Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Birding Sweet Run
2025-09-27 08:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | VA
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

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.

Walk for Wildlife Begins
2025-10-01 | VA
Walk for Wildlife is a month-long event, October 1 – 31, in which you see how many parks and natural places you can visit and how many wild species in nature you can identify. This fundraiser is a fun way to get outside and help support our programs that benefit wildlife and healthy habitats. Read all about this popular event and how to participate.
Although you can register at any time until the end of October, you must register by September 25 if you would like to receive a T-shirt.
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.

Do I Want That in My Yard? (Virtual)
2025-10-01 19:00 | VA
Native plants, invasive plants and ordinary weeds — in our yards we make choices. Native plant gardener and ethnobotanist Nan McCarry considers the spectrum of plants in our yards, from those intentionally planted to spontaneous weeds. This program is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Access to this virtual presentation is through the library website. Register below to receive the link.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Story Time at Watermark Woods
2025-10-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-16 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.

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

Wildlife Photography
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Gum Spring Library, 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge, VA, 20105
Professional wildlife photographer Jeff Mauritzen shares stories and photos of rare penguins, spirit bears, sharks, and Komodo dragons! Learn tips to improve your own wildlife photography skills. For the last 12 years, Jeff has been guiding and lecturing as a photography expert for National Geographic Expeditions. This program takes place at Gum Spring Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Work Day at JK Black Oak
2025-10-04 08:30 - 12:30 | VA
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 community. The plan for this work day is to begin planting native trees and shrubs around the Pin Oak vernal pool. Additional information and directions to the site will be provided a few days prior to the work day. Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access. 20 volunteers needed – minimum age 16 . 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. 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.

Walk for Wildlife at JK Black Oak
2025-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Kick off Walk for Wildlife with a group walk lead by Kevin and John Denice to find all the critters that JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary offers. This unique property features late season blooms, vernal pools (which are dry this time of year), meadows, and mature forest that should provide us a rich selection of insects, herps, migrating birds and plants. Curious about using iNaturalist and participating in Walk for Wildlife? Curious about the JK Black Oak property? Then this is the walk for you. Directions will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required
Note: To protect the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is not open for general public access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Salt Watch Kickoff
2025-10-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at Rust Library to launch our fifth season of Salt Watch, a hands-on community science program that tracks road salt pollution in our local streams and advocates for smarter salting practices.
Amy Ulland, Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator, will begin with a presentation about why monitoring chloride levels matters for clean water, wildlife, and healthy communities and share some of our past data. Then participants will take part in a hands-on demo to see just how easy Salt Watch is to do.
This project is perfect for families, couples, individuals and school groups. Monitoring takes less than 15 minutes, supplies are free, and volunteers collect data once a month year-round, with additional sampling after winter weather events. All results are uploaded using a simple Google form and contribute to both local advocacy and a nationwide map of road salt pollution. This event is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Lucketts Bypass Public Input Meeting
2025-10-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy needs your help to protect JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearby rural communities! Attend the second Route 15 Lucketts Bypass public input meeting at the Lucketts Community Center (see map below). Based on additional analysis as well as feedback gathered during the June 4, 2025 meeting and the survey results, the county will provide their recommended alignments and upcoming steps in the process. Members of the public will be able to provide comments at the meeting or by using an online comment form through October 24.
No prior preparation is required for this second public input meeting, but you may want to read the background on the project. We need you there!
Note: parking is at the Lucketts Elementary School (14550 James Monroe Hwy), which is next to the community center .
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

Attracting Birds to Your Yard
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Brambleton Library, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA, 20148
If you enjoy watching birds in your yard, this is the ideal program for you. Julie Borneman, owner of Watermark Woods Nursery, will describe how you can attract and maintain an oasis with native plants for the many birds who live and migrate through our area. Sherri Bartlett, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, Ashburn, will explain the differences between the many types of bird seed, bird feeders and water features that you can use in your yard to attract and sustain our fascinating winged visitors. This presentation takes place at Brambleton Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2025-10-11 07:00 - 19:00 | VA
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to be partnering with NOVA Parks for another Big Sit at Algonkian Regional Park. Join us for five minutes or all day as we compete with other birders around the world to see and hear as many bird species as we can from within a 17-foot circle. We’ll also have info about Loudoun Wildlife programs and a visit from live ambassador animals from NOVA Parks
What is a Big Sit?
Some people have compared it to a tailgate party for birders. It is a worldwide annual competition to see how many species of bird can be seen from one stationary location in 24 hours or less.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in birding from beginner to advanced. If you’re new to birding, you can learn more about it and meet other birders. If you’re an experienced birder, bring your skills and help us ID some species. This is a stationary location, so it’s great for people who aren’t interested in a long bird walk. Plus, we’ll be there all day, so it’s great for those who prefer to sleep late.
Details
We will be set up close to the parking lot just west of the boat ramp (view location) with views of the river, a wildflower meadow, a grassy field, a wooded tree line and wide open sky. We will be there from 7:00am to 7:00pm to count as many bird species as we can see or hear. You can stop by for a few minutes to say hi or bring a chair and stay as long as you like. No registration required.
In case of inclement weather cancellation information will be posted here and on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Facebook page.
Questions: Contact plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Banshee
2025-10-11 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Vireos, Cardinals, Kinglets and more might be among the species you’ll see at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a 695-acre preserve that is considered a birding hotspot. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for this monthly bird walk. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you will find the walk enjoyable. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration Required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Fall Color Walk at Sweet Run
2025-10-11 10:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
As the days get cooler and frost is in the air, deciduous trees and shrubs put on an autumn show in all shades of red, yellow, orange and purple. Join Emily Southgate and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a walk in the woods at Sweet Run State Park to enjoy all the colors that Mother Nature provides this time of year. We’ll discuss various tree species and why trees change their color in the fall. We’ll meet at the Interpretive Center. Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Stream Monitoring at Town Branch in Leesburg
2025-10-17 09:30 - 12:30 | VA
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Lisa, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors, at our Town Branch site in Leesburg 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.
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 16 and up. Registration required.
Registration is full. Follow the instructions below to be added to the waitlist.
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 (Town Branch). 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 Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2025-10-18 08:00 | VA
Join Mike Sciortino and John Denice of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton. The park combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat and multiple ponds. The varying habitats combine to provide a good variety of migrating birds from shorebirds to warblers, as well as residents.. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Introduction to Birding
2025-10-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
This free program, perfect for beginners, will cover the basics of birdwatching. Learn how to identify common local species, understand bird behaviors and habitats, and use binoculars. The program will take place at the Interpretive Center at Sweet Run State Park (see map below) and will include a walk around the park. We will have binoculars you can borrow, and will introduce you to some other tools to help you on your birding journey. Be sure to download the Merlin app to your phone and create a free account before the class. Recommended for adults and children over 10 years old. This State Park program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. No registration necessary.
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.

Walk for Wildlife at Morven Park
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Jim McWalters to get outside and take a walk in nature. Morven Park has beautiful ridge trails with vernal pools and mature forest that should provide a variety of insects, amphibians, birds and plants. We will meet at the small, upper parking lot near the trails and the Coach House complex as shown on this map of Morven Park. Limit 15. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-10-19 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a walk exclusively for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun. The park has a wide diversity of habitats and should yield migrating warblers, sparrows and other birds. Birders often find over 60 species in a single morning. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. 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

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-10-19 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. 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

Stream Monitoring at Tuscarora Creek at W&OD, Leesburg
2025-10-19 09:30 - 12:30 | VA
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Amy Ulland, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors, at our Tuscarora Creek at W&OD site in Leesburg 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.
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 16 and up. Registration required.
Registration is full. Follow the instructions below to be added to the waitlist.
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 (Tuscarora Creek W&OD). 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.
