Events

New River Birding & Nature events are other FUNdraiser opportunities!
All of our events feature outstanding Trip Leaders who work wonderfully with seasoned and first-time bird and nature enthusiasts. They are gifted at sharing their knowledge and experiences and it shines through when they help people see and understand birds, plants, insects, and ecology. The excitement in the eyes of the observer... well, those are precious life moments!

Many of you have helped support our mission of providing youth leadership and environmental education through donations for programming and to extend the Wetlands Boardwalk and Woodland Trails, which serve as our primary outdoor classroom. You’re awesome! We're grateful for your recognition that this type of quality programming and instruction is vital to promote and preserve the birding and nature resources that are dear to all of us. Join us for terrific times and help perpetuate the future of environmental stewardship.

April 10-13, 2025 -Updates are Underway; Registration Opens Soon!

Headquartered at Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted, West Virginia. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to twenty-four spots, and available on a first-come first-served basis.

Intermediate and beginner plant enthusiasts who love to explore the great outdoors won’t want to miss our upcoming Spring Botany Blast in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia. We’re hosting a guided journey through the stunning Appalachian Mountains where you’ll see 30 to 40 flowering plant species on two field trips in two days. All experience levels are welcome!

Our weekend package includes meals, field trip transportation, checklists, and evening presentations. Choose the registration option with lodging included for a private room at Hawks Nest State Park Lodge - Rachel and Keith handle your reservations for you, at a special discounted rate! Regardless of where you stay, everyone's weekend begins Thursday at 6pm in Hawks Nest's conference room with a casual welcome and dinner buffet. Friday and Saturday start with breakfast at 8am in Hawks Nest Overlook Restaurant, followed by a field trip at 9am to a different destination each day. Lunch is provided picnic-style on the field trips, and we return to Hawks Nest by 4pm. Dinner starts at 6pm, followed by a presentation at 7pm. Sunday morning breakfast wraps up the weekend.

Our small groups of up to 12 on each field trip, ensure that you’ll have a personalized experience with our guides. Expect to walk up to two miles on mostly easy and sometimes moderate terrain.

Nature journaling is a great way to connect with nature, and it helps you to observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. You’re encouraged to bring your nature journal to record observations. As a bonus, we’ll give away a journaling toolkit!

Don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning wildflower blooms of spring in the New River Gorge, as the river flows north, giving blooms a lift up the Appalachian Mountains. Register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable experience!

One field trip each day Friday and Saturday, to a different destination each day.
Please be patient as the speaker and guide line-up may change due to unforeseen personal schedule changes and technical difficulties. Field trip times and routes are approximate and may change due to accessibility, weather or road conditions, and other unforeseen variables.

Find other area lodging recommendations for self-reservation on our Lodging page.

All proceeds generated through New River Birding & Nature events go to the registered 501C3 local nonprofit Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. (FCEF): Learn more about Who We Support.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - opens soon
When two people register on the same form, they're assigned together on field trips and share a room when you choose Hawks Nest lodging. Your detailed itinerary is provided in April by email before you arrive.

PACKAGES
$509 for 1 person, no lodging included
$927 for 2 people, no lodging included
$749 for 1 person, Hawks Nest room
$1167 for 2 people, Hawks Nest room

TRIP LEADERS
Jodi French-Burr
Rosanna Springston
Rachel Davis

SCHEDULE
Headquartered at Hawks Nest State Park Lodge, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812.
Thursday, 6pm: casual welcome and dinner.
Friday and Saturday:
8am: breakfast in the Overlook restaurant.
9am: field trip departs; transportation is provided.
11-12pm: picnic-style lunch is included.
4pm: field trips return.
6pm: dinner buffet.
7pm: presentation in the Conference Room.
Sunday, 7-11am: breakfast; check-out by 11am.

Dinners and presentations are held in the Conference Room, and breakfasts in the Overlook Restaurant.
Lodging check-in is anytime after 4pm Thursday; call the Lodge for late arrival.
Event check-in is the Thursday welcome dinner in the Conference Room, from 6 to 8pm.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENTS
After you submit your registration: A non-refundable deposit of 15% of your total is required to hold your reservations. Other payments may be made at any time. Other payments (minus PayPal fees) are refundable until April 1. Total balance due by April 1. Deposit and payments may be made by PayPal, or check sent by mail.

This dedicated PayPal link is provided on the confirmation page that reads "Your Registration is Submitted," and in confirmation email; registered participants may use it anytime to enter the amount they wish to remit.

Check sent by mail may be written payable to Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. with Botany on the memo line, mailed to: Fayette County Education Fund, Inc., 310 W Oyler Ave, Oak Hill, WV 25901.
Use our dedicated PayPal link and you enter the amount you wish to remit.