Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Story Time at Watermark Woods
2025-05-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-05-08 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-04-24 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Watermark Woods, 16764 Hamilton Station Rd, Hamilton, VA, 20158
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on two Thursdays a month for a delightful 30-minute story time at Watermark Woods native plant nursery in Hamilton. We will choose a fun theme each week, reading engaging books and leading an educational discussion perfect for curious young minds. While kids ages 4 to 7 enjoy the stories, parents can browse the nursery’s beautiful native plants (just stay within earshot). It’s a wonderful way to spark a love of nature and reading in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Come explore, learn and grow with us. No registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Rockland Farm
2025-05-18 08:00
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Mike Scott and Steve Makranczy 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 migrating birds as well as residents. Limit 12. meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Celebrate Birds: Birding at Izaak Walton League
2025-05-18 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 which 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. Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 8. Registration required.
Questions: contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org.

The Birdathon Ends
2025-05-18
The annual Birdathon is being held over a period of four weeks, from April 19 through May 19. Everyone is welcome ─ expert birders, backyard birdwatchers, and beginners! Like a walkathon, Birdathon participants collect pledges and donations from friends, family members, and co-workers for finding and counting bird species. You pick any single 24-hour or 48-hour time period you want and, with your team, count every species you observe.
Read all about the Birdathon and how you can participate or donate.
Questions: Email contact@loudounwildlife.org

Celebrate Birds: Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-05-17 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River in eastern Loudoun, the park’s rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and open grassy areas combine to make this a spectacular place to bird. During migration a it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners if you don’t). Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Algonkian
2025-05-17 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Search for birds with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River in eastern Loudoun, the park’s rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and open grassy areas combine to make this a spectacular place to bird. During migration a it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Beagle Club/Institute Farm
2025-05-14 08:00 | National Beagle Club at Institute Farm, Aldie, VA, 20105, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Emily Southgate and Linda Millington who, with special permission, will visit the Institute Farm in Aldie (see map below). The farm is home of the National Beagle Club of North America and on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm’s brushy, scrubby intermediate habitat, bordered by mature forests, is home to many thicket-loving bird species. This group will also visit a nearby large farm, which includes a large lake and extensive fields. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Mastering the Timeless Art of Landscape Photography
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA, 20147, United States
Loudoun photographer Jeff Mauritzen shares artistic and technical advice on going from good to great with your landscape images. For the last 12 years, Jeff has been guiding and lecturing as a photography expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
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

Celebrate Birds: Birding Banshee
2025-05-10 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks at this wonderful nature preserve that was established in 1999. In addition to a mile of Goose Creek frontage, Banshee has a great diversity of habitats on its 695 acres ranging from wetlands and ponds to mixed hardwood forests of oak and hickory to wonderful meadows laden with milkweed, goldenrod, and thistle, all supportive of a great deal of wildlife. Numerous trails wind their way through these various habitats and are great for birding. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2025-05-10 06:00 - 20:00
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to be partnering with NOVA Parks for a Big Sit at Algonkian Regional Park.
What is a Big Sit?
Some people have compared it to a tailgate party for birders. We will set up in one stationary location and see how many species we can count from that spot. At our last spring Big Sit we saw 69 species of birds. This spring we are hoping to beat that number.
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
Smoke the Screech Owl
We will be set up just west of the boat ramp with views of the river, a wildflower meadow, a grassy field, a wooded tree line and wide open sky. It is also close to the parking lot. (View location.) We will be there from 6:00am – 8:00pm 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.
NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin, will join us at the Big Sit between 12:00 to 1:30 pm and 5:30 to 8:00 pm with some of his animal ambassador friends. During previous Big Sits, Matt has brought Smoke the Screech Owl and other raptors, along with amphibians and reptiles. All are happy to interact with visitors and pose for pictures.
In case of inclement weather cancellation information will be posted here and on the Loudoun Wildlife Facebook page.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Native Snakes of Loudoun
2025-05-08 19:00 | Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA, 20147, United States
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 Ashburn 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. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Birding JK Black Oak
2025-05-07 07:30 - 10:00
Join Gerco Hoogeweg for a visit to this 89-acre property near Lucketts, 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 that make this such a unique place. Over 130 species of birds have been documented, and there is always a chance of discovering more during spring migration. Directions will be emailed to registered participants. To protect the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is not open for general public access. Limit 10. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Gerco Hoogeweg at ghoogeweg@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Celebrate Birds: Goodstone Inn
2025-05-06 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 Inn has trails along the Goose Creek and in surrounding fields and old woods just a couple miles north of Middleburg. Meet at the lower parking lot of the Inn. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Run the Greenway
2025-05-04 08:00
The cars are making way for runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages from our great community. Get ready to make a difference this year at Run the Greenway and see the toll road as you’ve never seen it before.
We’re excited to once again participate in the Dulles Greenway’s Run the Greenway race! This event offers a unique opportunity for runners to raise money for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and give back to Loudoun. Participants can choose between a 5k, 10k, Kids Fun Run or virtual race. You can sign up as an individual or as part of a team, and you can be a fund raiser for Loudoun Wildlife. One hundred percent of the funds raised on behalf of Loudoun Wildlife will come directly to us. Run local. Support local. Sign up here and start raising money for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.
Check back for additional details.
Questions: Contact info@lounwildlife.org.

Loudoun Student Environmental Action Showcase
2025-05-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Academies of Loudoun, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175
Find new ways to connect with nature and support environmental stewardship in Loudoun. Students in grades K–12 share their artwork and efforts to reduce waste, conserve energy, improve water quality, protect habitat, and solve eco-challenges. Community groups offer hands-on activities, resources, and volunteer opportunities. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is participating in this showcase along with Loudoun County Public Schools, Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance, and Northwest Virginia Regional GREENetwork. Learn more at loudounnature.org.

Writing in Nature
2025-05-01 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

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
2025-04-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-26 10:00 - 18:00 | Leesburg Flower & Garden Fair, King St., Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States
Kick off spring at the annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival (see map below for location). Visit the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy booth to learn about all our citizen science, education, habitat restoration and advocacy programs. Stock up on our newest LWC gear and buy a book or two while you are there.
For more information on the festival, visit the festival website.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Morven Park
2025-04-27 09:00 | Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join Carol Sottili and Molly Pinson Simoneau 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. This walk is for beginning and experienced birders.
The ridge behind the Davis Mansion is the terminal end of the Catoctin Mountains and with that comes terrific and varied habitats, geological features and diverse wildlife. The land hosts a spectacular array of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, from massive oaks to tiny ephemerals. Box Turtles roam the woods as do a variety of mammals, including coyotes, raccoons, opossums, bats and deer.
During spring, birds migrate through this area and refresh themselves in the thick forest before heading north to breed; the park in spring also welcomes a host of neotropical birds that come here to raise their young. During our walk, we hope to see not only our year-round resident birds, including woodpeckers, hawks, chickadees and bluebirds, but also recent arrivals, such as Scarlet Tanagers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ovenbirds and Northern Parulas. And perhaps we’ll be lucky to spy an American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush or another of the species just passing through. Limit 14. Parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Sweet Run
2025-04-26 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Celebrate Birds with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Virginia Society of Ornithology at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore three different areas of the park with three simultaneous walks. The park, in northwestern Loudoun County, has 894 acres of diverse habitat consisting of vernal pools, meadows, ponds, streams and a rich oak-hickory forest. It borders the Appalachian Trail and is only a couple of miles from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. For these reasons Sweet Run is a wonderful sanctuary for Loudoun’s wildlife with numerous bird species utilizing its richness. The Park is located just north of Neersville (see map below). 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.
After the walks, hang around for Sweet Run State Park Earth Day Celebration: All About Birds from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Birding Algonkian
2025-04-20 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’ll comb the park searching for spring migrants, residents and waterfowl. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Herb Walk at JK Black Oak
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00
Join us 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. If you’re familiar with bird walks, this works the same way — but with plants. 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 couple of days before the walk. Limit 10. Registration required
Note: Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Young Birders Walk at Broad Run
2025-04-19 08:00
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton which combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat, and multiple ponds. Parking information and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Bring binoculars if you have them. Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. Limit 15. Registration required
Questions: Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at
Registration closed.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2025-04-19 08:00
Join Mike Sciortino and John Denice in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton which combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat, and multiple ponds. The varied habitat should provide the group with a good variety of migrating birds as well as residents. Parking information and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration closed.

The Birdathon Begins
2025-04-19
The annual Birdathon is being held over a period of four weeks, from April 19 through May 18. Everyone is welcome ─ expert birders, backyard birdwatchers, and beginners! Like a walkathon, Birdathon participants collect pledges and donations from friends, family members, and co-workers for finding and counting bird species. You pick any single 24-hour or 48-hour time period you want and, with your team, count every species you observe.
Read all about the Birdathon and how you can participate or donate to support Birdathon teams.
Questions: Email contact@loudounwildlife.org

Meet Your Local Birds of Prey
2025-04-17 19:00 | Brambleton Library, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA, 20148
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Secret Garden Birds and Bees’ Liz Dennison to meet live birds of prey — just like the ones living in our backyards. You’ll have a chance to meet a few of our native hawks, owls, and one tiny falcon up close. Hear their personal stories, and learn about the lives of raptors in the wild, the challenges they face in our increasingly human world, and what we can all do to help them thrive. Best of all, you might even get to take a selfie with your favorite hawk or owl. This family-friendly event takes place at Brambleton Library and is sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Spring Wildflowers at Balls Bluff - Rescheduled
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a field trip to Ball’s Bluff to explore this beautiful wooded riverside park for the early spring wildflowers that enrich the Potomac River Valley. Limit 15. Registration required.
This is one of two spring walks at Balls Bluff. Please sign up for only one so that others may participate.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Bluebells and Birds at Ball's Bluff
2025-04-12 08:00 - 09:30 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin for a walk at Ball’s Bluff Regional Park to enjoy Virginia Bluebells in bloom and look for birds, including early spring migrants. We’ll meet in the parking lot. Bring binoculars if you have them. The walk will take place if there is a light rain. Cancellation information will be posted here and on our Facebook page for heavier rain. No registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
