The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will offer a special children’s program about the stars and constellations on Friday, Jan. 18. The event will be for children ages 6-9. Entitled “Pictures in the Sky,” it will help youngsters learn how to identify the different stars and constellations and introduce them to the old stories behind them. Hot chocolate will be provided.

The event will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church’s Orchard House, which is located at 4599 Shepherdstown Road (Route 45), about half way between Shepherdstown and Martinsburg. It will last from 8 to 11 p.m.

If the sky is overcast, it will be rescheduled to Saturday, Jan. 19. If the sky is still overcast that evening, it will be rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 20.

There will be a $5 fee for each child. Enrollment will be strictly limited to ensure that all children receive personal attention, and pre-registration is required.

To register or get more information go to the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact Ellen Murphy at 304-676-8739 or Ellen@PotomacAudubon.org.

This event is part of a new Audubon program, called “Outdoor Explore!,” that is intended to give youngsters a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world in a safe, supervised way. Its activities include hiking, exploration of different local habitats, plant and animal identification, and other natural science activities.

Jan Hummer, an experienced natural science educator, is leading each program session.

The program is being made possible by a grant from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.