Celebrate Birds: Birding Sweet Run
2026-04-25 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

Ball’s Bluff City Nature Challenge ID Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
The City Nature Challenge is an international event motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. Join NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin, at this program. We’ll hike around the park and use the free iNaturalist app to make our own observations on a beautiful spring morning! Once we’ve practiced with the app, we’ll head out and record vegetation, fungi, insects, birds, and more.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Birding at Izaak Walton League
2026-04-26 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.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Birding Morven Park
2026-04-26 08:00 | 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 mosaic of natural habitats rich in wildlife, including a wide variety of birds.
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.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Goodstone Inn
2026-04-28 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.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Beagle Club/Institute Farm
2026-04-29 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.
Registration

Loudoun Student Environmental Action Showcase
2026-04-29 17:00 - 20:00 | Academies of Loudoun, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175
SEAS is an annual event that brings students together to amplify their voices in environmental problem-solving. Individual presenters, green/eco-action teams, and youth groups share their projects on reducing waste, conserving energy, conducting citizen science, improving water quality, and preserving natural habitat in their schoolyards and communities. The event shows truly meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship in Loudoun. As a SEAS partner organization, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has the opportunity to engage students and faculty in hands-on activities that highlight our environmental education and volunteer opportunities.
See past winners, categories and pictures at https://www.loudounnature.org/seas

Celebrate Birds: Camp Highroad
2026-05-01 08:00 | Camp Highroad, 21164 Steptoe Hill Rd, Middleburg, VA, 20117
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Christine Perdue and Linda Millington at Camp Highroad in southwestern Loudoun, which has extensive fields, rich woodlands, and deep ravines through which the North Fork Goose Creek and its many tributaries flow. In the spring it is home to a number of nesting birds as well as many migrants. Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Work Day at JK Black Oak
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 89-acre wildlife preserve located in Lucketts that is owned and managed by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. We’ll be removing invasive vines from the tree cages near the Wood Duck vernal pool and possibly tackling Autumn Olive if we have time. Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access. Additional information and directions to the site will be provided the week of work day. 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. Closed-toe footwear is required. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact sferguson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed

Run the Greenway
2026-05-03 08:00 | VA
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, see the toll road as you’ve never seen it before, and “May the forest be with you!”
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 raise funds for Loudoun Wildlife. One hundred percent of the funds raised on behalf of LWC will come directly to us. Run local. Support local. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Dulles/RunTheGreenway.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Cancelled: Celebrate Birds: Birding JK Black Oak
2026-05-06 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy 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 140 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 15. Registration required.

Writing in Nature
2026-05-07 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-04 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

iPhone Photography
2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Middleburg Library, 101 Reed Street, Middleburg, VA, 20117
Professional wildlife photographer Jeff Mauritzen shares technical and creative techniques to become a better iPhone photographer and visual storyteller. For the last 13 years, Jeff has been guiding and lecturing as a photography expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
This program takes place at Middleburg 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: Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2026-05-09 06:00 - 20:00 | VA
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. On previous spring Big Sits we’ve seen well over 60 species of birds. This spring we hope to hit 70!
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 9:00 to 11:00 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.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Banshee
2026-05-09 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

Native Snakes of Loudoun
2026-05-11 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 they go about 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 for this introduction to our native snakes, 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 Bles Park
2026-05-16 08:00 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Join us on a search for birds at this small but popular park and birding hotspot in eastern Loudoun that borders the Potomac River. The rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and grassy areas that comprise the park attract a great variety of birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Rockland Farm
2026-05-17 08:00 | VA
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 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

Celebrate Birds: Birding Algonkian
2026-05-17 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

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2026-05-17 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, the county’s best birding hotspot, where over 230 species of birds have been observed. We’ll look for year-round and winter residents, and hopefully a surprise or two. Meet at the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them or we will have some to share. This walk is exclusively for young birders ages 10–18; a parent/guardian is welcome. Registration Required.
Questions: Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2026-05-23 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

Native Plant Book Club: Crossings - Date Change!
2026-05-26 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 book Crossings by Ben Goldfarb. This book explores about how road ecology is shaping the future of our planet.
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.

An Introduction to Loudoun’s Invasive Worm Species
2026-05-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Join Jessie Freeland, Education and Outreach Specialist from the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District, to discover a few of the several species of non-native and invasive worms found in Loudoun. Learn how to identify them and what the effects of these worm species could be on your garden, on agriculture, and on our forest floors. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Peterson Young Naturalist Program Awards Celebration
2026-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, 26155 Bull Run Post Office Rd, Centreville, VA, 20120
Children spend just 4-7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play compared to more than seven hours in front of screens, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is working to reverse that trend in Loudoun County through its Peterson Young Naturalist Program, and on Sunday, May 31, you’re invited to join us as we celebrate the students and teachers leading the way!
WHAT: The Peterson Young Naturalist Program Awards Celebration
WHERE: Cardinal Ridge Elementary School
WHEN: Sunday, May 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Loudoun Wildlife’s Peterson Young Naturalist Program is a partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools that trains K-12 educators to incorporate nature-based learning and nature journaling into their classroom curriculum.
Peterson lessons are aligned with state Standards of Learning and help students learn science, math, English, and other skills through outdoor-based lessons and activities. Throughout the year, students also document their observations and reflections in personal nature journals. Standout journals are selected for recognition across grade levels, and those winners (and their teachers) will be honored at the Peterson Awards Celebration.
This year marks the first time the awards have been celebrated as a standalone event, reflecting the program’s rapid growth and impact. We’ve delivered the proven benefits of outdoor learning to nearly 10,000 students this year alone!
Registration
​ The May 31 celebration will feature a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, beginning with a half-hour social time where attendees can explore student nature journals and interactive demonstrations from some of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s community science programs.
The event will also include a keynote presentation by Dr. Mojisola Adejumo, principal of Cardinal Ridge Elementary School. Additional highlights include a live presentation from NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin, who will introduce attendees to a variety of wildlife ambassadors, including Smoke the Screech Owl, a local favorite.
Students recognized at the event will receive cash awards, while their teachers will be provided with classroom supplies to support continued nature-based learning.
We need to show our community and school administrators how much we value the vital connection to nature in the lives of our young people. Come out and show your support! As screen time continues to dominate daily life, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy hopes the Peterson Young Naturalist Program — and celebrations like this one — will inspire more families, schools, and communities to embrace the program’s guiding message:
More Green, Less Screen!
Registration
​ Attendance is free, but registration is requested using the form below. We hope to see you there as we celebrate and encourage our future naturalists!
Registration

Date Change: The Bats of Loudoun: An Evening with Our Nocturnal Neighbors
2026-05-31 19:30 | VA
Join us at JK Black Oak for an unforgettable outdoor evening celebrating one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Local bat researcher and enthusiast Bruce Kimmel will take us on a journey through bat biology, history, and the fascinating world of echolocation — then we’ll take a short walk to a neighboring clearing to experience echolocation firsthand. As darkness falls after the 8:24 sunset, we’ll gather with handheld acoustic monitors to listen for the ultrasonic calls of bats hunting overhead in real time. The talk draws on data from Loudoun’s own acoustic bat monitoring project, uploaded to the National Acoustic Bat Monitoring (NABat) database, giving us a rare window into which species are using our local landscape. JK Black Oak holds the special distinction as the only site in Loudoun known to consistently support the Northern Long-eared Bat, a federally endangered species — making this sanctuary a critical refuge and this evening a unique opportunity to learn about a bat (and many others!) few people encounter. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a seasoned naturalist, come listen to the night come alive. Directions will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Work Day at JK Black Oak
2026-06-06 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. Join us for the June work day when we’ll be removing invasives around the Black Gum vernal pool, inside the deer exclosure fence that was installed in 2023. 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. 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 footwear is required. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact sferguson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is full.

Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival
2026-06-06 11:00 - 17:00 | The Gap Stage and Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville,, VA, 20132
The Appalachian Trail Festival in the Gap toasts the beauty of the Trail with brews and bites, tunes and talks. Expect a day of live music, trail talks, kids’ activities, food, and vendors. Try out yoga for hikers, learn how to set up a campsite, go on a scavenger hunt, and join in other nature-themed activities. 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 table to say hi and learn more about our organization.
See the map below for the location of the Festival in Hillsboro. For more info, visit www.loudounat.org.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Annual Meeting (Sponsored by Wegman's)
2026-06-07 14:30 - 17:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Join us at our new home in Waterford for our Annual Meeting, an inspiring celebration of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy! We’re honored to welcome Dr. Mamie Parker as our keynote speaker.
Dr. Parker is the former head of Fisheries for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and she’s the first African American to serve as the FWS Regional Director of the 13 Northeastern states. She will deliver an engaging message that will energize and motivate.
The meeting will also include information tables related to LWC’s work and the winning projects of our Regional Science and Engineering Fair student winners.
We’ll also deliver some well-earned recognition to volunteers, advocates, and partners; share the highlights of our biggest year ever in 2025; and enjoy fun and fellowship with new and old friends.
We can’t wait to celebrate Loudoun Wildlife’s past, present, and future with you, so register to attend today! (Attendance is free, but Registration required)
WHAT: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Annual Meeting
WHERE: Old Waterford School Auditorium, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, Va. 20197
WHEN: Sunday, June 7, 2:30-5:00 p.m. A social time begins at 2:30 and the meeting starts at 3:00 p.m. sharp!

Registration

A Croak in the Night: Introduction to Frogs and Toads of Loudoun
2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville, VA, 20132
If you’ve ever sat outside listening to the frogs and wondered what species of frog you are hearing, then this program is for you! Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introduction to our local frog and toad species at the Purcellville Library. Learn how to identify them both visually and by their calls, and learn what you can do to help protect the habitats of this fragile group of amphibians. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Registration requested.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration
