Nature Programs with your local Bird Nerd at Kanawha State Forest in June

            CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Take a bird walk with a self-proclaimed “bird nerd” weekends in June at Kanawha State Forest. Sara Miller, the forest’s weekend naturalist and interpreter, works to create interest about nature and ecology with outdoor-based activities that are suitable for all ages. A Kanawha county native, Sara is a graduate of WVU with a Bachelors of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries.  All activities are free.

Friday, June 8

From Noon until 4 p.m., the portable nature center and naturalist Sara Miller will be at the forest office to answer questions.  At 2 p.m. visitors can “Make a Snake” and learn about the snake species found in West Virginia.  There is no charge for the simple craft or to learn about snakes, their habits and habitats.

Saturday, June 9

“Bird Walk with a Bird Nerd” will begin at Shelter #5 at 9 a.m. and includes a walk around the area’s grounds.  This area at Kanawha State Forest offers great close-up viewing opportunities of several bird species. Bring binoculars if possible. Make a Snake! at the  portable nature center (at the forest office) at 12:30 p.m. to learn about some of West Virginia’s snake species. It’s a simple craft to and make and take home.

Friday, June 15, 2012

The Nature Center will be open from noon until 4 p.m. every Friday this summer outside the forest office. Visit with the naturalist and ask questions about birds, snakes, and other winged or crawling critters.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

“Saturday Morning Birds: Phoebe! Pizza! Creep!” begins at 9 a.m. at Shelter #5 in the gravel parking lot. “We'll be exploring the immediate area for flycatchers and learn how to identify three of West Virginia flycatcher species by sight and call,” Miller said. Part of the activity includes sketching a basic flycatcher in order to remember its unique and interesting features.

Miller explains that attendees shouldn’t worry if they can’t sketch. “You'll still have some useful identification materials to take with you when you go exploring for flycatchers on your own.”
Flycatchers are birds in the family Muscicapidae. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores and, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

Animal Artifacts begins at 12:30 p.m. on June 16. To participate, meet near Polly Hollow Trail to see what artifacts of living animals can tell us about them. “Like archaeology, we can use pieces and signs left behind by animals to tell a little of its story. We'll introduce ourselves to some of the signs and clues commonly left behind by our West Virginia wildlife and then go on a short expedition to see what real-time signs and clues we can find, piecing together some stories of the their lifestyles,” Miller said. 

            Nature activities at Kanawha State Forest are always outdoors.  Events may be cancelled or delayed when strong storms or rain is present. To learn more about Kanawha State Forest visit www.kanawhastateforest.com or call 304-558-3500.