The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will offer a special nature hike at its Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve in Berkeley County on Saturday, May 17.

The hike is intended for families with children, and children of all ages will be welcome. It will last from 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m.

It will be led by Jan Hummer, an experienced natural science educator. She will help explain the preserve’s plants, animals, and other natural features.

Enrollment will be limited and pre-registration will be required. There will be a modest fee of $5 per child. To register or get more information go to the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact Jan at janhummer@hotmail.com or 304-839-5128.

The Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve is located in Back Creek Valley, one-half mile south of Shanghai, on the east side of Back Creek Valley Road (County Route 7). Hike participants should meet in the gravel parking area at the Preserve’s north end.

The Preserve is owned by PVAS. Although it is only 46 acres in size, it includes a rich variety of wildlife habitats, including shallow ponds, marshy areas, meadowlands, woods, edge lands and Back Creek frontage.

It is especially attractive to birds: to date some 150 different species of birds have been identified here.

Hike participants should bring insect repellent, water and a snack, and dress for the prevailing weather. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended

This hike is part of a Potomac Valley Audubon program, called “Outdoor Explore!”. which is intended to give youngsters and their parents 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.

The program was initiated in 2012 with the help of a grant from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.