Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run
2026-06-28 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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’ll explore the Xerces plantings, “bugging strip”, and nearby meadows. This is a good opportunity to learn some of the 50+ species that visit our gardens. If you are thinking about joining the annual butterfly count on August 1, 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.
Registration

Writing in Nature
2026-07-02 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

Dulles Wetlands Oatlands Mill Rd Clean Up
2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Oatlands Mill Road Cleanup – July 8, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Dulles Greenway for a community litter cleanup along Oatlands Mill Road on Wednesday, July 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This cleanup will help protect the 149-acre Dulles Greenway Wetlands, an important habitat for wildlife in eastern Loudoun County. By removing litter along the roadway bordering the wetlands, volunteers will directly support local conservation efforts and Keep Virginia Beautiful’s Greatest Virginia Greenup campaign.
What to Wear:

Closed-toe shoes or boots
Long pants (recommended)
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sunscreen and bug spray

Important Information:

Cleanup supplies and refreshments will be provided.
Commemorative event T-shirts will be available. If you would like a T-shirt, please indicate your size when registering.
Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is closed.

Birding Banshee
2026-07-11 08:00, 2026-08-08 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

Land Cover of Loudoun County in 1776
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Middleburg Library, 101 Reed Street, Middleburg, VA, 20117
What did Loudoun County look like to our forefathers 250 years ago? View eastern and western Loudoun County through the lens of land surveyors, farmers, mill owners, and others. Presented by Emily Southgate with a PH.D. in Botony from Rutgers University. Emily uses her knowledge of the region’s ecology and documents dating from the 18th century.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Butterfly Walk at Willowsford
2026-07-18 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. The wetland and adjacent farmland make this an ideal place to find a wide variety of butterflies. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 1, 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

Birding Algonkian
2026-07-19 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, 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. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2026-07-25 08:00, 2026-08-22 08:00, 2026-09-26 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Sweet Run State Park has 894 acres of diverse habitat, consisting of rich oak-hickory forest, meadows, ponds, streams, and vernal pools 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 Loudoun wildlife, with numerous bird species utilizing 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

Butterfly Walk at Sweet Run State Park, Sawmill Entrance
2026-07-26 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. Butterfly Alley is magical at this time of the year. Our hike will take us through meadows, wetlands, and woods. We may even meet horses along the way. If you are planning to participate in Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s annual butterfly count on August 1, 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.
Registration

Butterfly Walk at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
2026-07-28 09:30 - 11:30 | 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. This is a gem of a park for butterflies and birds. We’ll follow the gravel road along the “savannah” planting and survey the vegetable garden, Springhouse Pond area, and the rain garden beside the Education Annex.
If you are thinking about joining our annual butterfly count on August 1, 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.
Registration

Abernethy & Spencer Volunteer Opportunity
2026-07-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Abernethy & Spencer Tree Farm, 850 Pierce Rd, Berryville, VA
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) is seeking 4-8 volunteers to assist with loading large plants at the Abernethy & Spencer Tree Farm.
Fill out my LGL Form!

Annual Butterfly Count: Let’s Count Butterflies!
2026-08-01 09:00 - 16:00 | VA
Are you looking for some family fun in the summer sun? Would you like to join a nationally recognized community science program that researchers depend on? Then Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s 30th annual butterfly count is the place for you! Teams of experts, enthusiasts, and beginners will spend the day scouting gardens, roadside ditches, and public spaces in search of these amazing insects. It’s a big area and we need your help. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Your participation makes a difference! Registration required.
Learn more about the count (including the map of the count circle).
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.
Registration

Writing in Nature
2026-08-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Location change: Rust Library
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

Birding Algonkian
2026-08-16 08:00, 2026-09-20 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. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Native Plant Book Club: The Light Eaters
2026-08-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL At this meeting, we’ll discuss The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger, a book about whether plants show something like “intelligence,” and the implications for how we view them.
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.

Writing in Nature
2026-09-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Join Nancy Morgan, director emeritus of the 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.Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Work Day at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-09-05 08:00 - 11:00 | VA
JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 89-acre wildlife preserve located in Lucketts. This work day will be devoted to getting ready for the October tree planting at the LeSabre pool. We will be clearing areas for planting, installing fences and making tree cages. 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 – volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate. 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.
Registration will open by August 1.

Wildfest
2026-09-05 09:00 - 16:30 | 76 Moose Rd, Berryville, Virginia
Wildfest 2026! Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for Wildfest 2026, a fun-filled community celebration of wildlife and conservation sponsored by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center!
This exciting event will take place at Seven Bends Nursery at 76 Moose Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. While the nursery is located in Clarke County, it is conveniently close to Loudoun County and is expected to attract more than 400 visitors throughout the day.
Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s festival, Wildfest is returning with a similar vendor layout, featuring conservation organizations and exhibitors arranged in a welcoming horseshoe formation in the nursery’s beautiful open field.

Birding Banshee
2026-09-12 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 the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hotspot. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Fall Native Plant Sale at Morven Park
2026-09-12 09:00 - 14:00 | Main Visitor Parking Lot at Morven Park, Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Fall is the best time to plant native species — cooler temperatures, reliable rainfall, and reduced heat stress give roots time to establish before spring growth begins. Whether you’re adding color, creating wildlife habitat, or restoring balance to your yard, planting in fall sets your garden up for long-term success.
You’ll find a diverse selection of flowers, vines, trees, shrubs, and ferns from five outstanding local nurseries: Nature By Design, Hill House Farm & Nursery, Seven Bends Nursery, Watermark Woods and Yellow House Natives. The Sale takes place at the visitor parking lot (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road).
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 our 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. Our Wild Shop will be there with merchandise for sale.

If you enjoy the Native Plant Sale and would like to be a part of making it happen, sign up to volunteer at the Sale.
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.

Fall Butterfly Walk at Murray Hill
2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Murray Hill, 42910 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Take a leisurely stroll with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy through formal gardens and open pasture, hedgerows, and woodland. We may see Monarch butterflies on their way south and observe resident butterflies as they prepare for winter. During our walk, we will discuss the role of farmers and gardeners in butterfly survival. This is a family-friendly event. Murray Hill is located just east of Leesburg. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Sweet Run Dawn Bird Walk
2026-09-19 06:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Not only are birds most active at dawn; if the weather cooperates, there is a beauty and peacefulness to sunrise that fades as the day progresses. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this early-morning walk as we explore the park as it awakens and fall is just starting. Fall bird migration will be in progress, and if we’re lucky, we should have both a beautiful and productive walk as we explore some of the park’s trails. The group will meet in the main parking lot near the pollinator garden.
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

Walk for Wildlife Kickoff
2026-09-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Walk for Wildlife is a monthlong event (October 1-31) in which you see how many wildlife places you can visit and how many species in nature (plant/animal) you can identify, using and posting them to the iNaturalist app. This Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy event is a fun way to get outside and observe, on your own or in a group, and you can help support our programs that benefit wildlife and healthy habitats. Want to get all the details about participating? Come by the Waterford Foundation on September 26 to pick up your T-shirt, see some friends, ask questions, learn about iNaturalist, and get excited to Walk for Wildlife!
Stay tuned for more details!
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.

Loudoun's Birds of Prey
2026-09-30 19:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Birds of prey intrigue many of us, and every fall and winter their numbers increase dramatically in our county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Learn how to identify the different species and their habits and some of the places to find them with raptor expert and falconer Liam McGranaghan. The presentation is sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
registration

Writing in Nature at Rust Library
2026-10-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
