Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Loudoun Pride Festival
2025-05-31 12:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176
The Loudoun Pride Festival has moved to a new location: the festival field at Ida Lee Park (see map below). Over 150 local partners are participating, including Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Throughout the afternoon enjoy musical performances, animal ambassadors from Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, axe throwing, bounce houses and much more. Visit the Loudoun Wildlife booth to learn about all our citizen science, education, habitat restoration and advocacy programs. Stock up on our newest Loudoun Wildlife gear and buy a book or two while you are there.
For more information on the festival, visit the festival website. Note: all attendees must purchase a ticket to enter the festival.
Would you like to volunteer to staff our booth at the festival? Sign up to volunteer.

Writing in Nature
2025-06-05 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-03 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-08-07 11:00 - 12:30 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly opportunity, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. View directions to the Gate House. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival
2025-06-07 11:00 - 17:00 | The Gap Stage and Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville,, VA, 20132
The Appalachian Trail Festival returns to Hillsboro with three A.T. Communities teaming up to host: Bluemont, Hillsboro and Round Hill. Enjoy live music, listen to hiking experts, try your hand at nature crafts, tour a nature-inspired art show and more. At this free, family-friendly event, the public is invited to celebrate the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor opportunities in the area. Stop by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy booth to learn more about our organization.
See the map below for the location of the Festival in Hillsboro. For more info, visit www.loudounat.org.

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.

Writing in Nature
2025-09-04 11:00 - 12:30 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, on the first Thursday of the month to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. View directions to the Gate House at Morven Park. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Volunteer for Bluemont Fair Booth
2025-09-20 09:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-21 09:30 - 17:30 | Bluemont Fair, 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA, 20135
Join us at the Bluemont Fair on September 20 and 21 to help promote Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and all our programs. No prior experience required. Volunteer shift options include: setup 7:30 am – 9:00 am, morning shift 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, afternoon shift 12:30 – 3:30 pm, and evening shift 3:30 – 5:30 pm. We will contact you to arrange shift time. 8–10 volunteers needed each day. Register below.
Questions about volunteering: Contact volunteer@loudounwildlife.org.
Volunteer registration is full.

Walk for Wildlife Kickoff
2025-09-27 12:00 - 15:00 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Have you signed up to participate in Walk for Wildlife (October 1 – 31) and want to get all the details about participating? Come by the Gatehouse at Morven Park to pick up your T-shirt, see some friends, ask questions, learn how to use iNaturalist and get excited to Walk for Wildlife. The Wild Shop will be open for you to purchase nature-related merchandise. Learn more about Walk for Wildlife, a month-long event in which you see how many wildlife places you can visit and how many wildlife species you can count.
View directions to the Gatehouse.
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.

Hail to the Trail
2025-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Chapman DeMary Trail, 205 East Hirst Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Hail to the Trail — the annual Purcellville Green Expo — celebrates environmental recreation, exploration and education and is hosted by the Town of Purcellville’s Tree and Environmental Sustainability Committee. This event is free and open to the public, and is great for families, students and scouts. You can explore this 10-acre area, meet local environmental experts, participate in fun hands-on activities, help plant trees, get supplies to start your own nature journal, listen to live music, and participate in the Town’s annual Arbor Day Celebration. Stop by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s table to play the frog jump game and learn about amphibians, reptiles and native plants. Visit the Hail to the Trail page for more information.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Writing in Nature
2025-10-02 11:00 - 12:30 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, on the first Thursday of the month to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. View directions to the Gate House. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Walk for Wildlife Closing Celebration
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive #142, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Join us for a nature-enthusiast gathering at Lost Rhino Brewing Company in Ashburn to celebrate Walk for Wildlife and enjoy food provided by Savior Fare Catering. We’ll hand out awards and share some highlights from the event along with celebrating the community science efforts and the positive impact they have on our community. We’ll also have some great door prizes. This will be your last chance to purchase tickets for the Cardinal Quilt Raffle before the winning ticket is drawn. Registration requested.
Please note that this event is limited to Walk for Wildlife participants.
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.
RSVP

Writing in Nature
2025-11-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:30 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this opportunity on the first Thursday of each month to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. View directions to the Gate House. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Alternative Gift Market
2025-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Dr., Ashburn, VA, United States
Join us at the Alternative Gift Market at Crossroads United Methodist Church (see map below). The market is designed to create a convenient, one-stop experience for those seeking to make their own charitable contributions or to make donations in lieu of traditional holiday gifts. Shoppers can review and choose to give life-changing donations to any of the participating 25 nonprofits. Each purchase is accompanied by an attractive holiday gift card and insert describing your gift to the beneficiary organization. You will also receive a receipt for tax purposes with every purchase. Loudoun Wildlife’s table will also have mugs and T-shirts for sale.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Native Plant Book Club: Abundance
2025-11-23 17:30 - 19:00 | 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 Abundance by Derek Thompson & Ezra Klein. Abundance posits that our problems today are not the results of yesteryear’s villains. Rather, one generation’s solutions have become the next generation’s problems. Rules and regulations designed to solve the problems of the 1970s often prevent urban-density and green-energy projects that would help solve the problems of the 2020s.
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.

Alternative Gift Fair
2025-12-07 09:00 - 13:00 | St James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join us at the Alternative Gift Fair in the parish hall at St James Episcopal Church in Leesburg (see map below). The fair is an opportunity for people to give meaningful gifts that will have a lasting impact in our community. In lieu of a traditional gift, a monetary contribution is made to further the ongoing missions of participating nonprofit organizations. Each purchase is accompanied by an attractive holiday gift card and insert describing your gift to the beneficiary organization. You will also receive a receipt for tax purposes with every purchase. Loudoun Wildlife’s table will also have mugs and T-shirts for sale.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Open House
2025-12-13 12:00 - 15:00 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join us for an open house at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s office at the Morven Park Gatehouse. This event is open to everyone, whether you’re new to Loudoun Wildlife or a long-time supporter. Staff and program coordinators will give presentations at 1:00 and 2:00pm about our 2025 accomplishments and some of our programs. You can purchase Loudoun Wildlife merchandise, including our brand new hats. Be sure to check out our Moving Sale items, with big discounts on T-shirts, beautiful photo prints, jewelry and more. We can’t wait to celebrate with you, and we ask that you please help us plan by filling out this RSVP form.
View directions to the Gatehouse.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Writing in Nature (New Location)
2026-01-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Rd SW,, Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States
New location: the manor house at Rust Nature Sanctuary (see map below).
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly opportunity, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Writing in Nature (New Location)
2026-02-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Rd SW,, Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States
New location: the manor house at Rust Nature Sanctuary (see map below).
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Shoot, Preserve, Explore! Wildlife Photography Event
2026-02-19 19:15 - 21:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Join representatives from three of Loudoun County’s wildlife, wild land, and photographic resources for an informative and lively evening!
Tom Ramsay of The Image Center will present his photography showcasing the many exceptional Loudoun locations (including his own backyard) for capturing unique and outstanding photographic images … or just enjoying a leisurely communion with nature. Tom’s entire professional life has been devoted to creating and teaching award-winning photography and cinematography of natural subjects (see some of his images below), plus dramatically improving the visual quality and readability of existing medical images, including X-rays, angiograms, CT scans, and more. His patented image post-processing software has been developed for the benefit of physicians who rely upon those images for correct diagnosis and healing.
Jan Mul, Executive Director of the Loudoun Photo Club, will speak to the opportunities for virtually anyone with a camera to join a group of individuals dedicated to the art and fun of photographing people, places, and things of interest tothem. Twice monthly meetings and special events provide opportunities to share those photos with presenters and fellow members to gain feedback and learn new techniques.
Tom Kercheval, Executive Director of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, will discuss a few of the many opportunities to help protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat here in Loudoun County through the ongoing community science, education, habitat conservation, and advocacy work of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, a volunteer-powered nonprofit that’s been making a difference right here at home for more than 30 years.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, February 19, at the Loudoun County Public Library (Rust Library), 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA 20176, Large Meeting Room, beginning at 7:15 p.m. and ending at 8:55 PM. All three of us hope to see you there! Register Here

Native Plant Book Club: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production.
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.

Writing in Nature
2026-03-05 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-07 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Rd SW,, Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States

Paws, Pines and Pints
2026-03-13 17:00 - 21:30 | Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive #142, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and A Fighting Chance Foundation for a special fundraising event at Lost Rhino Brewing in Ashburn VA on Friday, March 13th. Come out to enjoy a fun Friday night of music, friendship, and great food and drinks, all for two great causes!
Special musical guests – The Outpatients (Northern VA band well known for their Americana musical mayhem).
Tickets: $10 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting Loudoun Wildlife and A Fighting Chance.
Lost Rhino is also graciously donating 10% of all sales to both organizations.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is a volunteer-powered nonprofit working to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat while shaping a Loudoun where people and wildlife thrive together. Learn more at: https://www.loudounwildlife.org
A Fighting Chance is ensures that all pets are given the best chance possible to recover from a life-threatening medical condition or accident regardless of the financial circumstances of their caregivers. Learn more at: https://www.afightingchancefoundation.org/about

Native Plant Book Club: Crossings - Date Change!
2026-05-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Crossings by Ben Goldfarb. This book explores about how road ecology is shaping the future of our planet.
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.

Peterson Young Naturalist Program Awards Celebration
2026-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, 26155 Bull Run Post Office Rd, Centreville, VA, 20120
Children spend just 4-7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play compared to more than seven hours in front of screens, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is working to reverse that trend in Loudoun County through its Peterson Young Naturalist Program, and on Sunday, May 31, you’re invited to join us as we celebrate the students and teachers leading the way!
WHAT: The Peterson Young Naturalist Program Awards Celebration
WHERE: Cardinal Ridge Elementary School
WHEN: Sunday, May 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Loudoun Wildlife’s Peterson Young Naturalist Program is a partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools that trains K-12 educators to incorporate nature-based learning and nature journaling into their classroom curriculum.
Peterson lessons are aligned with state Standards of Learning and help students learn science, math, English, and other skills through outdoor-based lessons and activities. Throughout the year, students also document their observations and reflections in personal nature journals. Standout journals are selected for recognition across grade levels, and those winners (and their teachers) will be honored at the Peterson Awards Celebration.
This year marks the first time the awards have been celebrated as a standalone event, reflecting the program’s rapid growth and impact. We’ve delivered the proven benefits of outdoor learning to nearly 10,000 students this year alone!
Registration
​ The May 31 celebration will feature a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, beginning with a half-hour social time where attendees can explore student nature journals and interactive demonstrations from some of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s community science programs.
The event will also include a keynote presentation by Dr. Mojisola Adejumo, principal of Cardinal Ridge Elementary School. Additional highlights include a live presentation from NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin, who will introduce attendees to a variety of wildlife ambassadors, including Smoke the Screech Owl, a local favorite.
Students recognized at the event will receive cash awards, while their teachers will be provided with classroom supplies to support continued nature-based learning.
We need to show our community and school administrators how much we value the vital connection to nature in the lives of our young people. Come out and show your support! As screen time continues to dominate daily life, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy hopes the Peterson Young Naturalist Program — and celebrations like this one — will inspire more families, schools, and communities to embrace the program’s guiding message:
More Green, Less Screen!
Registration
​ Attendance is free, but registration is requested using the form below. We hope to see you there as we celebrate and encourage our future naturalists!
Registration
