Birding Sweet Run
2026-02-28 08:00, 2026-03-28 08:00 (America/New_York) | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Sweet Run State Park has 894 acres of diverse habitat consisting of vernal pools, meadows, ponds, streams, and a rich oak-hickory forest in northwestern Loudoun. It borders the Appalachian Trail and is only a couple of miles from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Sweet Run is a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife with numerous bird species using its richness. 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 at 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 Gilbert’s Corner
2026-03-01 08:00 | Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, 23557 Watson Road, Leesburg, VA, 20175
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. Limit 14. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
registration

Young Birders Walk at Gilbert’s Corner
2026-03-01 08:00 | Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, 23557 Watson Road, Leesburg, VA, 20175
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program and Matt Felperin of NOVA Parks for a bird walk for young birders at Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park in Aldie. With over 115 bird species observed here, Gilbert’s Corner is one of the best birding hotspots in southwestern Loudoun. Bring binoculars if you have them or we will have some to share. Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. Limit 14 . Registration required
Questions: Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Searching for Birds of Prey: Field Trip (rescheduled)
2026-03-01 14:00 | VA
Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 24. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, ask to 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

Writing in Nature
2026-03-05 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Rd SW,, Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States
New location: the manor house at Rust Nature Sanctuary (see map below).
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly workshop, 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. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Woodcock Walk at Institute Farm (postponed from March 3)
2026-03-07 18:00 | The Institute Farm, 22265 Oatlands Rd, Aldie, Virginia, 20105
Witness the bizarre courtship displays of the American Woodcock, one of our most fascinating avian residents. On this Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy outing, we will listen for the woodcock’s “peent” and watch its aerial acrobatics at the historic Institute Farm near Aldie. Limit 10. 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. Be sure to include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Save the Bluebells: Garlic Mustard Pull (Start Date Postponed until March 19)
2026-03-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
Garlic Mustard is an invasive species that began taking over Ball’s Bluff years ago. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy mobilizes a crew in early spring to pull the invasive plant before it spreads further competing with the spring ephemerals that make the park so beautiful. Each invasive plant removed, no matter how small, makes an impact because the millions of seeds from the removed plants never get a chance to fall into the soil seed bank. Be part of this important habitat conservation project and sign up to be on a contacted each week with a reminder to attend the event. Registration required. You will be contacted each week to see if you can make it.
Questions: Contact BJ Lecrone at bjlecrone@loudounwildlife.org.
Fill out my LGL Form!

Sky Hunters & Meadow Skulkers - an Evening Bird Walk
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Piscataway Crossing Regional Park, 43646 Hibler Rd, Leesburg, VA, Leesburg, VA, 20176-5608
Join Matt Felprin from NoVa Parks and Bryan Henson from LWC on March 12th for a visit to Piscataway Crossing Regional Park to look for birds of prey and sparrows. We’ll start this program at 5:30pm and wrap up in the twilight of the evening.
This wonderful park in the Lucketts area provides fields and access to the Potomac River. Limit: 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.

Paws, Pines and Pints
2026-03-13 17:00 - 21:30 | Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive #142, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and A Fighting Chance Foundation for a special fundraising event at Lost Rhino Brewing in Ashburn VA on Friday, March 13th. Come out to enjoy a fun Friday night of music, friendship, and great food and drinks, all for two great causes!
Special musical guests – The Outpatients (Northern VA band well known for their Americana musical mayhem).
Tickets: $10 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting Loudoun Wildlife and A Fighting Chance.
Lost Rhino is also graciously donating 10% of all sales to both organizations.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is a volunteer-powered nonprofit working to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat while shaping a Loudoun where people and wildlife thrive together. Learn more at: https://www.loudounwildlife.org
A Fighting Chance is ensures that all pets are given the best chance possible to recover from a life-threatening medical condition or accident regardless of the financial circumstances of their caregivers. Learn more at: https://www.afightingchancefoundation.org/about

Birding Banshee
2026-03-14 08:00, 2026-04-11 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Algonkian
2026-03-15 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. 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

Save the Bluebells: Garlic Mustard Pull
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA

Woodcock Walk at Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2026-03-19 19:15 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an early evening walk on this special property looking for birds; then as dusk settles in, we’ll hope to hear the “peent” of American Woodcock and see their incredible courtship display flight. Parking/meeting information will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. 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. Be sure to include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Intro to Birding at Sweet Run
2026-03-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Discover the fundamentals of bird watching as you build practical skills and confidence in the field. You will learn to identify common local species, use binoculars effectively, and better understand bird behavior and habitats. Binoculars will be available to borrow, and we will introduce additional tools to support your birding journey. It is recommended to download the Merlin Bird ID app on your phone and create a free account before class.
This beginner friendly program is co-sponsored by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and presented by Scott Harris. Meet at the Interpretive Center for a brief introduction before heading out for a guided walk around the park.
Sweet Run State Park has 894 acres of diverse habitat consisting of vernal pools, meadows, ponds, streams, and a rich oak-hickory forest in northwestern Loudoun. It borders the Appalachian Trail and is only a couple of miles from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671). Directions can be found on the Park’s website.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Give Choose!
2026-03-24 | VA
Give Choose is 24 hours of giving organized by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties to benefit local charities serving our community. The goal is to inspire our community to come together to give generously to charities that make our community the best place to grow up and grow old. With a donation as little as $10, you can support wildlife habitat and help make Loudoun a place where people and wildlife thrive together.
To learn more and to support Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on this day, please donate here. Early giving begins March 10, and you can donate any time through March 24.

Creek Critters
2026-03-29 13:00 | Chapman DeMary Trail, 205 East Hirst Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Join the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Purcellville Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to get up close and personal with the tiny creek critters living in the South Fork of the Catoctin Creek at the Chapman DeMary Trail. Loudoun Wildlife Stream Team members will discuss the natural history of these critters, help participants learn how to identify them, and explain how they can help us determine the health of a stream. Registration required through the Purcellville Parks and Recreation and will be available in March.
Questions: Contact Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org

Spring Wildflowers of Northern Virginia
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
As winter eases into spring, one of the first signs is the blooming of forest wildflowers. Some make dramatic carpets, some are tucked away in inconspicuous nooks; some are beautiful, and some are peculiar looking; many have interesting stories. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bill Cour for this presentation to inspire you to get out and see them for yourself. Bill leads our weekly spring habitat restoration event, Save the Bluebells: Garlic Mustard Pull at Ball’s Bluff Park. This presentation 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

Cancelled: Work Day at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-04-04 09:30 - 12:30 | VA
Due to illness, the work day has been cancelled.
JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 89-acre wildlife preserve located in Lucketts that is owned by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Join us for the first work day of 2026 when we’ll be rerouting one of the trails plus a couple of other small projects. 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 to participate.
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 or boots are required. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact sferguson@loudounwildlife.org.

Stream Monitoring at Cattail Branch in Leesburg
2026-04-04 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. Rain date is April 18.
How to Sign Up!
Fill out this form to sign up! Amy Ulland at aulland@loudounwildlife.org will confirm your registration and send you a Google invitation with location information. Space is limited and filled on a first-come first-served basis, so sign up early to secure your spot. If this survey is no longer listed on the form, please email Amy to be added to the waitlist.

Spring Wildflowers at Ball’s Bluff
2026-04-04 10:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
Join John DeMary, well-known local naturalist and retired teacher, on a field trip to explore 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
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Will My Well Go Dry? - Woodgrove Event
2026-04-06 18:30 | Woodgrove High School, 36811 Allder School Rd, Purcellville, VA, 20132
In Western Loudoun, our homes, businesses, farms, and livestock depend on whether we can get water from our wells. But according to a new scientific study:

Our water tables are steadily falling
In 1990 there were 10,000 active wells in western Loudoun. Now there are 19,000
Hooking rural areas up to Loudoun Water would be financially disastrous.

To learn more and become involved in protecting and preserving our groundwater supplies, join us at one of our FREE Community Groundwater events.
Sponsored by Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition. Event 1 of 3.
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

Spring Wildflowers at Ball’s Bluff
2026-04-10 13:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Bill Cour, Virginia Master Naturalist, for a Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy field trip to explore Ball’s Bluff, for the early spring wildflowers that enrich the Potomac River Valley. Limit 15. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Spring Native Plant Sale at Morven Park
2026-04-11 09:00 - 14:00 | Main Visitor Parking Lot at Morven Park, Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Native plants add beauty and interest to your garden year-round and provide habitat for wildlife. At Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Spring Native Plant Sale, you’ll find a diverse selection of flowers, vines, trees, shrubs, and ferns from five outstanding local nurseries: Hill House Farm & Nursery, Nature By Design, Seven Bends Nursery, Watermark Woods Native Plants, and Yellow House Natives.
Our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to help you choose plants suited to your space and goals. Be sure to visit the Native Plant Information Center for expert talks offered throughout the day on topics like native plants for beginners, transitioning to a native garden, and managing invasive species. Enjoy a cup of coffee from a local vendor while you explore tables hosted by nonprofit partners working to protect and restore native ecosystems. You’ll also learn about our programs and how to get involved in local conservation efforts.
Native Plant Talks and Demos – 10:00am-12:15pm
Join us at our Native Plant Information Center for talks and demos from native plant experts from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Whether you’re new to natives or expanding an existing garden or meadow, we can tell you about some of our favorites for sun or shade, wet or dry spots—and more. Plus, we’ll have native plants and pictures on display to help you decide what you want to add to your home garden’s habitat.
9:00 – 10:00 am – Meet the Natives
We’ll have pictures, brochures and plants on hand as we answer general questions about natives and the plant sale.
10:00 – 10:45 am – NoVa’s Native Plants: From Ecological “Why” to Backyard “How”
Think globally; act locally in your own yard! This talk by Jim Knowles of Abernethy & Spencer Garden Center will feature the eco-benefits and planting tips for Northern Virginia native staples.
10:45 – 11:30 am – “Wilding” Your Property: LWC’s Wildlife Sanctuary Program
Whether you’re battling invasive English Ivy or looking to replace a thirsty lawn, get free advice on how to “rewild” your land with both beauty and purpose. Wildlife Sanctuary ambassadors Brian Magurn and BJ Lecrone tell us how we can bring our land back to life, one property at a time.
11:30 am – 12:15 pm – They Don’t Belong Here: Identifying and Removing Invasive Plants
Learn how to identify NoVa’s invasive plants (including those in your own backyard), why they’re harmful, and how to remove them effectively. You’ll also learn from LIRA founder Mike Littman how invasive plants inspired a major “grassroots” movement in Loudoun-and how you can be a part of it.
12:15 – 1:00 pm – Creating habitat at home
Think “native” means “messy”? Think again. Join native landscape designer Reneé Kitt of Ahimsa Native Plants for a fresh look at how to use Virginia’s local flora to create sophisticated, structured and stunning outdoor spaces.
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</br?>
