Canaan Valley Master Naturalist Program

04/27/2026

1st Saturday, What’s Blooming Walks with Master Naturalist Jess Tucker will begin on Saturday, May 2nd at 10:00 at the Refuge Visitor Center.

04/20/2026

4th Saturday Busy Beaver Walks continue on April 25 at 11:00AM led by Master Naturalist Robin Norsworthy.

Meet at the Freeland Boardwalk.

04/19/2026

For Everyone!

The Annual WV Wildflower Pilgrimage at Blackwater Falls State
May 7-10

https://wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/wildflower-pilgrimage/

Enjoy a weekend of expert-led nature outings.

Call or write Amy Larch for information and early registration (304-558-2754; [email protected]).

This is great opportunity!

64th Annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage May 7-10, 2026 The Wildflower Pilgrimage is a special project of the West Virginia Garden Club, Inc.,

04/17/2026

Wild Wonders programs begin April 18 at 6:00PM with:

==> Wild Wonders: Flight of the Woodcock (both presentation and field walk) by Master Naturalist LeJay Graffious.

The presentation will begin at 6:00PM; we'll go out in the field at 7:30PM.

You must register to go into the field; field attendance is limited.

==>Register at https://forms.microsoft.com/g/cdP0jGnkgw.

Come join us to learn about and hopefully see the Woodcock (Timberdoodle, the Friends of the 500th logo bird) doing its beautiful mating display!

04/17/2026

Tree Planting tomorrow, Saturday, April 18th at 9AM!

Earth Day Volunteer Tree Planting on the CVNWR is Saturday, April 18th at 9AM. Help restore a biologically important ecosystem to Canaan Valley! Meet at the access road gate on Timberline Road, about one mile east of Route 32 just past the fishing pier. Equipment will be provided, but please bring some spare gloves and water.

02/02/2026

Happy groundhog’s day!

No doubt you have enjoyed staying inside in this frigid weather and watching the Snow Moon, but it’s time to suit up and get outside. Evening Grosbeaks are irrupting at local feeders, a Short-eared Owl or two are cruising the Refuge, and new beaver activity has been spotted near the Freeland Boardwalk…
Laura

All are invited to the upcoming events in Tucker County. These events are free and open to people of all abilities. Bring water, snacks and binoculars, if you have them. Dress for the weather and before heading out, check Facebook and websites for updates as events may be rescheduled or cancelled. Bring snowshoes if appropriate! For more free nature events, including bats, spiders and bears, visit:
- Call the Nature Center at Blackwater Falls State Park, 304 259-5511.
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge page or website.
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Feb 7, Saturday, 9 AM. Saturday Bird Walk at BWFSP. An easy 1-2 mile stroll on pavement and packed trails. Meet at the Nature Center, BWFSP.

Feb 8, Sunday, 10 AM. Snowshoe Discovery Tour - Buds, Bark, and Branches: As cold temperatures and blustering winds threaten forests in the winter, trees are making some big changes on the inside. Join AmeriCorps Member Elizabeth Mahoney on this guided hike to peel back the mystery of how trees survive winter, and learn how to identify trees without their leaves! White Grass Lodge, 643 Weiss K**b Ski Rd, Davis, WV 26260

Feb 14, Saturday, 9AM. Valentine’s Day Bird Walk: Join volunteer Laura on our monthly bird walk on the Beall trails! And easy 1-2 mile stroll on pavement and dirt trails. This program is open to people of all birding abilities—we even provide binoculars (and snowshoes if needed)! Beall Trailhead, Co Rte 35/18, Canaan Heights, WV 26260.

February 14, Saturday, 10AM. Sweethearts Nature Stroll: Meet at the Nature Center, BWFSP, to walk to Pendleton Point and back. About an hour on 1-2 miles on packed trails. A great chance to get a selfie with your sweetie overlooking Blackwater Canyon. All participants will receive a WV State Parks hiking stick medallion.

Feb 15 &16, Sunday & Monday, 10AM - Snowshoe Discovery Tour - Natural History: Join White Grass owner Chip Chase on an entertaining walk featuring natural history and more while wandering along a pretty stream-side and vista filled pastures. White Grass Lodge, 643 Weiss K**b Ski Rd, Davis, WV 2626

Feb 22, Sunday, 10AM. Snowshoe Discovery Tour – Canaan Valley Chronicles: Moonshine, gunfights, and train wrecks—Canaan Valley was shaped by the sensational stories of those that came before us. Join Ranger JJ on this interpretive hike to hear some of the history surrounding the refuge. White Grass Lodge, 643 Weiss K**b Ski Rd, Davis, WV 2626.

Feb 28, Saturday 9-10+. The Annual Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race. This year’s theme is 1980’s Rock Bands. BWFSP’s sled run. Call the Nature Center for information, 304-259-5511.

Feb 28, Saturday, 11AM. Winter Wildlife Walk: Ever wonder what wildlife do during cold winters? Join volunteer Robin on this guided walk to discover the answer along some of the Beall trails! Beall Trailhead, Co Rte 35/18, Canaan Heights, WV 26260

11/18/2025

Help Needed: Need someone local to distribute and hang flyers around town. Contact Andrea “Andy” Dalton – [email protected].

11/18/2025

Committee News from Andy Dalton:

Thank you, Judy Williamson for volunteering to be our Publicity Committee chair and handling our social media for Canaan Valley Master Naturalists. Thanks to Jonathan Moss for volunteering to help with our flyer making. It will be so good to get out the word about programs and projects!!

09/29/2023

Like our friend spider in the backyard. These orb weavers are the prettiest.

11/22/2022

Did you know that you are allowed to hunt on the refuge, with a permit, following both Refuge and West Virginia Department of Natural Resource (WVDNR) regulations? While hunting on a wildlife refuge may seem counterintuitive, hunting helps to control prey populations that are too dense due to a lack of natural predators. One example in Canaan Valley, the white-tailed deer. Without hunters, an abundance of deer would lead to over-browsing pressure that harms woodland habitats. Additionally, dense populations can contribute to rapid spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Hunting and fishing also contribute to conservation efforts through the licensing process as well. The WVDNR is responsible for hunting and fishing licensure across the state, and a conservation stamp is necessary on all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. These sales help to purchase land to be converted into Wildlife Management Areas to protect and maintain habitat for wildlife, and increase access to natural resources for the public.

Hunting season is from September to February, with a spring gobbler season in spring, and we recommend wearing blaze orange during these months when you are on our trails to increase visibility.

Photo Description: Group of hunters in snowy forest
Photo Credit: USFWS