The Roaming Naturalist

08/09/2026

Jumped on the kinda chic trend and basically shared our mission statement. 🌎😏

08/07/2026

We're sorry to say we've had to cancel tonight's program due to the high chance of rain and storms. We hope to see you at future programs!

More great Valley View Trail Mix...scoop up some outdoor fun this Friday with The Roaming Naturalist!
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SingingInsectsHike

08/04/2026

UPDATE: This program is canceled due to inclement weather.

The Roaming Naturalist & Valley View Nature Preserve invite you to join us for our night hike featuring singing insects - katydids, cicadas, and crickets!
Our program will begin with a short presentation, and then participants will put their identification skills to the test on a hike through Valley View, where you will have the opportunity to observe these insects up close.
This program is suitable for all adults and families with kids ages 10 and up. Pre-registration is required for this free program. Use the link in our stories or visit Valley View's website to save your spot today!

08/01/2026

The snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) is a diurnal (day-flying) sphinx moth that mimics bumblebees and hovers while feeding, giving it a “hummingbird moth” appearance.
Adults have partially transparent wings due to scale loss after emergence.This moth has several nicknames in various parts of the Appalachia, including West Virginia, such as the “hummingbird moth” or “flying lobster”.
Incorporate coral honeysuckle, beebalm and other tubular shaped natives into your landscaping to attract these interesting pollinators to your backyard habitat. During fall clean-up, just leave the leaves! Snowberry caterpillars drop to the ground and pupate in cocoons spun in leaf litter to overwinter. If your leaves get bagged in plastic, shredded or burned, you won't get to enjoy these moths or other beneficial insects the following summer. In a world that's becoming more and more detached from the natural world, let's consider a different approach!

07/26/2026

What a lovely evening among the wildflowers at Valley View Nature Preserve.
Thank you to all the folks who joined The Roaming Naturalist to learn more about wild edibles and sustainable foraging. Hikers sampled spicebush and goldenrod teas with lemon verbena simple syrup post hike and everyone was able to take home a tin of homemade wild bergamot bug repellent balm to deter those pesky mosquitoes. We truly appreciate your curiosity and look forward to seeing everyone again!

07/17/2026

Happy 🐍
Gray rat snakes are excellent tree climbers and play an important role in our forest ecosystem by keeping rodent populations in check.

07/15/2026

Wildlife Wednesday featuring coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Unlike its invasive Asian cousin, Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Coral Honeysuckle is a well-behaved, non-aggressive vine that works with, rather than against, its garden companions.
The gorgeous, trumpet-like flowers produce abundant nectar throughout their long bloom season providing a consistent food source for ruby-throated hummingbirds and several sphinx moth species.The red berries that follow are consumed by dozens of bird species, including American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Hermit Thrushes, and Gray Catbirds. The dense twining stems also provide excellent nesting sites for songbirds.
If you enjoy birdwatching and supporting wildife, consider adding this showstopping native vine to your own backyard!

06/18/2026

Enjoy nature's light show with us next Thursday, June 25th as you learn about our local firefly species. We promise you'll be amazed!
Pre-registration is required. Open to adults & families with kids ages 8 & up. Use the link to register and for details! https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348148&id=33

06/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who braved the humidity and joined us for our Coyote Senses Night Hike!
With visuals such as pelts and pictures, hikers had the opportunity to compare these carnivores to meso predators like the red fox, and learn why coyotes play such an important role in our changed ecosystem. During our hike, we identified various tracks including how to correctly identify the difference between dog vs. coyote tracks and of course, what coyote S**T looks like! Using our senses, hikers gained an appreciation for these cunning tricksters!

06/10/2026

Join Naturalist Jana as we venture through Valley View Nature Preserve Thursday, June 11, keeping our eyes and ears sharp for the sounds and signs of our misunderstood, hidden neighbor - the clever coyote. Hikers will learn interesting facts along the way and participate in various activities to dispel some of the common misconceptions of Canis latrans.
This program is FREE and recommended for adults and kids ages 12 and up. Please register by visiting Valley View's website or by clicking the link in our stories. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348148&id=32