SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks
IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region.
The monthly schedule for 2024 is below.
(If in doubt about the weather—check our Facebook page)
First and third Saturdays ONLY
Start time: 8:00 a.m.
First and third Saturday spring, summer, fall and winter bird walks find birding enthusiasts Sharon and Larry Williams of Waynesboro leading the walks along the hiking trails at varying locations throughout the area.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and may bring identification books, binoculars and cameras if you wish. Free and open to the public. Just show up—no reservations required!
Are children welcome on SOAR walks? Yes! While there aren’t any special activities geared for kids during the SOAR bird walks, children are certainly welcome to join. The excursions usually involve walking for a couple of hours (terrain varies but is generally pretty easy) and occasionally the group gets quiet for a moment to listen for a bird call. Kids aged 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. We hope you join us!
For more information call 717-762-0373 or email us at [email protected].
2024 Schedule:
January 6 and 20: Antietam Meadow Park
February 3 and 17: Carroll Valley Community Park
5685 Fairfield Road, Carroll Valley—Across Fairfield Road (PA 116) from liberty Mountain Ski Resort
(Meet in front of Borough Building/Library)
March 2 and 16: Caledonia State Park (Meet at the Park Office)
April 6 and 20: Pine Hill Recreation Area
May 4 and 18: Conococheague Institute (Meet at the Visitor Center)
June 1 and 15: Gettysburg National Battlefield (Meet at Virginia Monument)
July 6 and 20: Strawberry Hill (Meet in the parking lot)
August 3 and 17: Antietam Meadow Park
September 7 and 21: Old Forge Picnic Grounds
October 5 and 19: Contact Mary Claire King at [email protected] for October’s location
November 2 and 16: Conococheague Institute (Meet at the Visitor Center)
December 7 and 21: Antrim Township Community Park (Meet in the parking lot by the dog park)
SOAR bird walks are underwritten in part by Marge Kiersz, Lucinda D. Potter, CPA, and SEK CPAs & Advisors.
Additional support is from Buttonwood Nature Center’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Alma W. Oyer; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.
