Date Change: The Bats of Loudoun: An Evening with Our Nocturnal Neighbors
2026-05-31 19:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Join us at JK Black Oak for an unforgettable outdoor evening celebrating one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Local bat researcher and enthusiast Bruce Kimmel will take us on a journey through bat biology, history, and the fascinating world of echolocation — then we’ll take a short walk to a neighboring clearing to experience echolocation firsthand. As darkness falls after the 8:24 sunset, we’ll gather with handheld acoustic monitors to listen for the ultrasonic calls of bats hunting overhead in real time. The talk draws on data from Loudoun’s own acoustic bat monitoring project, uploaded to the National Acoustic Bat Monitoring (NABat) database, giving us a rare window into which species are using our local landscape. JK Black Oak holds the special distinction as the only site in Loudoun known to consistently support the Northern Long-eared Bat, a federally endangered species — making this sanctuary a critical refuge and this evening a unique opportunity to learn about a bat (and many others!) few people encounter. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a seasoned naturalist, come listen to the night come alive. Directions will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Writing in Nature
2026-06-04 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-02 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

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Annual Meeting (Sponsored by Wegman's)
2026-06-07 14:30 - 17:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Join us at our new home in Waterford for our Annual Meeting, an inspiring celebration of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy! We’re honored to welcome Dr. Mamie Parker as our keynote speaker.
Dr. Parker is the former head of Fisheries for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and she’s the first African American to serve as the FWS Regional Director of the 13 Northeastern states. She will deliver an engaging message that will energize and motivate.
The meeting will also include information tables related to LWC’s work and the winning projects of our Regional Science and Engineering Fair student winners.
We’ll also deliver some well-earned recognition to volunteers, advocates, and partners; share the highlights of our biggest year ever in 2025; and enjoy fun and fellowship with new and old friends.
We can’t wait to celebrate Loudoun Wildlife’s past, present, and future with you, so register to attend today! (Attendance is free, but Registration required)
WHAT: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Annual Meeting
WHERE: Old Waterford School Auditorium, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, Va. 20197
WHEN: Sunday, June 7, 2:30-5:00 p.m. A social time begins at 2:30 and the meeting starts at 3:00 p.m. sharp!

Registration

A Croak in the Night: Introduction to Frogs and Toads of Loudoun
2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville, VA, 20132
If you’ve ever sat outside listening to the frogs and wondered what species of frog you are hearing, then this program is for you! Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introduction to our local frog and toad species at the Purcellville Library. Learn how to identify them both visually and by their calls, and learn what you can do to help protect the habitats of this fragile group of amphibians. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Identifying the Common Dragonflies of Loudoun
2026-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Join Lindsay Loyd, a nature enthusiast who started photographing dragonflies nine years ago, for a presentation on local 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 (and a few rare) species in Loudoun, including where to look for them and how to identify them. This program takes place at Rust Library is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2026-06-13 08:00, 2026-07-11 08:00, 2026-08-08 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Dragonfly Walk at Claude Moore Park
2026-06-14 10:00 | Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, VA, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bryan Henson on a leisurely walk in search of these beautiful and fascinating insects. Claude Moore Park provides great habitat for dragonflies and damselflies with its rich mix of aquatic habitats. This popular trip is always both fun and informative. Bring binoculars and water; hat and sunscreen suggested. Adults and interested children are welcome. We’ll meet at the parking lot next to the Nature Center. Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

“Handling Too Much”: How to Attack the Invasives on Your Woodland Property Without Becoming Overwhelmed
2026-06-20 10:00 | Abby’s Meadow, 21065 Grey Fox Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20175-6144
Do you have invasives on your woodland property but don’t know where to start to get rid of them? You’re not alone! It can feel very overwhelming to think about how to get rid of them, as much as you would like to. Join certified wildlife sanctuary property owner Abby Seeley on a walk through her 12-acre property to dive into the successes and challenges of living on and loving the property. No matter the size of your woodland property, we all have similar challenges in trying to be conservationists of our land. Learn how to triage your work and some practical suggestions for invasives removal. Walk away with resources for advice and possibly ideas for financial assistance. Please wear durable clothing; we will be walking through the woods. Registration required:
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Algonkian
2026-06-21 08:00, 2026-07-19 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Search for birds with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2026-06-27 08:00, 2026-07-25 08:00, 2026-08-22 08:00, 2026-09-26 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Sweet Run State Park has 894 acres of diverse habitat, consisting of rich oak-hickory forest, meadows, ponds, streams, and vernal pools in northwestern Loudoun. It borders the Appalachian Trail and is only a couple of miles from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Sweet Run is a wonderful sanctuary for Loudoun wildlife, with numerous bird species utilizing its richness. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center; bring binoculars if you have them. The Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671). Directions can be found on the Park’s website. Registration required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects a parking fee at self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run
2026-06-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis at the Sweet Run State Park for a leisurely walk in search of butterflies. We’ll explore the Xerces plantings, “bugging strip”, and nearby meadows. This is a good opportunity to learn some of the 50+ species that visit our gardens. If you are thinking about joining the annual butterfly count on August 1, this will be a great opportunity to learn to identify some of the 50+ species we see in summer. This is a family-friendly event; ages 5+. We’ll meet at the Interpretive Center. The Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671); see map below. Limit 16. Registration required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects parking fees via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Land Cover of Loudoun County in 1776
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Middleburg Library, 101 Reed Street, Middleburg, VA, 20117
What did Loudoun County look like to our forefathers 250 years ago? View eastern and western Loudoun County through the lens of land surveyors, farmers, mill owners, and others. Presented by Emily Southgate with a PH.D. in Botony from Rutgers University. Emily uses her knowledge of the region’s ecology and documents dating from the 18th century.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Butterfly Walk at Willowsford
2026-07-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Willowsford Farm, 23595 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20148
Many different habitats at Willowsford Conservancy make this an ideal place to find a wide variety of butterflies. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Anne Ellis for a walk along the Farm Loop trail in search of Monarchs, Tiger Swallowtails, Summer Azures and many other native beauties. The wetland and adjacent farmland make this an ideal place to find a wide variety of butterflies. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 1, this will be a great time to brush up on your identification skills. We’ll meet at the Conservancy’s Farm Stand demonstration garden. Limit 16 (Ages 5 and up). Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run State Park, Sawmill Entrance
2026-07-26 09:30 - 11:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis on a leisurely walk along “Butterfly Alley” at Sweet Run State Park. This will be a slow walk appropriate for families. Butterfly Alley is magical at this time of the year. Our hike will take us through meadows, wetlands, and woods. We may even meet horses along the way. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 1, this will be a great time to brush up on your identification skills. We will meet at the parking lot at the end of Sawmill Road. Limit 16 (ages 5 and up). Registration required.
Sweet Run State Park is located just north of Neersville. Directions to the Sawmill Road parking lot: from eastern Loudoun County, take Rt 7 west to Rt 9 west; at the light after Hillsboro traffic circles, bear right onto Harpers Ferry Road; turn left on Sawmill Rd (about 5 miles). The parking lot is on the at the end of Sawmill Road on the right (about 1 mile).
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
2026-07-28 09:30 - 11:30 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is developing large areas of meadow/savannah habitat. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis on a walk around these areas in search of butterflies. This is a gem of a park for butterflies and birds. We’ll follow the gravel road along the “savannah” planting and survey the vegetable garden, Springhouse Pond area, and the rain garden beside the Education Annex.
If you are thinking about joining our annual butterfly count on August 1, this will be a great opportunity to learn to identify some of the 50+ species we see in summer. We’ll meet at the Visitors Center. Limit 16 (ages 5 and up). Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Writing in Nature
2026-08-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Location change: Rust Library
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

Birding Algonkian
2026-08-16 08:00, 2026-09-20 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Writing in Nature
2026-09-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Join Nancy Morgan, director emeritus of the 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.Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Wildfest
2026-09-05 09:00 - 16:30 | 76 Moose Rd, Berryville, Virginia
Wildfest 2026! Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for Wildfest 2026, a fun-filled community celebration of wildlife and conservation sponsored by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center!
This exciting event will take place at Seven Bends Nursery at 76 Moose Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. While the nursery is located in Clarke County, it is conveniently close to Loudoun County and is expected to attract more than 400 visitors throughout the day.
Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s festival, Wildfest is returning with a similar vendor layout, featuring conservation organizations and exhibitors arranged in a welcoming horseshoe formation in the nursery’s beautiful open field.

Birding Banshee
2026-09-12 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hotspot. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Fall Butterfly Walk at Murray Hill
2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Murray Hill, 42910 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Take a leisurely stroll with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy through formal gardens and open pasture, hedgerows, and woodland. We may see Monarch butterflies on their way south and observe resident butterflies as they prepare for winter. During our walk, we will discuss the role of farmers and gardeners in butterfly survival. This is a family-friendly event. Murray Hill is located just east of Leesburg. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Sweet Run Dawn Bird Walk
2026-09-19 06:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Not only are birds most active at dawn; if the weather cooperates, there is a beauty and peacefulness to sunrise that fades as the day progresses. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this early-morning walk as we explore the park as it awakens and fall is just starting. Fall bird migration will be in progress, and if we’re lucky, we should have both a beautiful and productive walk as we explore some of the park’s trails. The group will meet in the main parking lot near the pollinator garden.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects a parking fee at self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration
