Story Time at Watermark Woods
2025-07-24 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-08-14 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-08-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-09-04 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-09-18 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Watermark Woods, 16764 Hamilton Station Rd, Hamilton, VA, 20158
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on two Thursdays a month for a delightful 30-minute story time at Watermark Woods native plant nursery in Hamilton. We will choose a fun theme each week, reading engaging books and leading an educational discussion perfect for curious young minds. While kids ages 4 to 7 enjoy the stories, parents can browse the nursery’s beautiful native plants (just stay within earshot). It’s a wonderful way to spark a love of nature and reading in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Come explore, learn and grow with us. No registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-07-26 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us for this monthly walk at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve and see what lives here. With its diverse wildlife habitats, including meadows, streams and heavily forested slopes, the Park draws a wide variety of birds and other creatures. This outing takes place every fourth Saturday of the month except in December. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center. Sweet Run State Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671); see map below. 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 Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Claude Moore Park
2025-07-26 09:30 - 11:30 | Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, VA, United States
Join VA Master Naturalist Brian Magurn and butterfly enthusiast Bryon Veal for a butterfly walk at Claude Moore Park, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. We will meet at the Visitors Center and take a leisurely stroll through various pollinator habitats. This is a family-friendly event; ages 5+. Rain date is July 27. Limit 16. 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. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Banshee Reeks
2025-07-29 10:00 - 12:00 | 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. If you are thinking about joining our annual butterfly count on August 2, 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.

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

Cancelled: The Magic of Moths
2025-08-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Come out to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve to discover why moths constitute about 90 percent of all the Lepidoptera on the planet — not bad for a group of animals that flew with some of our most well-known dinosaurs! Join Dr. David Adamski and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to review and explore the most common moth families found in the Capital Region. After sunset, he’ll help us identify the moths that are attracted to his blacklight set up outside. Limit 30. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Writing in Nature
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

Birding Banshee
2025-08-09 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
This walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County, is always is one of discovery. This is a birding hotspot because the preserve’s streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks and see what birds we find. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@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

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-08-17 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and extensive grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. During migration it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. (Boat ramp location.) Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2025-08-23 08:00 - 11:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us at the Sweet Run State Park for this monthly walk and to explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve and see what lives in this diverse habitat. This outing takes place every fourth Saturday of the month except in December. 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 via 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

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

Birding Banshee
2025-09-13 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us for a bird walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. This is a birding hotspot because the preserve’s streams, trees, shrubs and fields attract many species of birds. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks team up to help you see what birds are visiting. 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

Birding JK Black Oak
2025-09-14 08:00 - 10:00
Join Michael Sciortino and Bryan Henson to look for birds at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, which was purchased by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in 2020. This bird walk will take us through the forest, across the meadows and past several of the vernal pools (which will be dry this time of year) that make this such a unique place. Over 140 species of birds have been documented, and there is always a chance of discovering more during fall migration. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 20. Registration required.
After the walk, stick around for the Open House to learn more about the property.
Questions: Contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org or Sheryl Weitzel at sweitzel@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, do not attempt to register. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary Open House
2025-09-14 10:00 - 15:00
Please Note: Pets are not allowed at the Sanctuary.
Experience the beauty of JK Black Oak firsthand and learn more about the vernal pools, restoration projects and ongoing community science projects. During this open house, the sanctuary is open to the public with no registration required.
Stop by the Loudoun Wildlife booth to learn about our programs and our advocacy efforts to protect JK Black Oak from the Rt. 15 Lucketts bypass.
For the first time ever, several of the trails will be open for self-guided tours with information signs along the way and roving volunteers to answer questions. We will also have three information stations staffed with volunteers where you can learn about:

Amphibians and reptiles – Which species have been found and why amphibians require vernal pools.
Bat monitoring – Acoustic monitoring has documented nine species of bats.
Forest restoration – We are using deer exclosure fences to protect tree seedlings.

Parking will be in the field at the corner of Stumptown and New Valley Church Roads in Lucketts, and a volunteer will direct you to the entrance of the sanctuary.
Although you will be walking on mowed trails, ticks may still be present and insect repellant is recommended.
In conjunction with the open house, there are two guided walks that require registration: a bird walk at 8:00am and a nature walk at 11:00am. (Registration is full for both walks.)
Questions: Contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org or Sheryl Weitzel at sweitzel@loudounwildlife.org.

Nature Walk at JK Black Oak
2025-09-14 11:00 - 12:30
Join Allison Gallo and Lisa Treichel for a nature walk along the trails of JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll look for late-blooming native wildflowers, butterflies and birds, and talk about some of the projects taking place on the property. The walk will coincide with the JK Black Oak Open House, which is open to the public. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Binoculars optional. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org or Sheryl Weitzel at sweitzel@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is full. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. Don’t forget that you can still enjoy a self-guided walk at any time during the Open House.

Travel Photography Program
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA, 20147, United States
Learn the secrets of what makes a great travel photograph and how best to document people, places, and culture. Photographer Jeff Mauritzen shares his experiences and photos from his travel assignments across all seven continents. With over 12 years as a photography expert for National Geographic Expeditions, Jeff has honed his craft in capturing the essence of every journey. This program takes place at Ashburn Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Claude Moore Nature Walk
2025-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, VA, United States
Claude Moore Park (see map below) with its 360 acres has a wide variety of habitats for birds and other wildlife including wildflower meadows, old-growth woodlands, wetlands and ponds. The walk will include discussions of the park’s geology and vegetation. We’ll meet at the parking lot next to the Nature Center. Limit 15. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Herb Walk at JK Black Oak
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an easy-paced herb walk and discussion through areas of JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary in Lucketts. Herb walks are a great way to spot and identify herbal plants in their natural habitats. We will be discussing medicinal uses for the plants, things about their unique growing behaviors and choice of habitats, pollinator benefits, folklore, and so much more. Walk leader Jerry Underhill is a member of the American Herbalist Guild, American Botanical Society and Plant Savers, and holds a degree in biomedical chemistry. Directions will be sent to registered participants a few days before the walk. Limit 15 (interested youth OK if accompanied by an adult). Registration required
Note: To protect the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Hawk Watch at Snickers Gap
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00
Every autumn, thousands of hawks migrate south along the Blue Ridge. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Patrick Lewis and Larry Meade at the Snickers Gap Hawk Watch, one of the best hawk-watching sites in the region to view this phenomenon. If the weather cooperates, we should see several kinds of raptors. If we’re lucky, we might even see a major push of Broad-winged Hawks as they pass over from their summer homes in North America to South America. You’ll want to bring binoculars to get better looks. Bring a chair if you plan to stay a while. Optional Hike to Bear’s Den, 8:00 – 10:00am: Prior to the hawk watch, those interested can meet Patrick and Larry at 8:00am to hike up to Bear’s Den (1.2 miles round trip) along a fairly challenging section of the Appalachian Trail for a beautiful view of the Shenandoah Valley, finding bird migrants along the trail. Limit 15 for both. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-09-21 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. During migration it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. (Boat ramp location.) Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Goodstone Inn Bird Walk
2025-09-23 08:00 | goodstone Inn, 36205 Snake Hill Rd , Middleburg, VA, 20117
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at this private country estate in southwestern Loudoun. Goodstone has trails along the Goose Creek and in surrounding fields and old woods just a couple miles north of Middleburg (see map below). These trails are mostly level but with a couple of short, fairly steep inclines. Meet at the lower parking lot of the Inn. Limit 14. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-09-27 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us at the Sweet Run State Park for this monthly walk. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre park and see what lives in this diverse habitat including a great variety of birds. This outing takes place every fourth Saturday of the month except in December. 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 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 Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Bles Park
2025-09-27 08:00 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the newly reopened Bles Park in eastern Loudoun County (see map below). Bles Park is a birding hotspot with a mix of water habitats that appeal to a diverse mix of species. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the parking lot near the playground. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Sweet Run State Park
2025-09-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program at Sweet Run State Park in western Loudoun. The 894-acre park has a variety of habitats and is home to some uncommon species that prefer higher elevations. Migrating warblers and other birds should be abundant. 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 (Rte 671); see map below. 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
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects a parking fee via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.

Fall Wildflower Walk
2025-09-27 10:00 | Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, VA, United States
Fall is a great time for wildflowers! Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bill Cour at Claude Moore Park in Sterling and take a stroll through the fields and forests to admire fall-blooming wildflowers like asters and goldenrods. We will talk about how to identify them, what pollinates them, birds that eat their seeds and maybe even how to grow them in your garden. We will meet at the Nature Center. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration
