Potomac Valley Master Naturalists

05/02/2026

The NCTC Library is seeking a volunteer with a librarian background to evaluate books on an ongoing basis. This could be volunteering several hours a week. It might also be a way for a school librarian to spend an extended period over the summer. Do you know someone? Message me (Ellen Murphy) and I can help put you in touch.

03/16/2026

02/24/2026

Greetings, PVAS Friends,

I wanted to be sure that you are aware of the premier environmental event over here in Frederick County, Maryland, the Climate Summit is coming up this week - Friday and Saturday February 27 and 28 at Hood College in Frederick, MD. With exceptional keynote speakers, informative panels, and over 50 exhibitors related to the work of PVAS, this can be a wonderful way to learn about climate solutions and network with like minded organizations and individuals.

I encourage you to check out the schedule, the inspirational speakers, and details about registering here:

https://www.mobilizefrederick.org/2026-summit-overview

Also, read all about the many inspiring workshops offered on both days (see attached).

Thanks, and I hope to see you there!

Janet

Janet Carrier Ady, PhD

Co-chair, Education Group

Mobilize Frederick

Audubon Society of Central Maryland At Large Board Member

Potomac Valley Audubon Society At Large Board Member

North American Association for Environmental Education Advisory Council Member

Climate Summit 2026: Local Solutions to Global Challenges. Feb. 27 and 28, 2026

01/31/2026

Congratulations to all the newly certified and the REcertified Potomac Valley Master Naturalists! Today’s annual meeting was a great chance to see familiar faces, celebrate the more than 4,000 hours of service to our community, and gear up for another great year! Thanks to everyone who came today!

09/24/2025

A great way to volunteer!

Land management at NCTC is gearing up for the 2025 deer hunting season, and once we again we will need assistance in operating the check station. NCTC is trying a new format for hunter selection this year and will need six people to run each hunt.

What's new this year? There is no longer a pre-hunt season drawing to select hunters. A random drawing will be held prior to each hunt to select hunters from those who show up to participate in that day’s hunt. The critical need would be the first two hours of each hunt. After the drawing has been completed, then a couple of folks would be free to go.

Folks interested in helping should send an email with the dates and times they are willing to help and their email and phone number to Rob Chapman at NCTC ([email protected]).

Your info will allow NCTC to contact you directly for updates on the date(s) you have selected.

Dates are Oct 4 (8a-12noon), Oct 18, Nov 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20 (all either 5a-12noon OR 12noon-8p). Specify your choice in the email.

09/20/2025

Don't forget, if you are interested in attending the Public Program at NCTC this coming Thursday (September 25), NCTC would appreciate a heads-up on the numbers attending.
To register for an upcoming program, please email:
[email protected]
Include the program date and names of attending adults.
All programs are free and this one will be popular! 7:00 p.m. at NCTC.
“First People of the Shenandoah & Potomac Watersheds”
with Carole Nash, Professor, James Madison University
What was life like in this region before the first Europeans arrived - how did the Natives live and what clues do we have?
First People of the Shenandoah and Potomac Watersheds reviews the information gathered from the many documented Native American archaeological sites in western Virginia and the West Virginia Panhandle, with a focus on the importance of the Shenandoah-Potomac confluence. Covering 15,000 years, from the end of the Ice Age to the time of European settlement, the story of the ancestors of the First People challenges us to think about what it means to be Native to a place.

06/06/2025

Back in South Carolina this week and found this guy waiting by the truck!

02/05/2025

Stick around after the Annual Meeting for an inspiring Bee City presentation by PVMN’s own Shelby LaTurno! 🐝🌿

Bee City works to sustain pollinators by:
🌸 Increasing native plant abundance
🏡 Providing essential nesting sites
🚫 Reducing pesticide use

This is also a great education credit opportunity for Master Naturalists! Join us 1:30-2:30 PM on February 8 to learn how you can make a difference for pollinators in your own community.

🌎 Small actions can have a big impact! Who’s excited to learn more?

02/04/2025

Help support PVMN by donating to our Silent Auction at the Annual Meeting! 🎉 We’re looking for high-quality, sought-after items that will spark friendly bidding and raise funds for our program.

Ideal donations include:
📚 Nature guides & books
🎟️ Unique experiences (guided hikes, workshops)
🖼️ Artwork, handcrafted goods, or gift baskets
🎒 Outdoor gear & tools

If you have smaller items, please bundle them into a single lot to save space. Bring your items on the day of the event!

💚 Thank you for supporting PVMN! See you February 8!

02/02/2025

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The Potomac Valley Master Naturalists Annual Meeting is happening February 8, 2025 at 10am at the Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle.

Join us for a day of connection, celebration, and learning featuring:
🌟 Recognition of new and returning Master Naturalists
🥘 A delicious potluck lunch
🎉 A silent auction supporting our program
🐝 An optional Bee City presentation on pollinator conservation.
We can’t wait to see you there!