Fall Color Walk at Sweet Run
2025-10-11 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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

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.

Stream Monitoring at Cattail Branch in Leesburg
2025-10-19 09:30 - 13:00 | VA
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Traci, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors, at our Cattail 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. 3 volunteers needed, ages 16 and up. Registration required.
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 (Cattail 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.

Wildlife and Nature Photography
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Professional nature photographer Jeff Mauritzen takes you on a trip from the Arctic to Antarctica as he shares secrets to documenting wildlife and diverse ecosystems. For the last 12 years, Jeff has been guiding and lecturing as a photography expert for National Geographic Expeditions. This program takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2025-10-25 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Take a break in nature with us on this monthly walk at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre park and see what lives in and visits this diverse habitat. This bird walk 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

Fall Color Walk at JK Black Oak
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
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 Loudoun Wildlife’s Bill Cour at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary in Lucketts 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. Directions will be sent to registered participants. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

New Date: Walk for Wildlife at Rockland Farm
2025-10-26 08:00 | VA
This walk was originally scheduled for October 12. If you registered for the walk on that date, you do not need to register again.
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy 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 plants and animals. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 14. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Identifying Hawks: A Field Trip to Waggoner’s Gap, PA
2025-10-26 10:00 | VA
Each autumn, hawks migrate south along the Blue Ridge. John and Kevin Denice will lead a field trip to Waggoner’s Gap in PA, about a 2.5-hour drive from Leesburg. Waggoner’s Gap is one of the premier hawk-watching sites in our area. If the weather cooperates, we should see a wide diversity of birds of prey, including Golden Eagles. Carpooling is encouraged, and registered participants will receive carpool information. Registration required.
Questions: Contact John Denice at jdenice@loudounwildlife.org.

Stream Monitoring at Tuscarora Creek at Olde Izaak Walton Park, Leesburg
2025-10-26 10:00 - 13:00 | VA
Curious about what’s living beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out.
Join Emily, one of Loudoun Wildlife’s certified stream monitors, at one of our Tuscarora Creek sites 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.
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 16 and up. Registration required. Rain date is November 9.
Registration is full. Follow the instructions below to sign up for the waitlist.
How to Sign Up:
Email Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org with your name, cell phone number (for any weather-related updates), the name of this event (Tuscarora Old Izaak Walton) and the date (October 26). She will confirm your registration. Space is limited and filled on a first-come first-served basis, so sign up early to secure your spot. A Volunteer Application and Waiver Form is required for each participant.

Creepy Crawlies Walk
2025-10-26 13:00 | Chapman DeMary Trail, 205 East Hirst Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Join nature volunteers Nancy Reaves and Gina Faber for a walk along the Chapman DeMary Trail to discover the beauty of creatures that some consider to be scary or gross. Learn about the amazing things that happen below your feet during the winter months. The walk is co-sponsored by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration required through the Purcellville Parks and Recreation website.
The entrance and parking for the Chapman DeMary Trail is behind the building at 205 East Hirst Road in Purcellville.

Birding Bles Park
2025-11-01 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

Walk for Wildlife Closing Celebration
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive #142, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Join us for a nature-enthusiast gathering at Lost Rhino Brewing Company in Ashburn to celebrate Walk for Wildlife and enjoy food provided by Savior Fare Catering. We’ll hand out awards and share some highlights from the event along with celebrating the community science efforts and the positive impact they have on our community. We’ll also have some great door prizes. This will be your last chance to purchase tickets for the Cardinal Quilt Raffle before the winning ticket is drawn. Registration requested.
Please note that this event is limited to Walk for Wildlife participants.
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.
RSVP

Writing in Nature
2025-11-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-04 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, for this opportunity on the first Thursday of each 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

Birding Banshee
2025-11-08 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
A bird walk is a great way to start the weekend so join us at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. The preserve’s streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. All levels of birders welcome. Registration Required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Alternative Gift Market
2025-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Dr., Ashburn, VA, United States
Join us at the Alternative Gift Market at Crossroads United Methodist Church (see map below). The market is designed to create a convenient, one-stop experience for those seeking to make their own charitable contributions or to make donations in lieu of traditional holiday gifts. Shoppers can review and choose to give life-changing donations to any of the participating 25 nonprofits. Each purchase is accompanied by an attractive holiday gift card and insert describing your gift to the beneficiary organization. You will also receive a receipt for tax purposes with every purchase. Loudoun Wildlife’s table will also have mugs and T-shirts for sale.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Algonkian
2025-11-16 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. This bird walk takes place each month except December. 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

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-11-16 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. Algonkian is the county’s top birding hotspot, with over 230 species of birds observed here. We’ll look for year-round residents and early winter arrivals. 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 Sweet Run
2025-11-22 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us at Sweet Run State Park for a walk through parts of this beautiful 894-acre preserve and see what lives in this diverse habitat. As the leaves fall, it gets easier to see birds on trees. 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. A park pass can be borrowed from Loudoun County Public Library.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Native Plant Book Club: Abundance
2025-11-23 17:30 - 19:00 | 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 Abundance by Derek Thompson & Ezra Klein. Abundance posits that our problems today are not the results of yesteryear’s villains. Rather, one generation’s solutions have become the next generation’s problems. Rules and regulations designed to solve the problems of the 1970s often prevent urban-density and green-energy projects that would help solve the problems of the 2020s.
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.

Giving Tuesday
2025-12-02 | VA
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is a membership-based, volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization committed to one mission: to protect, preserve and restore wildlife habitat. #GivingTuesday offers a unique opportunity to make a dramatic difference in accomplishing that mission. We’ve accomplished some incredible feats in 2025 thanks to the hard work, dedication, and determination of our members and volunteers. Your donation on #GivingTuesday helps ensure we’ll continue to make a difference in 2026 and beyond, so please spread the word! Early giving will start in November. Read about Loudoun Wildlife’s accomplishments in 2025 and how to donate.

Birding Dulles Greenway Wetlands
2025-12-06 08:00 | Dulles Wetlands Mitigation Project, Oatlands Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the privately-owned Dulles Greenway Wetlands. Built in the early 1990s to replace the wetlands lost when the Dulles Greenway was built, this wetlands along the Goose Creek near Oatlands is a great place to observe a wide variety of birds including waterfowl and Bald Eagles. Expect to encounter rough terrain where walking is difficult as well as briars and wet/muddy spots. Parking information will be sent to participants prior to the walk. Limit 10. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@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.
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