The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a bird and butterfly walk on the historic Claymont property outside Charles Town, WV on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The walk will begin at 7 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.

Field trip participants should plan to meet ttrip leader Joette Borzik on the Claymont entrance road where a wetland meets the access driveway. The entrance is located at 667 Huyett Road; it is marked by a street sign that says “Claymont Mansion.”

The trip will last about four hours and involve about two miles of moderate hiking, but participants may opt out at any time along the way. It will take place rain or shine; however, if there is rain, butterflies will not be flying and the focus will be on birds.

Participants should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather and bring drinking water, trail snacks and insect repellent.

Binoculars will be available for those who need them.

The Claymont property, which totals about 300 acres, is home to the historic Claymont Mansion. The mansion, which was built in 1820 by George Washington’s grand-nephew Bushrod Washington, is the largest of the Washington family homes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The property is owned and managed by the Claymont Society for Continuous Education and is used to host seminars and retreats for the public. It has recently been entered into a conservation easement that ensures it will be protected from development.

For more info, contact Ms. Borzik, at 240-440-4221 or pep4223@comcast.net.