Submitted photos The Master Naturalists take part in a Dolly Sods Wilderness Hike, led by Alyssa Hanna.

DAVIS — The West Virginia Master Naturalist Conference was held this year at the scenic Blackwater Falls State Park from June 27 – June 29.

Members, from seven different chapters, traveled there from throughout the state. The Tygart Valley Chapter, located here in Elkins, coordinated the Conference.

While there the members participated in hands-on classes as well as field trips while meeting new members who shared the same passion for nature.

Some of the classes were: Early morning Bird Walk, Save our Streams workshop, Ferns & Fern Allies Hike, Compass & Topo Maps, Plan for the Worst: Hope for the Best Survival Needs, Nature Photography, Invasive Insects, WV Mammals: Pelts, Skulls, Tracks & Scat, Night Sounds of the Appalachians

We were thrilled to have Rosalie Haizlett as our Keynote Speaker at our Saturday evening banquet.

Rosalie took us through her journey along the Appalachian trail, showing us where and how she created her sketches for her most recent book: “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist’s Journey.”

Rosalie is an illustrator who creates captivating paintings that celebrate the hidden wonders of the natural world.

In her first book, she teaches “Watercolor in Nature: Paint Woodland Wildlife and Botanicals with 20 Beginner-Friendly Projects.” She also has created an assortment of note cards, pins, and prints. She has an art studio/storefront called Meander in downtown Elkins.

In her recent newsletter Rosalie said, “I was honored to present the keynote at the West Virginia Master Naturalist Conference a couple of weeks back. What a joy to meet so many fellow nature enthusiasts with a deep love for this state! Thanks to everyone who said hello during the event.”

Do you love nature? Want to learn about West Virginia’s flora, fauna, and unique habitats with others? Master Naturalists do and we enjoy sharing our knowledge at Community events and on Nature Days with Randolph County students.

The Tygart Valley Master Naturalists chapter holds monthly classes from March to November at the Elkins DNR Operations Center at 738 Ward Road.

For more information, please go to the official website: mnofwv.org and select the Tygart Valley Chapter.