Calendar of Events 2021 

Jan 17 Snowshoe Discovery Tour Balsam Fir 10 am with Dave Saville A relict of the ice age, Balsam Fir were once found as far south as Alabama.  Following the glaciers’ retreat northward, scattered fir remain in the higher elevations of the Appalachians.  We’ll take a close look a the Balsam Fir in Canaan Valley which are often called “Canaan Fir.”  We’ll talk about taxonomy, threats, and the efforts of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, together with their partners in the Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI) to better understand, protect, and restore this iconic Canaan Valley native.  
Jan 18 Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am Chip Chase Natural History Snowshoe Discovery Walk Delightful tidbits of natural history, the logging era, land protection in Canaan Valley and so much more. Snowshoe or walk about a mile or so to a scentic local brook trout stream, waterfalls, and a small shelter across a bridge.
Jan 24 Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am Hannah Studdard Wondering if it’s time to try a new winter adventure? Hiking and camping in winter can be a different challenge than in warmer months. Preparation and understanding of how to tackle the conditions can be a bit intimidating. Come out for an easy snowshoe and introduction to winter skills on the 24th! We’ll talk gear, preparation, and what to do in emergencies. Those familiar with such activities are welcome to come and share personal experience and advice as well. If there is little snow on the ground, the hike will go on sans snowshoes. As in any outdoor venture, please bring water! 
Jan 31 Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am Northern Hardwood Ecosystem Rick Landenberger WV Land Trust
Feb 7 Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am with Emily Langer Wildlife in Winter How do animals survive the winter? Winter can be a tough time for many wildlife species. From limited food sources to freezing temperatures, different species have unique ways of getting through the frigid months. Join us on February 7th for a snowshoe walk through the refuge as we discuss the different adaptations for wildlife in the winter.
Feb 7 Mtn State 25 Km Marathon XC Race 11 am Rolling skate or classic go fast race with a 2km kid's course, a 10km mellow division or the full 25km series of loops. $25/$5 kids fee.
Feb 15 Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am Chip Chase Natural History Snowshoe Discovery Walk Another fun, almost comedy filled, streamside and vista peering walk with Mr Know It All. Little over a mile and about an hour.
Feb 19 Randy French Amazing XC Ski Clinic 8:30 am Join Randy French as he ventures from northern New York State to WV to share his love of cross country skiing with you. As a long time instructor and member of the PSIA educational staff he will help your personal skiing with fun, specific individual tips that you can immediately use on your skis.  If you have specific areas that you would like to improve in your skiing, he will be glad to address your questions.
Feb 21Snowshoe Discovery Tour 10 am  Pauline Champlin Have you always wondered what species of bird that’s always outside of your window? Join ACE Public Use Technician Pauline Champlin on a snow shoe walk at White Grass. Learn basic birding skills such as how to ID birds and see what species you are likely to find in Canaan Valley during the winter. Along with proper birding etiquette and why the refuge is so important for the populations of many bird species. Binoculars will be provided for those who do not have any. 
Make sure to wear a mask!