The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will offer a winter tree-identification field trip along the C&O Canal across from Shepherdstown the morning of Saturday, March 19

West Virginia state forester Herb Peddicord will lead the trip. He will show how to identify trees through such clues as their branching habits and overall shape, twigs and buds, and bark.

Participants will meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Ferry Hill Place, the old brick mansion on the Maryland side of the Potomac River that used to be the C&O Canal Park headquarters. The entrance is on MD Route 34 just east of the Rumsey Bridge across the Potomac.

There is no fee, and anyone with an interest is invited to attend. However, space will be limited and pre-registration is essential. To pre-register or get more information go to the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact Debbie Maiorano at debbiemm58@aol.com or 540-535-5145.

In the past, these events have been very popular and have filled up fast, so those who want to attend are advised to register quickly.

The total time of the trip will be about two hours.

If the trip has to be cancelled because of weather, it will be rescheduled to March 26.

Those who participate should be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear.