Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

How Your eBirding Helps Birds (Virtual)
2024-09-16 19:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Birds capture the human spirit, imagination, and passion in a way that few other organisms do. They also serve as the most accessible and sensitive indicator of ecosystem health and climate change. Never before have we had as great an opportunity to bring together people from around the world to monitor and understand our natural world — simply by watching birds. Already, nearly 1 million people around the world have taken part in reporting observations to eBird. Using advanced techniques at the interface of computer science and statistics, we now have unprecedented insights into the distribution, abundance, and population trends of birds on a global and local scale. This data has the power to greatly inform conservation. Alli Smith, the Merlin Program Coordinator at the Lab, will explain how this data is being used to help birds around the world. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Access will be through the library website calendar.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Identifying Sparrows (Virtual)
2024-10-22 19:00 | VA
Identifying sparrows is a challenge, not just for beginners but for experienced birders as well. This is especially true in the fall when the number of species in our area increases due to migration. Larry Meade, the longtime president of the Northern Virginia Bird Club, will use his extensive photograph collection to describe how you can distinguish sparrows from each other and also identify other species that resemble them. While differences can be subtle, sparrow species vary considerably in their beautiful but cryptic plumage. Join us for this virtual program co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Register below to receive the link to this virtual program or go to the library website for access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Vultures: Amazing Allies
2024-10-29 18:30 | Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Unit 114, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Vultures are a critical component of the ecosystem yet are frequently misunderstood and maligned. This talk at Old Ox Brewery will provide the facts and information you need to become an informed and enthusiastic advocate for these amazing species. The presentation will explore the natural history of vultures in Virginia, their basic biology and ecology, and their critical role in protecting the environment and human health. It will also highlight some human–vulture conflicts and mitigation strategies. Presenter Heather Shank-Givens has been an active volunteer wildlife rehabilitator with the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center since 2017. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Ages 21+. Registration requested below.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Where Your Food Really Comes From (Virtual)
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Interested in where crops, heirlooms and weeds come from? In this talk, ethnobotanist Nan McCarry will tell you the story of how we transitioned into an age of agriculture starting 10,000 years ago, and some of the unintended consequences that arose. Through this presentation, we can gain fresh insights into the human connection with the natural world. Aimed at teen and adult audiences, this program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Register below to receive the link to this virtual program or go to the library website for access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Bird Walk at Willowsford
2024-11-24 08:00 | Willowsford trailhead, 25359 Grassland Grove Drive, Aldie, VA, 20105, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Scott Harris for a bird walk at the Willowsford Conservancy. Its many habitats make this an ideal place to find a wide variety of birds. The group will meet in the parking lot for the trailhead at 25359 Grassland Grove Dr., Aldie (park near the playground). Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 18. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, do not attempt to register. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Be sure to include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Native Plant Book Club: The Language of Trees
2024-11-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
In collaboration with Watermark Woods, Birch Tree Bookstore and Loudoun County Public Library, join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for the next Read! Plant! Grow! book club meeting at Birch Tree Bookstore and Foliage Plants in Leesburg. We will be discussing The Language of Trees by Katie Holten. This book is a collection by Katie Holten and 50 other contributors, inspired by forests, trees, leaves, roots and seeds and is profoundly insightful and beautifully illustrated. The Language of Trees explores our bond with literature and landscape, blending storytelling and art into a breathtaking celebration of trees throughout history.
You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore, or contact Allison Forbes at Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Young Birders Walk at Dulles Wetlands
2024-12-08 08:00 | Dulles Wetlands Mitigation Project, Oatlands Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands. This rare wetland habitat is normally closed to the public and is home to an eagle nest, winter waterfowl and year-round residents. Bring binoculars if you have them. Come prepared for briars and muddy trails. Directions and parking information will be sent to registered participants prior to the walk. Limit 10. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands I: Introduction/Overview (Virtual)
2025-01-14 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this first program in the five-part series.
Loudoun Wildlife volunteers have been monitoring the Dulles Greenway Wetlands for a number of years. We’ll hear from Joe Coleman about the changes he has seen in the habitat over the last 30 years. Liz Dennison will share thoughts on how eagles—the top predators in the wetlands—have influenced the wildlife, while Jenny Erickson will share insights about the inhabitants documented on wildlife cams. This initial overview will introduce the wetlands and topics to be featured in the 30th Anniversary series of programs. Registration required
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Banshee Reeks Research Symposium
2025-01-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Research Symposium. For over two decades, both professional research and community science observations at Banshee Reeks have contributed insights into our natural world. Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) invites the public to learn more about current projects and hear from experts in the field during this unique event.
Find out the answers to questions such as: Can we bring a species back from the brink of extinction? What is eDNA and how is it used? Why did we record sounds during the eclipse? How many different bat species call Loudoun County home? What is happening with gray fox in Virginia?
Participating Partners & Projects

USGS/Virginia Master Naturalist – North American Bat Monitoring Project (NABat)
American Chestnut Foundation – tree nursery & genetic research
University of Delaware – salamander research
Virginia Tech – gray fox research
Fairfax County Stormwater Planning – watershed assessment
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy – butterfly counts & bird monitoring
Virginia Master Naturalist / Friends of Banshee Reeks – eDNA sampling
PRCS/Banshee Reeks – field restoration techniques
NASA – Eclipse Soundscapes Project

Registration Required: RSVP for you and your guests at BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov.

Cancelled: Rally for Data Center CPAM/ZOAM Reform
2025-02-12 17:00 | LoudounCounty Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175
This event has ben cancelled due to weather.
Please join Loudoun Wildlife, along with the Piedmont Environmental Council and the Loudoun Climate Project, at a rally before the Board of Supervisors public hearing where they will consider the implementation of the new Data Center Uses and Standards Comprehensive Plan Amendment/Zoning Ordinance Amendment (CPAM/ZOAM). A strong public showing at the 5:00pm rally will help support the Board as they face strong industry opposition in moving this phase forward. The rally will take place in the courtyard in front of the Loudoun County Government Center located at 1 Harrison Street, SE in Leesburg.
Stay for the 6:00pm hearing: Speakers and attendance are critical to fill the room with people who support the Board in requiring all data center applications go through a special exception process. Call 703-777-0204 to sign up to speak for two minutes at the public hearing.
Wear blue to the rally and hearing! We will have stickers for everyone to wear to show solidarity.
For more information, and to let us know you are coming, please sign up here.
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands III: Eagle Nest Cam (Virtual)
2025-02-12 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this third program in the five-part series.
We have learned so much about eagles by watching nest cams. This nest is practically in our backyards — in the Dulles Greenway Wetlands. Bald Eagles have raised their young here for almost twenty 20 years, and we are optimistic about seeing one, two, or three bobble-headed nestlings this spring. Since the cameras were installed four years ago, there has been no shortage of drama at the nest. Join Eagle Cam volunteer and raptor expert Liz Dennison for this program to relive our memories of the joy, heartbreak and responsibility of observing wildlife as we take an intimate peek into the drama-filled lives of the Dulles Greenway eagles. Registration required
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian Park
2025-02-16 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park. We’ll spend time at this birding hotspot, one of Loudoun’s best, searching for wintering birds, year-round residents, and waterfowl. This is also a great opportunity to discover what birding is like, sharpen your skills, and meet other young birders! Meet at the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners if you don’t). Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands IV: The Birds of the Dulles Wetlands (Virtual)
2025-02-25 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this fourth program in the five-part series.
Wetlands are incredibly rich natural areas that attract many different kinds of animals and plants, not least birds. They provide crucial habitat for many different kinds of birds, some of which raise their young there or overwinter in them while other birds only briefly stop over on their long arduous migrations. They are also often the only pockets of green in heavily developed areas and, as such, provide protection from the many perils that birds face every day. Joe Coleman, who has been visiting the Dulles Greenway Wetlands since the 1990’s, will describe some of the many birds that visit and use the Wetlands. Registration required.
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands V: Coexisting with Beavers in Wetlands (Virtual)
2025-03-11 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this fifth program in the five-part series.
Alison Zak, founder and director of the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund, will provide a brief history of human interactions with beavers over time, an overview of beaver ecology, and beaver behavior. She will also explore the benefits that beavers, and the wetlands they create, provide for the health of our watersheds, landscapes, and communities. Finally, she will discuss practical, effective, and nonlethal methods for managing beaver-caused problems like tree damage and flooding. Registration required.
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

New Date: Wild About the Dulles Wetlands II: The Unseen World (Virtual)
2025-03-25 19:00 | VA
This program was originally scheduled for January 28.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this second program in the five-part series.
Ever wonder what happens in the wetlands when no one is around? While investigating the reptile and amphibian populations at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands, Loudoun Wildlife started using trail cameras in the hopes of capturing some of the other animals who call the wetlands home. We were not disappointed! Join Jenny Erickson for a glimpse into the rarely seen inhabitants of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands, including a reptile and amphibian or two. Registration required
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Creek Critters
2025-03-30 13:00 | Chapman DeMary Trail, 205 East Hirst Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Join the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Purcellville Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to get up close and personal with the creek critters living in the South Fork of the Catoctin Creek at the Chapman DeMary Trail. Loudoun Wildlife Stream Team members will discuss the natural history of these critters, help participants learn how to identify them, and explain how they can help us determine the health of a stream. Registration required through the Purcellville Parks and Recreation.
Questions: Contact Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org

Spring Native Plant Sale at Morven Park
2025-04-05 09:00 - 14:00 | VA
Native plants add beauty and interest to your garden year round and provide important habitat for wildlife. Our Native Plant Sale is the place to buy spring-blooming flowers, vines, trees, shrubs and ferns from five local native plant nurseries: Hill House Farm & Nursery, Nature By Design, Seven Bends Nursery, Watermark Woods and Yellow House Natives. The Sale takes place at the visitor parking lot (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road) and will be staffed by volunteers knowledgeable about native plants who can advise you on selecting natives for your garden and answer your questions. We’ll also have TLC, a fertilizer and deer deterrent, to give away.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy information booth has information about some of our programs and how you can volunteer for them. Our Wild Shop will be there with merchandise for sale. Want to learn more about some of our community partners? Be sure to stop by their booths: Virginia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Blue Ridge PRISM, Banshee Reeks Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists, Loudoun Master Gardeners and Wild Ones NoVA. Wild Birds Unlimited will also be at the Sale with nestboxes and poles, and backyard bird feeding supplies. While you’re browsing, enjoy coffee and ice cream from the Coffeemania truck.
Native Plant Talks and Demos – 10:00am-1:00pm
Join us at our Native Plant Information Center for talks and demos from native plant experts from 10:00am to 1:00pm. View schedule for talks. Whether you’re new to natives or expanding an existing garden or meadow, we can tell you about some of our favorites for sun or shade, wet or dry spots—and more. Plus, we’ll have native plants and pictures on display to help you decide what you want to add to your home garden’s habitat.
If you have boxes for carrying your plants, please bring them. If you have extra boxes, bring them for others to use.
Questions: Contact nativeplantsale@loudounwildlife.org

Native Snakes of Loudoun
2025-05-08 19:00 | Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA, 20147, United States
Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by other animals. While their time is spent filling basic biological needs (food, reproduction, regulating body temperature), they remain one of our most feared and misunderstood groups of animals. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library at Ashburn Library for this introduction to our native snakes. You’ll learn how to identify them, and measures we can take to better understand and coexist with them. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-05-17 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River in eastern Loudoun, the park’s rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and open grassy areas combine to make this a spectacular place to bird. During migration a it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners if you don’t). Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

The Birdathon Ends
2025-05-18 | VA
The annual Birdathon is being held over a period of four weeks, from April 19 through May 19. Everyone is welcome ─ expert birders, backyard birdwatchers, and beginners! Like a walkathon, Birdathon participants collect pledges and donations from friends, family members, and co-workers for finding and counting bird species. You pick any single 24-hour or 48-hour time period you want and, with your team, count every species you observe.
Read all about the Birdathon and how you can participate or donate.
Questions: Email contact@loudounwildlife.org

Native Plant Book Club: Bad Naturalist
2025-05-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
In collaboration with Watermark Woods, Birch Tree Bookstore and Loudoun County Public Library, join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for the next Read! Plant! Grow! book club meeting at Birch Tree Bookstore and Foliage Plants in Leesburg. We will be discussing Bad Naturalist by Paula Whyman. With humor, humility, and awe, Paula writes about her attempts to restore 200 acres of farmland long gone-to-seed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, facing her own limitations while getting to know a breathtaking corner of the natural world.
You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore, or contact Allison Forbes at Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Lucketts Bypass Public Input Meeting
2025-06-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Smart’s Mill Middle School, 850 N King Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy needs your help to protect JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary! Attend the Route 15 Lucketts Bypass public input meeting at at Smart’s Mill Middle School (see map below) and tell the county to eliminate any route options that cut through JK Black Oak. This public meeting is when the roadway alignment options will be first presented to the public. Because the meeting location is not near the project area in Lucketts, it’s important that our wildlife advocates show up. No prior preparation is required for this introductory meeting, but you may want to read the background on the project. We need you there!
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

Annual Meeting
2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:30 | Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join us for an inspiring celebration of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s 30th anniversary at our Annual Meeting, sponsored by Wegman’s in Leesburg!
We will gather at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center (see map below) to enjoy:

Keynote speaker Paula Whyman, author of the book Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. (Paula will also be signing copies of her book, which will be available for purchase at the event and can be purchased right now on our Wild Shop store.)
Recognition of our Volunteers of the Year, Peterson Young Naturalist Program participants and other award winners.
A look back at Loudoun Wildlife’s 30-year history of protecting, preserving and restoring wildlife habitat and a look ahead at what’s to come.
The debut of our 2024 Annual Report.
Unique door prizes.
Light refreshments.
Fun and fellowship with new and old friends.

We can’t wait to celebrate Loudoun Wildlife’s past, present and future with you. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org
Registration is closed.

Identifying the Common Dragonflies of Loudoun
2025-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, VA, 20165
Join Lindsay Loyd, a nature enthusiast who started photographing dragonflies eight years ago, for a presentation on the identification of dragonflies. She is a regular contributor of sightings to iNaturalist and is a Certified Observer for Odonata Central, a citizen science website for increasing understanding of the biodiversity and distribution of dragonflies and damselflies in the Western Hemisphere. Over 55 species of dragonflies can be found in Loudoun. They are abundant near most ponds and streams, where they hunt, defend their territories and mate. If you are looking for motivation to spend more time outdoors, to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature in our area, or even to become a citizen scientist, you will find fewer hobbies that are more satisfying than observing dragonflies. This talk will introduce you to the common species in Loudoun, including where to look for them and how to identify them. This program takes place at Cascades Library is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Bird Walk at Rockland Farm
2025-06-22 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as we search for signs of breeding birds on a special visit to this private 600-acre farm a little north of Leesburg. The farm, which has been in the same family since 1817, borders the Potomac River and is rich in wildlife because of the many kinds of habitats there. It includes a rich floodplain along the river, edge and meadow habitat, and on its northern border, Limestone Branch. The varied habitats should provide the group with a good variety of birds. Limit 24. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Native Snakes of Loudoun
2025-07-22 19:00 | Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by other animals. While their time is spent filling basic biological needs (food, reproduction, regulating body temperature), they remain one of our most feared and misunderstood groups of animals. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library at Purcellville Library for this introduction to our native snakes. You’ll learn how to identify them, and measures we can take to better understand and coexist with them. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

The Bats of Loudoun County
2025-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Nature’s elusive aerial acrobats, bats constitute a diverse and fascinating group of mammals with unique adaptations that have allowed them to thrive across various ecosystems worldwide. Despite their association with darkness and the night, bats play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Join Bruce Kimmel, leader of the Virginia Master Naturalist Banshee Reeks Bat Acoustics Monitoring Program, to learn about our local bats. We will proceed to Ida Lee Park with Bruce and Jake van Schilfgaarde after the presentation where they will demonstrate acoustic monitoring equipment that shows us the types of bats flying in the area. This program takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Discover Vernal Pools
2025-08-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Gum Spring Library, 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge, VA, 20105
Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral or seasonal pools, are an important yet often overlooked wetland. As the name suggests, they are temporary pools only holding water for a brief time each year. During that time, they are home to mysterious shrimp, developing dragonfly larvae, and are critical breeding grounds for several of our local salamander and frog species. These vernal pools are in rapid decline due to development. Join us for a look into the wildlife that use these pools and what we can all do to help protect these sensitive wetlands. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Registration

Native Plant Book Club: The Serviceberry
2025-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
In collaboration with Watermark Woods, Birch Tree Bookstore and Loudoun County Public Library, join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for the next Read! Plant! Grow! book club meeting at Birch Tree Bookstore in Leesburg. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book The Service Berry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As this Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the “gift economy.” How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most?
You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Fall Native Plant Sale at Morven Park
2025-09-13 09:00 - 14:00 | Main Visitor Parking Lot at Morven Park, Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Did you know that fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs and other perennials? A huge selection of native plants will be available from five native plant nurseries: Nature By Design, Hill House Farm & Nursery, Seven Bends Nursery, Watermark Woods and Yellow House Natives. The Sale takes place at the visitor parking lot (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road). Our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to help you choose plants suited to your space and goals. We’ll also have TLC, a fertilizer and deer deterrent, to give away.
At Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s information booth you can learn about our programs and how you can volunteer for them. Our Wild Shop will be there with merchandise for sale. Want to learn more about some of our community partners? Be sure to stop by their booths: The American Chestnut Foundation; Blue Ridge PRISM, Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance, Loudoun County Master Gardeners; Virginia Native Plant Society (Piedmont Chapter); and, Virginia Master Naturalists (Banshee Reeks Chapter). Magee Design will also have a booth.
Native Plant Talks and Displays: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Join us at our Native Plant Information Center for talks and demos from native plant experts from 9:00am to 1:00pm. View schedule for talks.
If you enjoy the Native Plant Sale and would like to be a part of making it happen, sign up to volunteer at the Sale.
If you have boxes for carrying your plants, please bring them. If you have extra boxes, bring them for others to use.
Questions: Contact nativeplantsale@loudounwildlife.org.
