Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Work Day at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary
2025-08-09 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 89-acre wildlife preserve located in Lucketts. Loudoun Wildlife purchased the property in 2020 to preserve this globally rare wetland, which is home to a wonderful diversity of unique species. This morning we’ll be working on the LeSebre Pool restoration project, removing invasives and hauling away metal taken from the pool. Additional information and directions to the site will be provided a couple of days before the event. Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access. 20 volunteers needed – volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Registration required.
Please note: Work days require physical activity, which may be strenuous, such as digging and sawing in weedy, overgrown areas. Please be aware that poison ivy and ticks may present. Long sleeves and pants, gardening gloves and insect repellant are recommended, and wear sturdy shoes or boots. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact sferguson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Story Time at Watermark Woods
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 | 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Stream Monitoring at Balls Run in Waterford
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Abby, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors, at our Balls Run site on the Phillips Farm and discover the hidden world of aquatic life while helping monitor the health of Loudoun’s waterways. Whether you’re brand new to stream monitoring or have helped with an event before, this is a great opportunity to learn, contribute to real science, and see a stream in a whole new way.
Please ensure you’re available for both the original and rain dates. We’ll email the exact location to registered participants closer to the event. Please wear water boots. All other equipment will be provided. 2 volunteers needed, ages 14 and up (if under the age of 16, must have accompanying adult). Registration required. Rain date is October 18.
Registration is FULL. You can be put on the wait list by following the instructions below.
How to Sign Up:
Email Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org with your name, cell phone number (for any weather-related updates) and the name of this event (Balls Run, Waterford). She will confirm your registration. Space is limited and filled on a first-come first-serve basis, so sign up early to secure your spot. A Volunteer Application and Waiver Form is required for each participant.

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.

Stream Monitoring at South Fork of Catoctin, Waterford
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Jason, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors at our South Fork of the Catoctin Creek site behind the Old Mill in Waterford, and discover the hidden world of aquatic life while helping monitor the health of Loudoun’s waterways. Whether you’re brand new to stream monitoring or have helped with an event before, this is a great opportunity to learn, contribute to real science, and see the stream in a whole new way.
Please ensure you’re available for both the original and rain dates. We’ll email the exact location to registered participants closer to the event. Please wear water boots. All other equipment will be provided. 3 volunteers needed, ages 14 and up (if under the age of 16, must have accompanying adult). Registration required. Rain date is October 18.
Registration is FULL. You can be put on the wait list by following the instructions below.
How to Sign Up:
Email Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org with your name, cell phone number (for any weather-related updates) and the name of this event (South Fork Catoctin – Waterford). She will confirm your registration. Space is limited and filled on a first-come first-serve basis, so sign up early to secure your spot. A Volunteer Application and Waiver Form is required for each participant.

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

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.

Birding Morven Park
2025-09-28 08:00 | Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join Carol Sottili and Molly Pinson Simoneau of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a bird walk to explore Morven Park, a 1,000-acre preserve that hosts a historic mansion, two museums a renowned equestrian center, and a mosaic of natural habitats rich in wildlife including a wide variety of birds. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 14. 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

Birding at Izaak Walton League
2025-09-28 08:00 | Izaak Walton League Chapter House, 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20175
The Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League manages a rich natural property in western Loudoun that contains a wide variety of habitats and, as a result, supports a lot of birds especially during migration. In partnership with the Chapter, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson will lead a bird walk on the property. (See map below) Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 8. Registration required.
Questions: contact Allison Gallo at agallo@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
