Joining a workday at Cool Spring Preserve

Hannah Kulla, right, helps a volunteer cut invasive species at Cool Spring Preserve on July 3. Courtney Bell
SHEPHERDSTOWN — This past Monday, the Potomac Valley Audubon Society hosted a Summer Volunteer Workday at the Cool Spring Nature Preserve. In 1982, the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) was organized to provide numerous educational programs for children, adults and families. This volunteer workday was no different from the other ones it holds throughout the year, having the volunteers help clear the preserve’s trail for visitors.
Land Management and Conservation AmeriCorps Service Member Hannah Kulla led the group of five volunteers, during this workday. As a recent graduate of Wells College, Kulla said she cares heavily about animal and plant life and protecting their habitats.
“I love wildlife as a whole. It gives me a rush whenever I do this,” Kulla said.
Kulla is one of many involved in the volunteer workdays, along with participants like Shepherdstown resident Katelyn Walters. Walters also serves as the Associate Director of Conservation and Operations for the Potomac Valley Audubon Society.
According to Walters, her childhood dream was to become a park ranger.

A group of volunteers sorts through the cut vines on a trail in Cool Spring Preserve on July 3. Courtney Bell
“When the Land and Conservation Manager position with Potomac Valley Audubon advertised, I knew in my bones it was the perfect job for me. I was recently promoted from my original position to associate director. I never knew I’d end up essentially fulfilling the ‘park ranger’ role at a nonprofit,” Walters said.
With the group of participants helping to cut down the invasive species on the trail, Gary, one of its members, shared his thoughts on his experience near the session’s end.
“It amazes me that all our hard work will be nonexistent in six weeks, as this grows back,” Gary said. “Oh well, it is like painting a bridge; little by little, progress is made, and that is all we can do for these plants.”
According to Kulla and Walters, they try to create trail maintenance social events that will keep community members interested in participating. Walters discusses aspects of natural history to pique the volunteers’ interest, while Kulla shares interesting points of nature and talks about things she learned on social media or the news. In general, they keep in mind that many people can lose interest in trail maintenance, so they try to be inclusive and keep in mind that everyone is different, especially children.
“It can be hard to keep kids interested for the entire allocated time. Nobody is committed to staying the full three hours,” Walters said, noting children often are capable of participating for one hour. “Every little bit is helpful, though!”
Ultimately, PVAS is determined to continue holding these workdays, as well as other events planned for the many families, children and adults committed to keeping the trails healthy and clear of any invasive species. Through the continuation of these events, community members will be able to better appreciate each of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society’s preserves: Cool Spring Preserve, Yankauer Preserve, Eidolon Preserve and Stauffer’s Marsh Preserve.
For more information, visit the Potomac Valley Audubon Society at its website (https://www.potomacaudubon.org/about/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PotomacValleyAudubon/) to keep up with the activities they have planned.
- Hannah Kulla, right, helps a volunteer cut invasive species at Cool Spring Preserve on July 3. Courtney Bell
- A group of volunteers sorts through the cut vines on a trail in Cool Spring Preserve on July 3. Courtney Bell