Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Woodcock Walk at JK Black Oak
2024-03-12 18:45 (America/New_York) | Virginia
Join us for an early evening walk at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary. We’ll take a short walk on this special property looking for birds; then as dusk settles in, we’ll hope to hear the “peent” of American Woodcocks and see their incredible courtship display flight. Directions will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 10. Registration required.
Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is not open for general public access.
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

Build Like a Beaver
2024-03-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
First, we’ll learn the basics of beaver behavior through interactive story and song. Then we’ll explore the difference between a dam and a lodge, learning all about the impressive structures these ecosystem engineers create. Finally, we’ll use natural materials to work in groups and build like a beaver! Educational materials on coexisting with beavers (and addressing the problems they can cause) will be available for adults as well. This family-friendly program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. No registration needed.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Cancelled: Young Birding: Bird and Amphibian Walk at JK Black Oak
2024-03-09 09:00 | Virginia
This walk has been cancelled due to the predicted rain. If possible, the walk will be rescheduled for a later date.
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program and Amphibian Monitoring Program for a bird and amphibian walk at JK Black Oak. We will explore part of the sanctuary searching for birds, frogs, and other amphibians. Along the way we will give bird and amphibian identification tips and fun facts about JK Black Oak’s vernal pools and wildlife. This is a great way to up your game, meet other young people interested in wildlife, and explore JK Black Oak. The sanctuary is one of Loudoun’s premier vernal pool habitats and is normally closed to the public. Bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners), and wear appropriate shoes for wet, unpaved trails. This walk is exclusively for young people ages 13–20; parent/guardian welcome. Limit 10. Directions will be provided to registered participants prior to the walk. Registration required.
Note: Due to the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species, JK Black Oak is not open for general public access.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org

Vernal Pools
2024-03-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral or seasonal pools, are an important yet often overlooked wetland. As the name suggests, they are temporary pools only holding water for a brief time each year. During that time, they are home to mysterious shrimp, developing dragonfly larvae, and are critical breeding grounds for several of our local salamander and frog species. These vernal pools are in rapid decline due to development. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Jenny Erickson for a look into the wildlife that use these pools and what we can all do to help protect these sensitive wetlands. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Loudoun County Public Libraries and Banshee Reeks and takes place at the Education Center at Banshee Reeks. No registration necessary.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Native Plant Book Club - The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year
2024-02-27 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 Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. The book traces the passing of seasons, both personal and natural.
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.

New Date: Introduction to Bluebird Monitoring (Virtual)
2024-02-25 13:00 | Virginia
This program was previously scheduled for February 11.
During this virtual program, you will learn or review bluebird basics: habitat, nest building, egg laying and hatching timetables. Other cavity nesters and their predators will also be discussed as well as measures to keep fledglings safe. Data from recent years will be reviewed, and an overview of the fifty plus trails that are monitored by Loudoun Wildlife volunteers will be given. The information shared in this program is necessary for anyone interested in volunteering as a Bluebird Monitor for the 2024 season. Registration required.
Please note: if you registered for the program on the earlier date, you do not need to register again.
Questions: Contact bluebird@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Nature Playtime
2024-02-24 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, winter-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 full.

Birdhouses and Barrels Online Auction Ends
2024-02-22 22:00 | Virginia
The 2024 online art auction to benefit Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy begins at noon on February 15 and closes at 10:00pm on February 22. Up for auction are unique, beautiful and functional birdhouses, rain barrels and planters by local artists. The auction also includes some great experiences. Watch our social media for a preview of the 2024 birdhouses and view them on the auction site. Learn more about the auction.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Wildflowers: Planting a Woodland Edge (Virtual)
2024-02-22 19:00 | Virginia
Matt Bright, Executive Director at Earth Sangha, will discuss the importance of woodland edge habitats and the diversity of wildflowers that make their home here. Woodland edges and the transition zone from forest to meadow offer crucial wildlife habitat and can be home to a wide array of wildflowers, grasses, sedges, and rushes as well as shrubs and small trees. These edges are crucial native plant conservation targets, and Matt will discuss how we can best protect those habitats on public lands and how we can manage our own property and gardens to recreate similar habitat using locally native plants. This program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. Registration requested.
Connection information will be included in your confirmation email when you register or you can find the link on the library website in the event calendar.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birdhouses and Barrels Online Auction Begins
2024-02-15 12:00 | Virginia

Postponed: Introduction to Bluebird Monitoring (Virtual)
2024-02-11 13:00 | Virginia
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this virtual program has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon, so please check back.
In the meantime, you may want to watch the Bluebird Monitoring 2023 Kickoff video on YouTube.
During this virtual program, you will learn or review bluebird basics: habitat, nest building, egg laying and hatching timetables. Other cavity nesters and their predators will also be discussed as well as measures to keep fledglings safe. Data from recent years will be reviewed, and an overview of the fifty plus trails that are monitored by Loudoun Wildlife volunteers will be given. The information shared in this program is necessary for anyone interested in volunteering as a Bluebird Monitor for the 2024 season.
Questions: Contact bluebird@loudounwildlife.org.
New Bluebird Volunteers:
If you are interested in becoming a Bluebird Monitor and have not already reached out, please complete the Bluebird Volunteer Form and let us know the area you would like to monitor (e.g., Leesburg, South Riding, etc.) in the comments sections of the form. We will do our best to place you in the location of your choice. Please note that Monitor positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Returning Bluebird Volunteers:
We recommend checking all the boxes on your trail by March 10 to make sure they are cleaned and ready. Bluebirds start looking for boxes in early March and will not choose a place that has an old nest in it. They will build their first nest in mid- to late March and may lay the first egg as early as March 26. We recommend starting to monitor your trail on or about March 24 this year.

FrogWatch Training
2024-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd NW, Leesburg, VA
Frogs and toads are a vital part of our ecosystem and are considered an indicator species. Fluctuations in their populations can give us vital information regarding the overall health of their habitat. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s amphibian monitoring program collects data that is compared over time to observe trends in populations and identify areas of population decline. Volunteers will monitor specific locations from February to September. During this training you will learn:

Importance of monitoring frogs and toads
Different amphibian habitats
Identification of local frogs and toads
Frog/toad monitoring protocols
Locating appropriate habitats for monitoring

The training session will take place at Rust Library and is required for participation in the FrogWatch Amphibian Monitoring program, but current FrogWatch volunteers who have already completed a past training are not required to attend.
Questions: Contact Jenny Erickson at jerickson@loudounwildlife.org.

Rescheduled: Native Plant Book Club - The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year
2024-01-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, 20176
This event has been rescheduled to February 27.
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 Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. The book traces the passing of seasons, both personal and natural.
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.

Photography Workshop: Nature Photography for Everyone
2024-01-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Brambleton Library, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA, 20148
A panel of local photographers will provide tips on how to take amazing nature photographs for professionals or beginners. Learn about some of Loudoun’s great natural locations, recommended equipment, how to build your hobby without breaking the bank, ethical photography and more. Bring your own photographs of local nature to share at this event co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. No registration needed.
Questions: Contact Pat Whittle at pwhittle@loudounwildlife.org.

Young Birding Online Presentation: Introduction to Winter Birding
2024-01-11 19:00 | Virginia
As part of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s new Young Birding Program, and in collaboration with the Loudoun County Public Library, Nick Newberry will provide an overview of both year-round residents and wintering species here in Loudoun. During this virtual presentation, we’ll look at identification, behavior and habitat, with time for questions after the talk. Registration requested.
Connection information will be included in your confirmation email when you register or you can find the link on the library website.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
