Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Bluebirds of Hanson Park
2024-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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

Dulles Greenway Wetlands Bird Walk
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Stream Monitoring at Balls Run in Waterford
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00
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. 3 volunteers needed, ages 12 and up. Registration required. Rain date is October 19.
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 (Balls 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.

Stream Monitoring at Town Branch in Leesburg
2024-09-19 09:00 - 12:00
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. 3 volunteers needed, ages 12 and up. Registration required. Rain date is September 23.
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 (Town Branch). 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.

How Your eBirding Helps Birds (Virtual)
2024-09-16 19:00
Birds capture the human spirit, imagination, and passion in a way that few other organisms do. They also serve as the most accessible and sensitive indicator of ecosystem health and climate change. Never before have we had as great an opportunity to bring together people from around the world to monitor and understand our natural world — simply by watching birds. Already, nearly 1 million people around the world have taken part in reporting observations to eBird. Using advanced techniques at the interface of computer science and statistics, we now have unprecedented insights into the distribution, abundance, and population trends of birds on a global and local scale. This data has the power to greatly inform conservation. Alli Smith, the Merlin Program Coordinator at the Lab, will explain how this data is being used to help birds around the world. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Access will be through the library website calendar.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Bird Walk at Meadowkirk
2024-09-15 08:00
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
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
