SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”)
Bird Walks

IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region.
The monthly schedule for 2026 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 maryclaire@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.

2026 Schedule:

Jan 3 and 17: Antietam Meadow Park
Feb 7 and 21: Carroll Valley Community Park—Meet in front of Borough Building/Library
Mar 7 and 21: Emanuel Harman Farm/Gettysburg Country Club—Meet at the parking area on Country Club Lane
(near #320 and near the intersection with Old Mill Road)
Apr 4 and 18: Buttonwood Nature Center
May 2 and 16: Conococheague Institute—Meet at the Visitor Center
June 6 and 20: Gettysburg National Military Park—Meet at Virginia Monument
July 4 and 18: Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve
Aug 1 and 15: Antietam Meadow Park
Sept 5 and 19: Pine Hill Park and Recreation Area
Oct 3 and 17: Buttonwood Nature Center
Nov 7 and 21: Conococheague Institute—Meet at the Visitor Center
Dec 5 and 19: Antrim Township Community 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; the late Alma W. Oyer; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.