The Clifton Institute

Woodcock Watch
2022-03-05 17:45 - 19:15, 2022-03-11 17:45 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
The American Woodcock is one of our stealthiest birds, but it’s also one of the most fun to watch when they do show themselves. On early spring evenings, the males perform their mating displays, flying high into the air and falling back to the ground, making calls and sounds with their wings as they do so.
Join us for a brief talk about these interesting birds. Then we’ll go out into our fields where we will be able to watch and hear the birds perform.
Cost: $10 for general public, $8 for Friends of Clifton
Age: Adults and children 12 years or older accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is required.
Cancellation policy: No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation. If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
By registering for this event you indicate that you have read our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you there!

Bird Walk
2022-03-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-03-26 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-04-06 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-04-16 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-05-11 07:00 - 09:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Novice and experienced birders will enjoy this guided 1-2 mile hike to look for the many species of birds that can be found on the field station. We will explore successional fields, meadows, lake edges, and forest. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Piedmont Polliwogs
2022-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Piedmont Polliwogs is a monthly pre-K program that includes an outdoor story time and short nature walk.

Cost: Free!
Age: Children ages 2-5, accompanied by a caregiver
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to wear: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
What to bring: Blanket to sit on, hat, bottle of water.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Family Nature Walk
2022-03-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Families with children in grades K-8 are invited to come along as we explore the field station and experience autumn in Virginia. We’ll explore the woods to look for changes in the landscape and migrating birds. This program is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore nature together. We pick a different trail to explore each month and usually move slowly as we stop often to look at and learn about the plants and animals that live in Northern Virginia.
Cost: Free!
Age: Families with children in grades K-8
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Walk with a Naturalist
2022-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists. Usually, we don’t look for anything in particular on these walks. This time, though, we’ll be looking specifically for beaver. And, since they are more likely to be active in the afternoon, we’ve scheduled our walk for a bit later in the day to increase our odds of seeing them.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, binoculars.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Beginner Bird Song Workshop
2022-03-25 18:00 - 19:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Learning to bird by ear is a great skill for any birdwatcher. In this program, co-Directors Bert and Eleanor Harris will teach the common songs and calls of Virginia’s birds and give tips to identifying birds by ear. Come back for our bird walk the following day and put your new skills to the test!

Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will include a presentation inside. We are requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks inside. We will ask to see vaccination cards. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Volunteer Day: Tree Planting
2022-04-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-23 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-30 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come help us plant trees for a riparian buffer in our pasture! If you have any of the following items, please bring them with you: pick ax, shovel, gardening gloves, watering can, mallet.
Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Early Spring Wildflower Walk
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
In early spring ephemeral wildflowers appear on the forest floor taking advantage of a brief moment of sunlight before the canopy above fills out with trees. Join us for a walk exploring our wooded trails in search of early spring ephemerals such as Bloodroot, Cutleaf toothwort, Rue-anemone, and Skunk Cabbage.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Piedmont Polliwogs
2022-04-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Piedmont Polliwogs is a monthly pre-K program that includes an outdoor story time and short nature walk.

Cost: Free!
Age: Children ages 2-5, accompanied by a caregiver
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to wear: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
What to bring: Blanket to sit on, hat, bottle of water.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Warbler Song Bootcamp Virtual Program
2022-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Brush up on your warbler songs just before the migrants arrive in droves. We will listen to the songs of each of the migratory warblers that pass through our region in spring, while looking at spectrograms to help visual learners identify differences in similar songs. We will also briefly discuss habitats where breeding warblers can be found in our area and cover a handful of other migrants such as vireos and thrushes. This workshop will be of interest to birdwatchers of all skill levels. It will definitely be more fun than listening to a warbler song CD in your car!
This event will take place over Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants shortly before the event.
Registration is REQUIRED. If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Cost: Free!

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
2022-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Happy Earth Day! Bring your family on a self-guided exploration of our trails and search for clues that will help you spell out a special message from our mascot, Blossom the Possum.

The Mysterious History of Native Grasslands in the Virginia Piedmont
2022-04-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Raccoon Ford Road, Culpeper, VA, 22701, United States
TWO SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM. If you are interested in attending, email Bert (bharris@cliftoninstitute.org) by noon today (4/16).
Piedmont grasslands are the most diverse plant communities in the state of Virginia. These prairies are also home to declining birds and insects and a number of rare plants. Grasslands in our region require frequent fires, mowing, or grazing to prevent them from turning into forests. Therefore there is an active debate about how prairies were maintained historically, how extensive they were, and how long they have been present in northern Virginia. Join grassland expert Devin Floyd from the Center for Urban Habitats to learn all about these special habitats and their history. This will be an outdoor event that will take place at one of Virginia’s most diverse grasslands.
Cost: $10 for general public, $8 for Friends of Clifton
Location: This program will take place at a grassland on Raccoon Ford Road, south of Culpeper. Driving directions will be shared with registered participants.
Age: Adults and children 12 years or older accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is required.
Cancellation policy: No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation. If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
By registering for this event you indicate that you have read our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you there!

Walk With A Naturalist
2022-04-23 13:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, binoculars.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

City Nature Challenge
2022-04-30 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Every year the community science platform iNaturalist organizes the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition between cities all over the world to see who can find the most species, make the most observations, and involve the most people in community science. This year the Challenge will take place from April 29 to May 2, but we’ll be focusing our efforts on April 30 and contributing our observations to the Washington, DC Metro Area team.
On April 30 from 10AM to 4PM, we will have tables where you can learn how to use iNaturalist, get a map to your very own little patch of the property to survey and photograph, see examples of a few common species, and play a game to practice using a dichotomous key. The only thing you need in order to participate is a camera or phone and a willingness to slow down and look closely. (It would help to download the iNaturalist app before you arrive.) Don’t worry about identifying all of the plants, animals, and fungi you photograph! iNaturalist will help you make a good guess and nerds from around the world (or here at Clifton) will identify them the following week.
Here at the Clifton Institute we use iNaturalist every day to keep track of what we find on our property. The current count is a whopping 2,127 species! This is a great way for families and adults alike to help us grow that number, spend some time outside during a beautiful time of year, and learn about Virginia’s plants and animals.

Cost: Free!

Age: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Bring: Please bring your smartphone or a camera.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check our Facebook page on the morning of the event in case of inclement weather.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

By attending this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Tree Wrapping for Beavers: Workshop and Volunteer Day
2022-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
During this workshop and volunteer day, join Alison Zak, M.A., founder of the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund, to learn about the importance of coexisting with beavers and how to protect your favorite trees from being chewed down. After a brief talk, you’ll get hands-on experience wrapping trees using HBCF’s recommended methods.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Bring: Please bring your own work gloves if you have them.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Nature Journaling Meetup and Walk POSTPONED FROM MAY 7
2022-05-14 13:00 - 15:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Please note: this event is the one that was postponed from May 7. No need to re-register if you were already registered. But if you weren’t you can sign up now!
From Co-Director Eleanor Harris: Nature journaling is my favorite hobby, a great way to spend time outside, and a powerful tool for learning about nature. I want to help develop the community of nature journalers in our area and to encourage more people to start their own nature journals. Whether you have been nature journaling for years or have never nature journaled before but want to try it out, this event is for you! I’ll give a very brief introduction to nature journaling before we go for a walk on our beautiful 900-acre property. On the walk we’ll stop and journal about whatever we find. May is a wonderful to see flowers, insects, amphibians, and more and I hope this will become a quarterly program so you can come back and see what every season has to offer.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult. Adults will be responsible for monitoring their children, but we would love to have all ages of nature lovers attend.
Bring: Please bring a journal and art supplies. Just a piece of paper and pencil will be enough.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Native Plant Sale
2022-05-15 11:00 - 14:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Native plants provide better food for insects, which in turn provide food for birds. You can make a huge difference for wildlife by planting native species on your property. Since fall 2019 we have been collecting seeds of native grassland plants from around the area, which means in addition to being native they are of local ecotypes. We will be selling seedlings grown from these seeds as well as commercially propagated seeds of native species to include a variety of perennial wildflowers for wet-dry areas and full sun-shade; native grasses; and a few trees. Some of our favorites include butterflyweed, upland ironweed, scaly blazing star, narrow-leaf mountain-mint, and gray goldenrod. You can find a list of the species that will be for sale here. We will accept credit card, cash, or checks made out to the Clifton Institute. We hope to see you there!
