoot through mud, splash in the creek, forage for wild foods, build the ultimate fort, and create camouflage so you can hide in plain sight! Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Outdoor Adventure Camp: Session 2
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm With Cool Spring Preserve as our home base, each day is a different adventure! We’ll practice archery and survival skills, and explore the creek at Cool Spring Preserve. We’ll also spend two days at FLOC Outdoor Education Center, team building on the high ropes course and then canoeing on the Shenandoah River. On Thursday night, we’ll camp out at the preserve! Entering grades 6-8 $235 members / $ 255 non- members Tentative…
Find out more »Earth Art Camp: Session 2
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Get inspired by nature to create artistic masterpieces! We’ll collect our own natural clay to create sculptures, make leaf hammered bandanas, and create nature weavings! We’ll also dabble in nature journaling and create murals out of recycled materials! On Friday, parents are invited to see the campers’ final creations at an art exposition! Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »Splish Splash: Session 2
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Get ready to get wet because this week is all about water! We’ll search for creek critters in Bullskin Run, build and race mini-rafts, build waterproof forts and learn to purify water in nature. Entering Grades: 1-6 $160 members / $180 non-members Fill out my LGL form!
Find out more »Eco Careers Camp
Monday- Friday • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Considering an environmental science career? At this camp you’ll explore different career path options with professionals in the field. Learn how to survey bird populations, assist in stream data collection such as electro fishing, water quality testing and macro invertebrate sampling. Learn basic insect identification with an entomologist and conduct a forest survey. Work with a naturalist to try environmental education and interpretation. You’ll leave this camp feeling inspired and involved in…
Find out more »August 2019
Singing Insect Walk
Trip Leader: Wil Hershberger Registration is required and will be limited to 14 participants ages 14 years and older. Please register below. PMVN ReCert Eligible Join Wil Hershberger, local insect expert, for an evening insect walk at Cool Spring Preserve. Listen and learn about the all the various insects we hear in the summer and early fall months. Mr. Hershberger is coauthor of “The Songs of Insects”, a book and audio CD published by Houghton-Mifflin Company. He is also the…
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »September 2019
Natural History Workshop: Art to Earth; An Ecopsychology Workshop
Workshop Instructor: Susan Loonsk PVMN Re-Cert Eligible Registration is required. Please register below. Join Susan Loonsk for this unique workshop where participants will engage in Ecopsychology concepts through nature and art activities. Students will experience many concepts of Ecopsychology by connecting self to nature through expressive activities. Participants can expect to gain an understanding of Ecopsychology ideas , and participate in guided meditations, earth walks and an indoor art project. This workshop is open to the public and no prior…
Find out more »‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:00 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »October 2019
‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:30 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »November 2019
‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:30 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
Find out more »December 2019
‘Third Wednesday’ Bird Walk at Cool Spring Preserve
PVAS Trip Leader: Beth Poole This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is strongly encouraged. Please register below. Join Beth Poole on her regularly scheduled ‘Third Wednesday’ bird walk at Cool Spring Preserve. The trails at Cool Spring preserve have a lot to offer! From well maintained foot paths to gorgeous views, the preserve’s 12 acres is home to much wildlife. Please meet by 7:30 am in the front parking lot of Cool Spring Preserve, the…
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