6/22/2011
Summer naturalist Sara Miller has made Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, W.Va., part of every stage of her life, and this summer she is giving back some of her hiking and birding experiences to the public.
“I’m getting to share my love of nature with anyone who would like to join me,” Miller said. “I have been following various family members around in the woods since I could walk. Being low to the ground, I was a great help on morel hunts with my dad when I was very young. I was fascinated by the world outside the window at my grandparents’ house, and that’s where my papaw started teaching me the names of the birds that came to his feeders. I am fortunate to have grown up in a time where I would be made to leave the house in the morning, run around outside all day and a few hours of the night with all my cousins, and come in after dark jabbering about lightening bugs. I can still feel the dew on my feet. I am blessed to have such a memorable childhood in the hills of West Virginia.”
Miller shares her nature study with children and adults on weekends at Kanawha State Forest. She is also an employee of A All Animal Control of Charleston, a company resolving wildlife conflicts through sound wildlife management techniques. A 2010 graduate of West Virginia University in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, Sara Miller is a Charleston native.
Activities and programs at Kanawha State Forest are nature based. For more information, call 304-558-3500 or visit online at www.kanawhastateforest.com. Weekend program activities are posted under the Events tab. Programs are open to the public.
Activities at Kanawha State Forest June 24 and 25 are:
Hiking! – A View of West Virginia: Hidden Amongst the Hills
Learn how topography affects the growth of towering oaks as well as other plant species at Kanawha State Forest. The varying plant communities contribute to a wide array of bird species that can be seen (or heard) in the forest. At the ridge top, relax, have some snacks, and enjoy the mountain view.
Where: White Hollow Trail (Kanawha State Forest) – meet at the barn parking area
When: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m. and Sunday, June 26, 1 p.m.
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Trail Details: moderate hike with some steep sections; snacks will be provided.
Birds! – Avian Assembly: Stream Stroll
A walk along the Davis Creek Trail leads to discovery of feathered inhabitants. A pause at the lake and a sneak peak of some dabblers is prior to the stroll to the stream where participants might hear a bird that likes “Pizza!” a bird named “Phoebe” near the forest office, and possibly even a bird that likes to dance!
Where: Davis Creek Trail and Lake – meet at the lake parking lot closest to the forest office
When: Saturday, June 26, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday, June 26, 5:30 p.m.
Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Contact Information
Sara Miller
304-558 3500
kanawhasf@wv.gov