Whether she’s spotting wildlife in a quiet meadow or connecting with neighbors at an LWC event, Megan Flinn brings curiosity, warmth, and a deep love of nature to her volunteer work.
She first got involved after a friend introduced her to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, and what started as a shared activity quickly became something more meaningful. “It feels good to be part of an organization that is protecting some of the most beautiful forest and farmland left on the East Coast,” Megan says. Whether it’s spotting a red fox crossing a foggy meadow or watching butterflies at Sweet Run State Park, she’s reminded why her volunteer work matters.
Megan loves volunteering in roles where she can meet and connect with people—especially at LWC Open Houses, information booths, and outreach events, where she helps share information about LWC’s programs and welcomes new faces into the community. She enjoys swapping wildlife sightings, helping others discover ways to get involved and creating welcoming spaces for people to engage with nature.
Each October, Megan teams up with family and friends as part of the “Blue Ridge Ramblers” for the Walk for Wildlife, LWC’s annual nature challenge that encourages participants to explore the outdoors and document local species using the iNaturalist app. Walk for Wildlife turns the month into a friendly competition to see how many different plants, animals, and fungi they can find. Along the way, Megan has discovered new species and created lasting memories with loved ones. “When my brother is shouting, ‘Hey Megan, come look at this weird mushroom!’ it reminds me of when we were kids in the woods,” she shares.
“It’s really nice to connect with people who still value the things you cannot buy with money.” – Megan Flinn
For Megan, volunteering is ultimately about connection, both with people and with nature. “It’s really nice to connect with people who still value the things you cannot buy with money,” she says. One of her favorite experiences was volunteering at an LWC information booth during a Loudoun United soccer game, where kids eagerly participated in a “Match the Scat” activity, an interactive game that challenges participants to match animal scat to the correct species. Watching their excitement and their total focus on wildlife instead of screens was a powerful reminder that kids still care deeply about nature and are just waiting for a chance to engage.
“Megan is just incredible,” says LWC Executive Director Tom Kercheval. “She is always willing to take on the task others may not want, always willing to jump in where needed, and always does it with a huge smile and a kind, welcoming attitude. We’re so fortunate to have her as a volunteer.”
Outside of volunteering, Megan enjoys spending time at Phillips Farm Trail and Morven Park, two places she says feel like stepping into a movie set. She also loves bringing others to Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg, where quiet trails and peaceful surroundings offer a sense of stepping away from the pace of everyday life.
Originally from St. Albans, West Virginia, Megan grew up near the state’s “Chemical Valley,” where development and industry shaped much of the landscape. She recalls counting down the days until trips to the Monongahela Forest, experiences that shaped her appreciation for protected natural spaces. That perspective continues to motivate her today, knowing how important it is to protect the natural places that remain.
Megan keeps coming back to LWC for the sense of purpose and camaraderie. “You’re still out having fun with friends, but with a purpose,” she says.
Thank you, Megan, for your enthusiasm, heart, and dedication to protecting Loudoun’s wildlife and natural spaces!
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