The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a birding trip to the National Conservation Training Center outside Shepherdstown on Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 a.m. It will be free and anyone with an interest is welcome to come along. Children will be welcome.

However, because of security considerations at NCTC pre-registration is essential. Easy, on-line registration is available on the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org. Please register before March 15.

For more information, contact trip leader Jim Farley at jamesfarley@

frontiernet.net or 540-686-2056.

The Center’s 538-acre campus is not normally open to the public, so this is a great opportunity to visit the campus and enjoy their trails while birding.

The campus contains a mix of fields and forest, providing good habitat for a rich variety of bird species. It also should provide a good opportunity to see NCTC’s resident Bald Eagles.

The trip will last about three hours and involve walking about two miles over moderate terrain.

After participants arrive and check in at the guard desk at NCTC, they should plan to meet the trip leader in the Blue parking lot. Everyone should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions; bring insect repellent, water and sunscreen; and wear comfortable walking or hiking boots.

PVAS will provide binoculars for those who need them.

The trip may be cancelled if there is bad weather. To check on possible weather cancellation, watch the PVAS website or contact Mr. Farley.