Open-access Day for Friends of the Clifton Institute
2024-07-02 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-06 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-09 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-13 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-16 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-20 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-23 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-27 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 8 more dates | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We invite Friends of the Clifton Institute to come explore the field station on their own every Saturday from mid-January to mid-October. You can become a Friend of Clifton with a minimum annual donation of $40. Your support will help us reach our goals of expanding and improving our education, restoration, and research programs this year. Thank you!

Before attending an open-access day, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here). As you walk our trails, you can help us take care of the field station by keeping your eyes and ears open to help us learn about the ecosystem we’re a part of and by enjoying and respecting the plants and animals that live here.

A trail map is available here. Please note that some trails are in the process of being built and many are not marked. Navigation skills and a GPS are recommended. Please stay on the trails, use common sense, and proceed at your own risk.
The farmhouse is closed to all visitors at this time. There are port-a-potties available in both parking lots.
We reserve the right to deny access to our property to anyone who does not obey the rules posted below or is otherwise disruptive to our field station operations.

On open-access days, you may park either at the lower parking area (“the Gap”) or at the farm house.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You are welcome to bring your family with you on open-access days. One or two visitors are acceptable as well, but if this starts to be abused we reserve the right to limit the benefit to family members.
No dogs are permitted.
Leave no trace. We expect you to take all litter with you. It would be even better if you helped us pick up any litter you find! We do not have trash collection facilities.
Take nothing but photographs. We use our trails to teach kids about the environment and their experiences are much richer if there are still feathers and bones and everything else for them to look at.
No swimming, fishing, boating, or any other entry in the ponds.
No alcohol is permitted.
No horses, bicycles, automobiles, ATVs, or any other vehicles are allowed on the trails.
No hunting is permitted.

Volunteer Day: Invasive Species Removal
2024-07-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00
Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and provide little to no food for native animals. Come help us remove them to make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring clothing appropriate for the weather, gloves and/or small tools if desired.
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 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.).
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!

Young Naturalists Camp: Week 1 (July 8-12)
2024-07-08 09:00 - 16:00
*If you are registering multiple campers, it is easier if you check-out one at a time (i.e., select +1 ticket, fill out the forms and pay, then go back and +1 again. For some reason, our website software is bewildered by getting info for 2 people on the same transaction. Sorry for the inconvenience!*
Each day at Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each week will follow a different theme, so you can sign up for both weeks and still learn new things!
Each day begins with a Morning Workshop where campers dive deep into the subject for the day, which prepares them for the rest of the morning which is spent exploring Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. After a picnic lunch on the front lawn, students are given the chance to cool down by playing in the hose before getting ready for Afternoon Choices. Afternoon Choices give campers agency in shaping their camp experience by picking what they prefer to do from a set of 3 options which are different each day. These could include things like water coloring at the beaver pond, hiking to the lichen rocks, playing camouflage, or foraging for wine berries! Lastly, we give each camper a journal and conclude each day by sitting and reflecting in small groups before ending with Closing Circle–a chance to share what we liked, what we were challenged by, and things we’re looking forward to.
Families are welcome and encouraged to register for both weeks but must pay for each session separately. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches from home each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $215.00. Please note that the ticket will appear as “Free” until registration opens.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork Deadline: You should receive a confirmation email upon registration, which will contain a link for filling out your camper’s emergency contact form and liability waiver. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be May 1st, 2024. If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please email camps@cliftoninstitute.org before registering so that we can send you a scholarship application. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Bird Walk
2024-07-10 07:00 - 09:00
Join us for a bird walk around the field station!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
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 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.).
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!

Locust Run Woodland Walk
2024-07-12 09:00 - 12:00
We’re partnering with the Piedmont chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society for a special walk! This site hosts a nice variety of habitats from rich riparian forest dominated by Tulip Poplar, Ironwood, and Witch Hazel along Locust Run, to open hilly forests. The property was clear-cut approximately 12 years ago, and that disturbance has allowed the persistence of two patches of the globally rare and imperilled Torrey’s Mountain-mint. Other exciting open woodland species at the site include Featherbells (new for Fauquier County), Bashful Bullrush, Clasping Milkweed, Whorled Rosinweed, Forked Bluecurls, Rose-pink, Allegheny Chinkapin, and Bigtooth Aspen. The bedrock is metasandstone which leads to a very acidic soil in most areas, but there are richer areas (Little Heartleaf) and clearly some basic areas as well (Maidenhair Spleenwort and Wood Anemone; new for Fauquier County).
Registration is through VNPS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/locust-run-woodland-walk-tickets-902470622927

Young Naturalists Camp: Week 2 (July 15-19)
2024-07-15 09:00 - 16:00
*If you are registering multiple campers, it is easier if you check-out one at a time (i.e., select +1 ticket, fill out the forms and pay, then go back and +1 again. For some reason, our website software is bewildered by getting info for 2 people on the same transaction. Sorry for the inconvenience!*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each week will follow a different theme, so you can sign up for both weeks and still learn new things!
Each day begins with a Morning Workshop where campers dive deep into the subject for the day, which prepares them for the rest of the morning which is spent exploring Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. After a picnic lunch on the front lawn, students are given the chance to cool down by playing in the hose before getting ready for Afternoon Choices. Afternoon Choices give campers agency in shaping their camp experience by picking what they prefer to do from a set of 3 options which are different each day. These could include things like water coloring at the beaver pond, hiking to the lichen rocks, playing camouflage, or foraging for wine berries! Lastly, we give each camper a journal and conclude each day by sitting and reflecting in small groups before ending with Closing Circle–a chance to share what we liked, what we were challenged by, and things we’re looking forward to.
Families are welcome and encouraged to register for both weeks but must pay for each session separately. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches from home each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $215.00. Please note that the ticket will appear as “Free” until registration opens.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork Deadline: You should receive a confirmation email upon registration, which will contain a link for filling out your camper’s emergency contact form and liability waiver. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be May 1st, 2024. If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please email camps@cliftoninstitute.org before registering so that we can send you a scholarship application. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Butterfly Identification Workshop
2024-07-18 10:30 - 12:30
Join us to learn about butterfly identification and biology. Bert Harris will give a presentation on the identification of common butterflies in our area. We will then take a walk around the field station to look for butterflies (and perhaps some dragonflies as well.) All skill levels welcome!
Cost: Free!
Age: This program is intended for an adult audience. Interested children accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend.
Bring: We recommend wearing long pants and a broad-brimmed hat. Binoculars are essential. We have a few spare pairs.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
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!

Creatures of The Night
2024-07-19 19:00 - 21:00
Join us to look and listen for creatures of the night! Summer is an ideal time to observe several species of katydids, crickets, cicadas and birds. We will also look for beavers, reptiles and amphibians, and other animals! Back at the farm house we will see what kinds of moths and beetles we can attract with black lights. We hope to see you there!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring a flashlight.
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). 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!

2024 NABA Butterfly Count
2024-07-20 09:00 - 15:00
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED BUT YOU ARE STILL WELCOME TO JOIN US. Please email Bert at bharris@cliftoninstitute.org by 5 PM on Thursday July 18th if you’d like to participate.
Every year community scientists help count the butterflies in 15-mile-diameter circles all around the country and contribute their data to the North American Butterfly Association. This summer we will host our 29th annual butterfly count and celebrate our 22nd year contributing our data to NABA. Butterfly enthusiasts of all levels of experience are welcome! If you feel like you don’t know many butterflies, this is a great way to learn and it’s always helpful to have more eyes pointing out butterflies. Participants will be assigned to small teams, led by an experienced butterfly counter. We will share information about your team closer to the date. Each team will survey a variety of sites within our count circle. We will meet at the Clifton Institute at 4 PM to tally our results over cold drinks (provided).
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring a lunch and water. We recommend wearing long pants and a broad-brimmed hat and bringing binoculars.
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). 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!

Volunteer Day: Native Plant Propagation
2024-08-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-24 09:00 - 12:00
We need help repotting some of our native seedlings into bigger pots! Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly will be leading this event and will be happy to answer any participant questions about growing native plants.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if desired.
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). 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!

Bird Walk
2024-08-14 07:00 - 09:00
Join us for a bird walk around the field station!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
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 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.).
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!

Walk With A Naturalist
2024-08-17 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults 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 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.).
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!
