November

Saturday, November 14: November Bird Walk, 8 am, meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, led by Volunteer Casey Rucker.  

Saturday, November 21:  Valley Vibes: Global Challenges in Health, Energy and the Environment, 7 pm, at the Refuge Visitor Center, presented by Dr Karel Schubert, Volunteer.  Join us for a discussion and historical perspective of these global challenges and issues facing us, with special references to the impact on West Virginia.

December

Saturday, December 12: Residents and Strays Bird Walk, 8 am, meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, led by Volunteer Casey Rucker.  

Saturday, December 19:  Christmas Bird Count, all day, register in advance by calling Ken Sturm, 304-866-3858 ext. 32.

Sunday, December 27: Gateway To The Refuge: Natural History of the Valley, 1 pm, meet at White Grass Lodge. Join us for a natural history snowshoe walk with Chip Chase as he shares his knowledge about the climate, forest type, and geology of the area. Ask technical tough questions and enjoy a short streamside jaunt.

Thursday, December 31: New Years Eve Carefree Snowshoe Tour, 1pm, meet at White Grass Lodge. This is your chance to appreciate the simple beauty of snowshoeing. Natural history and local lore are featured.

January

Saturday, January 9, 2010 Winter Trails Day at White Grass, meet at White grass Lodge. Free lessons/clinics and rentals to all first time interested skiers or snowshoers. Cross country ski lessons every hour. A 10 am and 2 pm clinic on types of snowshoes, clothing, basic techniques, and outdoor winter snow travel, followed by a natural history tour on snowshoes into our neighboring National Wildlife Refuge.

Sunday, January 10: Gateway To The Refuge, 10 am, meet at White Grass LodgeHigh elevation red spruce ecosystem trek These Sunday walks are free of charge and offered each year to expand our appreciation of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Sunday, January 17: Carefree Snowshoe Tour, 1 pm, meet at White Grass Lodge. Your chance to appreciate the simple beauty of snowshoeing. Natural history and local lore are included.

Saturday, January 23: Winter Bird Walk, 8 am, meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, led by Volunteer Casey Rucker.  

Sunday, January 24: Gateway To The Refuge, 10 am, meet at White Grass Lodge. All are welcome. Skis or snowshoes. Subject TBA.

February

Saturday, February 6: Winter Bird Walk, 8 am, meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, led by Volunteer Casey Rucker.  

Sunday, February 7: Gateway To The Refuge: Animal Tracking, 10 am, meet at White Grass Lodge. This very popular event will give you information needed to figure out what critters make all those impressions in the snow.

Sunday, February 14: Carefree Snowshoe Tour, 1 pm, meet at White Grass Lodge. This is your chance to appreciate the simple beauty of snowshoeing. Natural history and local lore are featured.

Sunday, February 21: Gateway To The Refuge, 10 am, meet at White Grass Lodge. Geology of the Canaan Valley and the Highlands and West Virginia...perhaps, subject TBA

March

Saturday, March 13: Winter Bird Walk, 8 am, meet at the Refuge Visitor Center, led by Volunteer Casey Rucker.  

All events are free.  These events are co-sponsored by the Friends of the 500th and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.  Some are also co-sponsored by White Grass Ski Touring Center.

For walks:  Please wear warm comfortable walking boots and dress for the weather.  Unless otherwise stated, walks meet at the Refuge office to carpool to a Refuge trail.  Binoculars may be borrowed during Refuge sponsored events.  Bring drinking water and enthusiasm!  Call 304-866-3858 for more information.