The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will offer one of its popular “Wee Naturalists” programs for preschoolers on Friday, Feb. 17.

Wee Naturalists programs are designed to provide opportunities for children ages 3-5 to explore nature safely under the guidance of an experienced PVAS instructor. At each session, children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, other adult relative or guardian.

To ensure that everyone receives close, personal attention, enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required.

The Feb. 17 program will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Society’s new Cool Spring Nature Preserve in Jefferson County.

The program will focus on learning about birds. It will use the book “Feathers For Lunch” by Lois Ehlert to help youngsters learn how to watch birds, especially during The Great Backyard Bird Count which begins that day. There will also be activities that include games and songs about birds and a short hike designed to help children learn to recognize different birds. Hot chocolate will be available after the hike. Each child will be sent home with helpful materials for watching common feeder birds.

Wee Naturalists programs are held rain or shine, so participants should wear sturdy footwear and dress for the prevailing weather.

Easy on-line registration is available on the Society’s website at www.potomacaudubon.org. The fee is $5 per child/adult team. There is no charge for siblings under age two.

The Cool Spring Preserve is located at 1469 Lloyd Road County, about six miles southwest of Charles Town.

This winter and spring, PVAS is offering Wee Naturalists programs monthly, with each held at one of the organization’s nature preserves.

For more information go to the PVAS website or contact Ellen Murphy at 304-676-8739 or ellen@potomacaudubon.org.

The Wee Naturalists program was established in 2009 with support from the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation’s Two Rivers Giving Circle.