Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Bird Walk at Meadowkirk
2024-09-15 08:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at Meadowkirk in western Loudoun. Meadowkirk is a large property located a few miles northeast of Middleburg and has extensive frontage and a trail along the Goose Creek as well as fields and old woods. Directions will be sent to registered participants prior to the walk. Limit 12. 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

Young Birders Walk at Banshee Reeks
2024-09-14 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk exclusively for young birders at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre natural area in the heart of Loudoun. This area of streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. The walk will occur at the same time as the regular monthly walk at this location but will take a different route. Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 14. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 13–20); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org
Registration

Nature Playtime
2024-09-07 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 explore 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.
Registration is closed.

Native Plant Book Club: The Backyard Bird Chronicles
2024-08-27 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 in Leesburg. This month we are reading The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, Amy Tan maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions and beautiful original sketches.
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.

Tick Talk
2024-08-24 14:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve manager Ron Circe will deliver his famous Tick Talk, with updates you won’t want to miss regarding the Asian Long-horned Tick and tick-transmitted disease. Ticks still can’t jump, but you should jump at the chance to hear this talk. Ron’s talk will take place at the education annex at Banshee Reeks. Limit 40. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2024-08-18 08:00 - 09:30 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a walk exclusively for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park, one of eastern Loudoun’s best birding hotspots. This walk will occur at the same time as the regular monthly walk at this location but will take a different route. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Limit 14. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 13–20); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2024-08-17 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton. The park combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat and multiple ponds. The varying habitats combine to provide a good variety of birds. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants a few days prior to the walk. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

Nature Playtime
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-22 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, summer-themed craft, read some books, and, of course, have plenty of time to play outside in the creek. 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.
Note: Playing in a creek can be messy business! You may want to bring a towel and change of clothes.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Who Doesn’t Love Fireflies?
2024-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA, 20147, United States
Many of us have fond memories of catching fireflies on a summer evening. But why do fireflies flash? What do they eat? And are fireflies disappearing? Learn all about these fascinating insects in a lively, family-friendly nature talk. After the talk, bug scientists of all ages can try to catch and observe fireflies. Presented by Ariel Firebaugh, firefly researcher and Director of Scientific Engagement at UVA’s Blandy Experimental Farm. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. No registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

New Date: Milkweed Sale at Northwest Federal Credit Union
2024-06-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Northwest Federal Credit Union, 525 Trimble Plaza SE, Leesburg, VA, 20175
Originally scheduled for June 8, the new date to pick up plants is June 19. If you pre-ordered plants, you will receive an email with information about picking up your plants.
Help bring back the Monarchs by buying milkweed at this sale. It’s a great opportunity to buy the only plant on which Monarchs will lay their eggs. We will have three types of milkweed available: Common, Swamp and Butterfly Weed. We will be offering pre-sale orders until 12:00pm on Friday, June 28 or until all milkweed is sold out. This event will be drive-through only, so pre-ordering is encouraged. Pre-order milkweed online here.
The Milkweed Sale is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and our partner, Northwest Federal Credit Union. Remember: LWC members are eligible to join the credit union.
Please Note: Plants will only be available for pick up at Northwest Federal Credit Union in Leesburg between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 29.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org

An Overview of Butterflies in Virginia
2024-06-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Butterflies are beautiful insects with many different species; for example, in Virginia alone, there are over 100 species. In this family-friendly presentation, come learn about the different butterfly “groups” (families), how to identify them, and how to attract them in your backyard. The presentation will also cover some commonly asked questions, such as “What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?” — the answers may surprise you! This program takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Eastern Bluebirds
2024-06-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Lovettsville Community Park, 39550 Lovettsville Park Drive, Lovettsville, Virginia, 20180
Come celebrate Eastern Bluebirds at Lovettsville Community Park. Join Jesse Edwards of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bluebird Monitoring Program to find out what makes these beautiful birds special. You’ll also learn about the conservation efforts that have taken place in Loudoun County to increase the population. This event is hosted by Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Service.
Contact the Lovettsville Community Park at 703-777-0343 to register.

Batty for Bats
2024-06-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Lovettsville Community Park, 39550 Lovettsville Park Drive, Lovettsville, Virginia, 20180
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Bruce Kimmel for an evening program at Lovettsville Community Park. Learn about the acoustic bat monitoring by the Banshee Reeks Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists that is taking place at Loudoun County Parks and other locations throughout the county. This event is hosted by Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Service.
Contact the Lovettsville Community Park at 703-777-0343 to register.

Junior Arborist Academy Festival
2024-06-08 11:00 | VA
Join us at the Gate House for a tree-mendous class to earn your Junior Arborist certificate. We will learn about trees from Jenn Atkinson, ISA Certified Arborist, play fun interactive games in the trees, and learn how we can each be a tree advocate. For preschool through 8th-grade children accompanied by an adult. View directions to the Gate House at Morven Park. Limit 30 adults and children. Registration required.
Note: all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Rescheduled to June 29: Milkweed Sale at Northwest Federal Credit Union
2024-06-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Northwest Federal Credit Union, 525 Trimble Plaza SE, Leesburg, VA, 20175
Due to supplier issues, the Milkweed Sale has been rescheduled to June 29. If you pre-ordered plants, you will receive an email with additional information.
Help bring back the Monarchs by buying milkweed at this sale. It’s a great opportunity to buy the only plant on which Monarchs will lay their eggs. We will have three types of milkweed available: Common, Swamp and Butterfly Weed. We will be offering pre-sale orders until 12:00pm on Friday, June 28 or until all milkweed is sold out. This event will be drive-through only, so pre-ordering is encouraged. Pre-order milkweed online here.
The Milkweed Sale is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and our partner, Northwest Federal Credit Union. Remember: LWC members are eligible to join the credit union.
Please Note: Plants will only be available for pick up at Northwest Federal Credit Union in Leesburg between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 29.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org

Native Plant Book Club: The Humane Gardener
2024-05-28 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 in Leesburg. This month we are reading The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife (How to Create a Sustainable and Ethical Garden that Promotes Native Wildlife, Plants, and Biodiversity) by Nancy Lawson. Local author Nancy Lawson uses engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the United States, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists to demonstrate how we can apply the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces.
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.

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Sweet Run State Park
2024-05-25 08:00 - 09:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
This walk has been cancelled, but the regular Sweet Run bird walk is still taking place.
Join our Young Birding Program at Sweet Run State Park with its 894 acres of diverse habitat consisting of vernal pools, meadows, ponds, streams, and a rich oak-hickory forest in northwestern Loudoun. It is a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife with numerous bird species using the rich habitat. 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); see map below. Bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners). Limit 14. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 13–20); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org
Fee Notice: Sweet Run begins collecting parking fees on May 6 via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Bles Park
2024-05-19 08:00 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Join Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson on a search for birds at this small but popular park 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. Meet in the parking lot (there is only one). Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Farm Near Lincoln
2024-05-14 08:00 | VA
Join Joe Coleman and Mary Ann Good for a bird walk at a beautiful farm south of Lincoln that has rolling fields, scrubby edges and a rich forest along the Goose Creek. We will hope for Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows and numerous warblers along with other grassland and streamside species. Directions will be sent to registered participants. Limit 12. 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

Nature Playtime
2024-05-11 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, spring-themed craft, read some books, and, of course, have plenty of time to play outside in the creek. 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.
Note: Playing in a creek can be messy business! You may want to bring a towel and change of clothes.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Dulles Greenway Wetlands Evening Walk
2024-05-07 17:00 | Dulles Wetlands Mitigation Project, Oatlands Road, Leesburg, VA
Join Mary Ann Good and Jane Yocom for an early evening bird walk at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands. The Wetlands can be magical on a spring evening as ducks and wading birds drop in to overnight joining the many frogs and insects beginning their night chorus and the mammals stirring. 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 a magnificent pair of Bald Eagles who have successfully nested there 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

Dark Skies: Lights Out for Migratory Birds
2024-05-01 19:00 | Broadlands Community Center, 43004 Waxpool Rd, Ashburn, VA, 20148, United States
Did you know that most birds migrate at night? During spring migration, birds migrating at night are dependent on dark skies to keep their course as they return to northern nesting grounds. Artificial light at night disorients migrating birds and can lead to devastating effects on flocks. Lights Out campaigns reduce the amount of artificial nighttime light and can help protect migratory birds. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at Broadlands Community Center for guest speakers from partner organizations such as Dark Sky Friends and The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia who will share expertise on the importance of dark skies for bird migration, as well as what Lights Out really means. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Bles
2024-04-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
With spring migration taking off, late April is a great time to join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program at Bles Park in eastern Loudoun County. We’ll comb the variety of habitats that include wooded areas, fields, and a rare wetland for both year-round residents and exciting migrants. Whether you’ve never birded before, are looking to sharpen your skills, or just want to spend time in the field with other young birders, this walk is for you. We’ll meet in the main parking lot. Bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners). Limit 16. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 13–20); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.

Celebrate Birds: Walk at Sweet Run
2024-04-27 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 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 Loudoun wildlife with numerous bird species using its richness, especially in the springtime. Meet at the parking lot near the education center and bring binoculars. 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.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run will begin collecting parking fees on May 6 via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Registration

Dulles Greenway Eagle Cam: Window into the Life of Eagles
2024-04-23 19:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Join us at Rust Library to learn about the creation of the beautiful Dulles Greenway Wetlands in the mid-1990’s and the discovery of the eagle’s nest around 10 years later. Cameras installed on the nest three years ago have given us a peek into the private lives of these magnificent birds of prey. We’ll share photos and videos of the milestones from each season, from egg laying to fledging. We’ll talk about the nest collapse last season, the rescue and release of the fallen eaglets, the rebuilding of the nest, and the return of the eagles. Join us to find out what the 2024 nesting season may bring! This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Bles Park
2024-04-21 08:00 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Join Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson 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. Meet in the parking lot (there is only one). Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Stream Monitoring at Black Branch, South of Leesburg
2024-04-20 14:00 - 17:00 | VA
Ever wonder what’s living in our local streams? Join a stream monitoring team and help gauge local water quality by surveying aquatic organisms living on the stream bottom. Led by certified stream monitors, the teams welcome interested participants and offer an opportunity to explore Loudoun’s lovely creeks.
All surveys are led by certified stream monitors and no experience is required. Please wear water boots. All other equipment will be provided. Exact location will be sent to registered participants closer to the survey date. 2 volunteers needed, ages 12 and up.
Registration is full.

Nature Playtime
2024-04-20 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, spring-themed craft, read some books, and, of course, have plenty of time to play outside in the creek. 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.
Note: Playing in a creek can be messy business! You may want to bring a towel and change of clothes.
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

Merlin Bird ID Trivia
2024-04-19 19:00 | Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Unit 114, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Spring migration is right around the corner! Brush up on your bird identification skills with a fun-filled trivia game at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab and powered by machine learning, will be put to the test. Can the app outperform our bird experts and you, our live audience? Or will the bird experts disagree with Merlin’s choice? This is an interactive game, so come ready to play. Throughout the game, we’ll explore how Merlin “decides” on an ID. Our experts will share advice on how to identify tricky birds — plus, they’ll provide insights into birding during spring migration. For ages 21+. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
