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 […]

At first glance, it might seem like grasses all look the same and that they don't offer the same beauty that showy flowers do. But we think it's worth taking the time to learn to tell grasses apart and to appreciate their unique beauty. And winter is a great time to do it because the […]

Lichens, part algae, part fungi, and all mystery! Lichens are some of the hardiest organisms on earth and can be found all around us, but they can be difficult to identify. In this program mycologist Thomas Roehl will teach us about lichen biology and then lead us on a walk around the field station to […]

The American Kestrel, North America's smallest falcon, is declining across the Northeast. While there are many possible causes, habitat degradation is likely an important factor. Unfortunately, little is know about how manage land in a way that will best support this species. In 2021 Clifton Institute staff and interns, along with Dr. Joe Kolowski (Smithsonian-Mason […]

Please note that this program was postponed from its original date of January 29. Winter is a great time of year to learn how to identify trees and to practice looking at bark and twigs. In this program, we will take you on a short walk in the woods and talk about the tips and […]

Join us for this exciting series of programs all about patterns in nature! Mathematical patterns are all around us, in plants, animals, and even fungi! Knowing where to find them and why they're there can make being outside in nature even more fun. On each of three consecutive Thursdays, co-director Eleanor Harris, Ph.D., will give […]