Put these special seminars on your calendar for when you're making plans to visit Shenandoah National Park this year/NPS

The Shenandoah National Park Association is sponsoring the 2018 Resource Seminars in Shenandoah National Park. These seminars provide participants with the opportunity to get to know their national park a little more personally through in-depth, hands-on experiences. This year there are five seminars that feature Shenandoah National Park as a place for inspiration, recreation, and renewal.

Birding 101 – An Introduction to Birding

Wednesday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Thursday, June 7, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and has been designated as “The Year of the Bird.” In honor of this significant occasion, the Shenandoah National Park Association is offering a basic class on birding. This seminar is aimed at novices who want to get started in this popular pastime or those who would like to enhance their basic birding skills. This seminar is intended for the general public, ages 12 and up and space is limited to 20 participants. $50 registration fee.

Painting in the Park Seminar: Nature as a Starting Place

Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Come paint and learn from Shenandoah National Park 2017 Artist in Resident, Kevin H. Adams. The seminar will focus on the landscape and the challenges of plein air painting. The seminar will walk you through the process, from start to finish, of creating two plein air paintings. Art materials will be provided. This 1-day oil painting workshop is intended for all levels of artists, ages 12 and up and space is limited to 15 participants. $50 registration fee.

Amazing World of Pollinators Seminar

Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Discover how the often unnoticed work of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is essential in the interconnected community of wildflowers, plants, and wildlife in the Big Meadows. Ranger Mara Meisel and Park Volunteer & Master Naturalist Jack Price will lead indoor presentations and then take participants on a hike to learn more. This seminar is intended for the general public, ages 12 and up and space is limited to 20 participants. $40 registration fee.

Nature Photography in Shenandoah Seminar – Novice Level

Saturday, August 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Nature Photography in Shenandoah seminar will introduce budding nature photographers to the basic methods and techniques that will help them capture their own personal nature experiences through photography of public lands in the national park. Professional photographers Ann and Rob Simpson will share their expertise through classroom instruction and field sessions on a variety of photography techniques including scenic, macro, and telephotography. Bring your own camera. This seminar is intended for the general public, ages 12 and up and space is limited to 20 participants. $40 registration fee.

The Secret Life of Mushrooms

Saturday, September 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This seminar will show participants how to identify mushrooms and learn about the myths, medicine, and biology of mushrooms.  Participants will be guided on an easy hike to seek mushrooms for viewing and identifying in the field.  This seminar will be presented by noted local naturalists Ann and Rob Simpson, Biologists from Lord Fairfax Community College. This seminar is intended for the general public, ages 18 and up and space is limited to 20 participants. $40 registration fee.

Advance reservations are required for these seminars and space is limited. To register, visit the Shenandoah National Park Association website: http://www.snpbooks.org/. For more information, contact the Shenandoah National Park Association by email: [email protected]  or phone: 540-999-3582. Members of the Shenandoah National Park Association receive a 20 percent discount on seminars.

Footnote: After June 1, the entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park will be $30 per car (which is good for seven days) or use a valid Annual or Lifetime Pass.