Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Annual Butterfly Count: Let’s Count Butterflies!
2025-08-02 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | VA
This is the 29th year that Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has participated in the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) annual Butterfly Count. Our efforts give researchers at NABA a snapshot of how our favorite pollinators are faring. Teams of experts, enthusiasts, and novices spend the day hunting high and low for as many butterflies as they can find within the count circle — it’s a big area and we need your help! No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. There is a $3 fee per adult, but Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy members and children under 18 participate for free. Your participation makes a difference! Registration required.
Learn more about the count (including the map of the count circle) and register here.
Are you thinking about joining the count but have a few questions? Participate in one of the butterfly walks in June and July to learn more about butterflies and how to identify them. The walks are free, family-friendly events.
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

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.

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

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

Story Time at Watermark Woods
2025-07-24 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-07-10 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-06-26 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-06-12 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.

Native Snakes of Loudoun
2025-07-22 19:00 | Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by other animals. While their time is spent filling basic biological needs (food, reproduction, regulating body temperature), they remain one of our most feared and misunderstood groups of animals. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library at Purcellville Library for this introduction to our native snakes. You’ll learn how to identify them, and measures we can take to better understand and coexist with them. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run State Park, Sawmill Entrance
2025-07-20 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. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 2, 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.
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.

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-07-20 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at this birding hotspot in eastern Loudoun with extensive frontage along the Potomac River. Its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and grassy areas are home to numerous species of birds. We will comb the park searching for the many birds that make their home here. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the parking lot near the boat ramp. (Boat ramp location.) Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Willowsford
2025-07-19 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. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 2, 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 is closed.

Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2025-07-19 08:00 | VA
Join 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 birds. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Banshee
2025-07-12 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us for a morning walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. This birding hotspot with streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts many species of birds. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks sponsor this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org
Registration

Work Day at JK Black Oak
2025-07-05 08:00 - 11:00 | 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, which is home to a wonderful diversity of unique species. This time, we’ll finish the installation of the fence around the Pin Oak vernal pool. 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. Closed-toe shoes are required. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kim Strader at kstrader@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Writing in Nature
2025-07-03 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-06-05 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

Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run
2025-06-29 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 will explore the meadows and Xerces pollinator plantings, “bugging strip” and old farm areas around the Interpretive Center. If you are thinking about joining the 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. 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.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-06-28 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Enjoy nature during this monthly walk at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful, large preserve and see what lives in and visits its diverse habitats. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center. The 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

Dragonfly Walk at Claude Moore Park
2025-06-22 08:30 - 11:30 | 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. Hats 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 is closed.

Bird Walk at Rockland Farm
2025-06-22 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as we search for signs of breeding birds on a special visit to this private 600-acre farm a little north of Leesburg. The farm, which has been in the same family since 1817, borders the Potomac River and is rich in wildlife because of the many kinds of habitats there. It includes a rich floodplain along the river, edge and meadow habitat, and on its northern border, Limestone Branch. The varied habitats should provide the group with a good variety of birds. Limit 24. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Dragonfly Walk at Morven Park
2025-06-21 08:30 - 11:30 | Main Visitor Parking Lot at Morven Park, Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bryan Henson on a leisurely walk in search of these beautiful and fascinating insects. Morven 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. Hats and sunscreen suggested. Adults and interested children are welcome. Meet at the visitor parking lot (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road). Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Banshee Reeks
2025-06-21 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join our Young Birding Program at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre natural area in the heart of Loudoun. This area of streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners). 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

Identifying the Common Dragonflies of Loudoun
2025-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, VA, 20165
Join Lindsay Loyd, a nature enthusiast who started photographing dragonflies eight years ago, for a presentation on the identification of 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 species in Loudoun, including where to look for them and how to identify them. This program takes place at Cascades Library is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-06-15 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at this large, popular park in eastern Loudoun with extensive frontage along the Potomac River. Its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and grassy areas are home to numerous species of birds. We will comb the park searching for the many birds that make their home here. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the parking lot near the boat ramp. (Boat ramp location.) Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2025-06-14 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Whether you want to learn about birds or just have never been to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, this regular monthly outing is a treat. The preserve is a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. Its streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks and see what we find. This walk takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Annual Meeting
2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:30 | Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join us for an inspiring celebration of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s 30th anniversary at our Annual Meeting, sponsored by Wegman’s in Leesburg!
We will gather at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center (see map below) to enjoy:

Keynote speaker Paula Whyman, author of the book Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. (Paula will also be signing copies of her book, which will be available for purchase at the event and can be purchased right now on our Wild Shop store.)
Recognition of our Volunteers of the Year, Peterson Young Naturalist Program participants and other award winners.
A look back at Loudoun Wildlife’s 30-year history of protecting, preserving and restoring wildlife habitat and a look ahead at what’s to come.
The debut of our 2024 Annual Report.
Unique door prizes.
Light refreshments.
Fun and fellowship with new and old friends.

We can’t wait to celebrate Loudoun Wildlife’s past, present and future with you. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org
Registration is closed.

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.

Lucketts Bypass Public Input Meeting
2025-06-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Smart’s Mill Middle School, 850 N King Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy needs your help to protect JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary! Attend the Route 15 Lucketts Bypass public input meeting at at Smart’s Mill Middle School (see map below) and tell the county to eliminate any route options that cut through JK Black Oak. This public meeting is when the roadway alignment options will be first presented to the public. Because the meeting location is not near the project area in Lucketts, it’s important that our wildlife advocates show up. No prior preparation is required for this introductory meeting, but you may want to read the background on the project. We need you there!
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.
