Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2026-10-10 07:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to be partnering with NOVA Parks for another Big Sit at Algonkian Regional Park. Join us for five minutes or all day as we compete with other birders around the world to see and hear as many bird species as we can from within a 17-foot circle. We’ll also have info about Loudoun Wildlife programs and a visit from live ambassador animals from NOVA Parks.
What is a Big Sit?
Some people have compared it to a tailgate party for birders. It is a worldwide annual competition to see how many species of bird can be seen from one stationary location in 24 hours or less.
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
We will be set up close to the parking lot just west of the boat ramp (view location) with views of the river, a wildflower meadow, a grassy field, a wooded tree line and wide open sky. We will be there from 7:00am to 7:00pm 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.
In case of inclement weather cancellation information will be posted here and on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Facebook page.
Questions: Contact plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Banshee
2026-10-10 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 the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hotspot. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2026-10-17 08:00 | Broad Run Stream Valley nearby parking, 23711 Kinston Ferry Ter, Ashburn, VA, 20148
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run, which combines several different habitat types, including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat, and multiple ponds. The varied habitat should provide the group with a good variety of migrating birds, from shorebirds to warblers, as well as residents. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Young Birders Walk at Gilbert’s Corner
2026-10-17 09:00 | Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, 23557 Watson Road, Leesburg, VA, 20175
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk for young birders at Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park. One of southern Loudoun’s best birding hotspots, Gilbert’s Corner’s location in rural Loudoun and its combination of fields, woods, and edge habitat make it attractive for raptors, sparrows, and other bird species. Bring binoculars if you have them or we will have some to share. Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. Limit 14 . Registration required
Questions: Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Walk for Wildlife at Morven Park
2026-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Jim McWalters to get outside and take a walk in nature. Morven Park has beautiful ridge trails with vernal pools and mature forest that should provide a variety of insects, amphibians, birds and plants. We will meet at the small, upper parking lot near the trails and the Coach House complex as shown on this map of Morven Park. Limit 15. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Algonkian
2026-10-18 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildife.org.
Registration

Birding Sweet Run
2026-10-24 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

Fall Color Walk at Ball's Bluff
2026-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, VA
As the days get cooler and frost is in the air, deciduous trees and shrubs put on an autumn show in all shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple. Join Bill Cour and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a walk in the woods to enjoy all the colors that Mother Nature provides this time of year. We’ll discuss various tree species and why trees change their color in the fall.Limit 20. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Identifying Hawks: A Field Trip to Waggoner’s Gap, PA
2026-10-25 10:00 | VA
Each fall, hawks migrate south along the Blue Ridge. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a field trip to Waggoner’s Gap, about a 2.5-hour drive, one of the premier hawk-watching sites in our area. If the weather cooperates, we should see a wide diversity of birds of prey, including Golden Eagles! John Denice, who will be leading the field trip, will help you identify hawks and other birds of prey in the field. In case of inclement weather, the field trip will be rescheduled to either November 7 or 8. While the field trip is free, Registration is required.
Questions: Contact John Denice at jdenice@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Writing in Nature at Waterford Foundation
2026-11-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Waterford Foundation Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, va
Join Nancy Morgan, director emeritus of the Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly opportunity 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.Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Work Day at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-11-07 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 89-acre wildlife preserve located in Lucketts. On this work day, we’ll be working at the Pin Oak vernal pool planting native trees and shrubs and removing Autumn Olive that has sprouted up inside the exclosure fence. Additional information and directions to the site will be provided a few days prior to the work day. 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 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 pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. Gardening/work gloves and insect repellant are recommended. If you do not enjoy working in these types of conditions, you should seek out other volunteer opportunities.
Questions: Contact sferguson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration will open by October 1.

Walk for Wildlife Closing Celebration
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive #142, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147
Join us for a nature-enthusiast gathering at Lost Rhino Brewing Company in Ashburn to celebrate Walk for Wildlife. We’ll hand out awards and share some highlights from the event along with celebrating the community science efforts and the positive impact they have on our community. We’ll also have some great door prizes. Registration requested.
Please note that this event is limited to Walk for Wildlife participants.
Questions: Email us at walkforwildlife@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration will be open at a later date
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