Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands IV: The Birds of the Dulles Wetlands (Virtual)
2025-02-25 19:00 (America/New_York) | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this fourth program in the five-part series.
Wetlands are incredibly rich natural areas that attract many different kinds of animals and plants, not least birds. They provide crucial habitat for many different kinds of birds, some of which raise their young there or overwinter in them while other birds only briefly stop over on their long arduous migrations. They are also often the only pockets of green in heavily developed areas and, as such, provide protection from the many perils that birds face every day. Joe Coleman, who has been visiting the Dulles Greenway Wetlands since the 1990’s, will describe some of the many birds that visit and use the Wetlands. Registration required.
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-02-22 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Sweet Run State Park is a beautiful 900-acre preserve in northwestern Loudoun County. With its diverse wildlife habitats, including meadows, streams and heavily forested slopes, it draws a wide variety of birds and other creatures. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on our monthly walk, and see what’s there. 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 (Rte 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

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian Park
2025-02-16 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. We’ll spend time at this birding hotspot, one of Loudoun’s best, searching for wintering birds, year-round residents, and waterfowl. This is also a great opportunity to discover what birding is like, sharpen your skills, and meet other young birders! Meet at the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners if you don’t). Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-02-16 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 winter visitors, 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

If You Plant It, They Will Come (Virtual)
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Brian Magurn as he shares photos of bees, butterflies, birds and other critters that were spotted in his native plant garden, which is certified by the Wildlife Sanctuary Program. Learn about butterfly host plants and other plant and insect interactions and important habitat features to attract and provide shelter for wildlife. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Access to this virtual presentation is through the library website. Register below to receive the link.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands III: Eagle Nest Cam (Virtual)
2025-02-12 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this third program in the five-part series.
We have learned so much about eagles by watching nest cams. This nest is practically in our backyards — in the Dulles Greenway Wetlands. Bald Eagles have raised their young here for almost twenty 20 years, and we are optimistic about seeing one, two, or three bobble-headed nestlings this spring. Since the cameras were installed four years ago, there has been no shortage of drama at the nest. Join Eagle Cam volunteer and raptor expert Liz Dennison for this program to relive our memories of the joy, heartbreak and responsibility of observing wildlife as we take an intimate peek into the drama-filled lives of the Dulles Greenway eagles. Registration required
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Cancelled: Rally for Data Center CPAM/ZOAM Reform
2025-02-12 17:00 | LoudounCounty Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175
This event has ben cancelled due to weather.
Please join Loudoun Wildlife, along with the Piedmont Environmental Council and the Loudoun Climate Project, at a rally before the Board of Supervisors public hearing where they will consider the implementation of the new Data Center Uses and Standards Comprehensive Plan Amendment/Zoning Ordinance Amendment (CPAM/ZOAM). A strong public showing at the 5:00pm rally will help support the Board as they face strong industry opposition in moving this phase forward. The rally will take place in the courtyard in front of the Loudoun County Government Center located at 1 Harrison Street, SE in Leesburg.
Stay for the 6:00pm hearing: Speakers and attendance are critical to fill the room with people who support the Board in requiring all data center applications go through a special exception process. Call 703-777-0204 to sign up to speak for two minutes at the public hearing.
Wear blue to the rally and hearing! We will have stickers for everyone to wear to show solidarity.
For more information, and to let us know you are coming, please sign up here.
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Banshee
2025-02-08 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 enjoy searching for the many bird species found at the 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

Postponed: Loudoun's Birds of Prey
2025-01-30 19:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
This presentation will be rescheduled for February. Please check back for the new date.
Birds of prey have always intrigued humankind. Their numbers increase dramatically in the winter in our county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Learn how to identify these birds, how their behavior varies, and where you’re most likely to find them. This presentation, by Liam McGranaghan, raptor expert and falconer, is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested for this program.
On February 1 there will be a field trip hosted by LWC where the group will search for winter raptors as we drive the back roads of Loudoun. (Registration will be required and limited for the field trip.)
Join us for one or both events.

New Date: Bluebird Box Decorating
2025-01-26 13:00 | VA
This event was originally scheduled for December 29 and was rescheduled to January 26.
The Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will host a bluebird box activity where participants will paint and decorate their own bluebird boxes to take home. Guidance will be provided by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on where to place the boxes and how to monitor them. Currently, the event is planned to take place at Purcellville Town Hall. Additional information will be posted on the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board web page or on their Facebook page closer to the date of the event.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Dulles Greenway Wetlands Bird Walk
2025-01-25 08:00, 2024-12-07 08:00 | Dulles Wetlands Mitigation Project, Oatlands Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Mary Ann Good and Joe Coleman 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 who have successfully nested here for nearly two decades. 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. Be sure to include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
registration

Banshee Reeks Research Symposium
2025-01-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Research Symposium. For over two decades, both professional research and community science observations at Banshee Reeks have contributed insights into our natural world. Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) invites the public to learn more about current projects and hear from experts in the field during this unique event.
Find out the answers to questions such as: Can we bring a species back from the brink of extinction? What is eDNA and how is it used? Why did we record sounds during the eclipse? How many different bat species call Loudoun County home? What is happening with gray fox in Virginia?
Participating Partners & Projects

USGS/Virginia Master Naturalist – North American Bat Monitoring Project (NABat)
American Chestnut Foundation – tree nursery & genetic research
University of Delaware – salamander research
Virginia Tech – gray fox research
Fairfax County Stormwater Planning – watershed assessment
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy – butterfly counts & bird monitoring
Virginia Master Naturalist / Friends of Banshee Reeks – eDNA sampling
PRCS/Banshee Reeks – field restoration techniques
NASA – Eclipse Soundscapes Project

Registration Required: RSVP for you and your guests at BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov.

Wild About the Dulles Wetlands I: Introduction/Overview (Virtual)
2025-01-14 19:00 | VA
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this first program in the five-part series.
Loudoun Wildlife volunteers have been monitoring the Dulles Greenway Wetlands for a number of years. We’ll hear from Joe Coleman about the changes he has seen in the habitat over the last 30 years. Liz Dennison will share thoughts on how eagles—the top predators in the wetlands—have influenced the wildlife, while Jenny Erickson will share insights about the inhabitants documented on wildlife cams. This initial overview will introduce the wetlands and topics to be featured in the 30th Anniversary series of programs. Registration required
Connection information for this virtual presentation will be included in your confirmation email when you register.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Postponed: Young Birders Walk at Beaverdam Reservoir
2025-01-11 08:00 | Beaverdam Reservoir, 42400 Mt Hope Rd, Ashburn, VA, 20148, United States
Join Patrick Lewis of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program and Matt Felperin of NOVA Parks for a bird walk for young birders at Beaverdam Reservoir, Loudoun’s largest lake. We’ll look for winter ducks and other birds in the habitat on and around the reservoir. Meet at the Mt. Hope entrance parking lot (see map below). Bring binoculars if you have them. 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 will open once a new date for the walk has been scheduled.

Bluebirds of Hanson Park
2024-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Hanson Park Nature Center, 42071 Nature Overlook Drive, Aldie, VA, 20105, United States
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s 14-box bluebird trail at Hanson Park was home to 33 Eastern Bluebirds and 39 Tree Swallows in this, its second year. Trail leader Nida Davis will talk about activity on the trail, what her team of monitors do, and why their work is important. The talk will take place at the Hanson Regional Park Nature Center (see map below). No registration needed.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Winter Sowing Workshop on the Mountain: Cultivating Springtime Hope
2024-12-08 14:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist BJ Lecrone at the Gatehouse at Morven Park for fellowship and discussion about native plants and share the joy of growing native plants for pollinators. We will plant native plant seeds in recycled plastic containers (which participants will need to bring). We will provide the soil and BJ’s favorite seeds for free. It’s fun to create your own science experiment each year and then patiently wait through the winter and watch them grow outside in the spring. Thanks to Watermark Woods Native Plants for donating potting soil. Directions will be sent to registered participants. Family-friendly; limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Young Birders Walk at Dulles Wetlands
2024-12-08 08:00 | Dulles Wetlands Mitigation Project, Oatlands Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands. This rare wetland habitat is normally closed to the public and is home to an eagle nest, winter waterfowl and year-round residents. Bring binoculars if you have them. Come prepared for briars and muddy trails. Directions and parking information will be sent to registered participants prior to the walk. Limit 10. 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

Native Plant Book Club: The Language of Trees
2024-11-26 19:00 - 20:30 | 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 and Foliage Plants in Leesburg. We will be discussing The Language of Trees by Katie Holten. This book is a collection by Katie Holten and 50 other contributors, inspired by forests, trees, leaves, roots and seeds and is profoundly insightful and beautifully illustrated. The Language of Trees explores our bond with literature and landscape, blending storytelling and art into a breathtaking celebration of trees throughout history.
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.

Bird Walk at Willowsford
2024-11-24 08:00 | Willowsford trailhead, 25359 Grassland Grove Drive, Aldie, VA, 20105, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Scott Harris for a bird walk at the Willowsford Conservancy. Its many habitats make this an ideal place to find a wide variety of birds. The group will meet in the parking lot for the trailhead at 25359 Grassland Grove Dr., Aldie (park near the playground). Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 18. 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

Where Your Food Really Comes From (Virtual)
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Interested in where crops, heirlooms and weeds come from? In this talk, ethnobotanist Nan McCarry will tell you the story of how we transitioned into an age of agriculture starting 10,000 years ago, and some of the unintended consequences that arose. Through this presentation, we can gain fresh insights into the human connection with the natural world. Aimed at teen and adult audiences, this program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Register below to receive the link to this virtual program or go to the library website for access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Vultures: Amazing Allies
2024-10-29 18:30 | Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Unit 114, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Vultures are a critical component of the ecosystem yet are frequently misunderstood and maligned. This talk at Old Ox Brewery will provide the facts and information you need to become an informed and enthusiastic advocate for these amazing species. The presentation will explore the natural history of vultures in Virginia, their basic biology and ecology, and their critical role in protecting the environment and human health. It will also highlight some human–vulture conflicts and mitigation strategies. Presenter Heather Shank-Givens has been an active volunteer wildlife rehabilitator with the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center since 2017. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Ages 21+. Registration requested below.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Kids Fall Tree Walk
2024-10-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Main Visitor Parking Lot at Morven Park, Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a tree-mendous class at Morven Park to learn about tree color in fall. We’ll play fun interactive games, look for signs of fall and learn why trees change color. While all are welcome, activities are ideal for ages 5 to 10. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll meet at the main parking lot, and then head to the historic area. Limit 12 kids. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Identifying Sparrows (Virtual)
2024-10-22 19:00 | VA
Identifying sparrows is a challenge, not just for beginners but for experienced birders as well. This is especially true in the fall when the number of species in our area increases due to migration. Larry Meade, the longtime president of the Northern Virginia Bird Club, will use his extensive photograph collection to describe how you can distinguish sparrows from each other and also identify other species that resemble them. While differences can be subtle, sparrow species vary considerably in their beautiful but cryptic plumage. Join us for this virtual program co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Register below to receive the link to this virtual program or go to the library website for access.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Learn How to Protect Northern Virginia's Birds (Virtual)
2024-10-09 19:30 - 21:00 | VA
Over 100 million birds migrate through northern Virginia each spring, and 160 million migrate through each fall. Their journeys are perilous because they can be attracted to and disoriented by brightly lit buildings and crash into them or waste precious energy flying around the lights.
Birds that live here risk colliding with glass and other reflective surfaces, and light pollution disrupts their feeding, sleeping and reproduction, as well as that of the plants and insects on which they depend.
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) has established a partnership with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, DarkSky Virginia, DarkSky NOVA, Nature Forward, the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the Friends of Little Hunting Creek to initiate a Bird Safe NOVA campaign. Join us for a free online program to learn more about the dangers our birds face and what you can do to make their lives less risky. Our speakers include Greg Butcher, the recently retired Migratory Species Coordinator for U.S. Forest Service’s International Programs; Christine Shepherd, the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Collisions Campaign Director; and Laura Greenleaf, the volunteer leader of DarkSky Virginia. Registration required through the NVBA website.

Nature Playtime
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:30 | The Gatehouse at Morven Park, 17638 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
Come join us for Nature Playtime at the Gate House. We will do a fun, fall-themed craft, read some books, and, of course, have plenty of time to play outside. Feel free to bring a snack and have a picnic. While all are welcome, activities will target preschool to early elementary-aged children. View directions to the Gate House. Limit 15 children. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Restoration in Action: JK Black Oak and Other Projects (Virtual)
2024-10-01 11:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join us for a webinar featuring three standards-based ecological restoration projects (including JK Black Oak) being implemented through a collaboration between the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), Microsoft, and local partners. These initiatives not only aim to revitalize diverse landscapes and promote sustainable ecosystems but also offer cultural and social benefits to local communities. This is the first of two webinars that will each highlight three different SER partners from across the world who will share more details about their restoration projects. Registration required through SER.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Stream Monitoring at Horsepen Run in Sterling
2024-09-29 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
Curious about what’s lurking beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out. Join our dedicated Stream Team and help uncover the hidden world of aquatic life while playing a vital role in monitoring the health of Loudoun’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this is your opportunity to explore, learn and contribute — all under the guidance of our expert certified stream monitors.
Please ensure you’re available for both the original and rain dates. Horsepen Run is in the Cascades area of Sterling. 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 12 and up. Registration required. Rain date is October 20.
Registration is FULL. You can be put on the wait list by following the instructions below.
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 (Horsepen Run). 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. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Application and Waiver Form for each person in your group.

Birding at Izaak Walton League
2024-09-29 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 that 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. (See map below) Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 8. Registration required.
Questions: contact Allison Gallo at agallo@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

Stream Monitoring at South Fork of Catoctin, Waterford
2024-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
Curious about what’s lurking beneath the surface of our local streams? Now’s your chance to find out. Join our dedicated Stream Team and help uncover the hidden world of aquatic life while playing a vital role in monitoring the health of Loudoun’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this is your opportunity to explore, learn and contribute — all under the guidance of our expert certified stream monitors.
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. 4 volunteers needed, ages 12 and up. Registration required. Rain date is October 13.
Registration is FULL. You can be put on the wait list by following the instructions below.
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 (South Fork of Catoctin Creek). 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. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Application and Waiver Form for each person in your group.
