Join us to learn about butterfly biology and identification. Dr. Bert Harris will give a short presentation followed by a guided walk around the field station to look for butterflies (and dragonflies). All skill levels welcome! Cost: $10; $8 for Friends of Clifton Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult […]

This summer, we will read and discuss the essay collection World of Wonders...

Join mushroom expert Mayor Carter Nevill and Executive Director Bert Harris on a walk in the woods to find and identify as many species of mushrooms as we can.

Join Clifton Institute Executive Director Bert Harris to look and listen for creatures of the night! We’ll start by listening to the evening chorus of cicadas and birds. Then we will take a gentle walk through fields and woods to look for nocturnal animals. Late summer is an ideal time to observe several species of […]

Join us on a native garden tour to enjoy late summer blooms and pollinators, and to learn tips on how to establish and maintain your own garden. This program will be co-hosted by Audubon at Home and the Clifton Institute. We will start the tour at Clifton and then drive to two other properties. The […]

Come and witness the peak migration of Broad-winged Hawks. If we’re lucky we might see thousands!

Join us way down yonder for a Pawpaw party! We are excited to host this celebration of our only native tropical fruit tree! With many colorful nicknames such as the hillbilly mango, the pawpaw’s cultural flavor is as intriguing as its taste. We will give a brief talk on the ecology and cultural history of […]

Join us to explore Fauquier County's newest park. Riverside Preserve protects a fascinating variety of habitats, from mature riparian forest to mesic upland forest, and native meadows. In early October we will see late wildflowers in the meadows and the last insects of summer, including butterflies, hoverflies, and katydids. We will also look for and […]

Every October we offer a series of programs all about birds: Octobird Fest! Whether you come to one program or all three, you'll learn a lot about the amazing birds that call Virginia home. The first program in the series is a winter bird identification workshop on Zoom. Every season brings its own challenges for […]

Nature journaling is a wonderful way learn about nature and make lasting memories of the time we spent outside. And it’s really fun! In this program, Managing Director Eleanor Harris will give a brief introduction to the practice of nature journaling, with examples, strategies, and tips. We’ll spend most of the program out in nature, […]

Collecting and propagating native seeds is a great way to help spread native plant populations, add 100% native species to your gardens, and learn about the native plants in your backyard. Although it may seem daunting, learning a few simple guidelines will get you well on your way to collecting and sowing your own seeds. […]

This fall, we will read and discuss the Fly Trap by Fredrik Sjoberg, a memoir by a Swedish entomologist, as well as a "a meditation on the unexpected beauty of small things and an exploration of the history of entomology itself." To support our local independent bookstore, you can purchase your copy online or in […]