The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a bird and butterfly walk on the Rolling Ridge Foundation Lands on the Blue Ridge in Jefferson County on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. It is free and open to anyone with an interest, regardless of their birding skills. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged but not required. Easy registration is available on the Society’s website at www.potomacaudubon.org.

Participants should plan to meet the trip leader at the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community, located at the end of Mission Road. From Charles Town, follow Route 115 / Charles Town Road (Old Route 9) heading south, then turn right on Mission Road. Continue on Mission Road approximately 6.2 miles, driving past Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area. Turn left where Mission Road becomes a gravel road. After one mile on the gravel road, you will approach a 4-way intersection. Go straight and park your vehicle at the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community where the walk will begin.

The walk will last about 3 hours, and will cover rolling terrain. Birds likely to be present will be summer resident species, migrants and raptors.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions, and bring along water, a snack, insect repellent and sunscreen. PVAS will provide binoculars for those who do not have their own.

The walk may be cancelled in the event of heavy or steady rain, as access requires travel on a gravel road. Those who register on the PVAS website will be notified by email by 9 p.m. the previous evening if cancellation is anticipated.

The Rolling Ridge Foundation Lands constitute one of the largest privately held wilderness preserves in the Eastern Panhandle. The Foundation’s 1,400 acres of secluded, forest include miles of hiking trails, the Appalachian Trail, the Shenandoah River, five mountain streams, ponds, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

To reserve binoculars or for additional trip information, contact the trip leader, Joette Borzik at 240-440-4221 or pep4223@comcast.net. For property access questions, contact Scot DeGraf at 301-275-2009.