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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
We are starting a research project study box turtles. We want to know what habitats they use, what time of year they're most active, how big their territories are and how much overlap neighboring territories have, and most importantly what we can do to help conserve this long-lived species. To start, we need to have […]
Join us for an exploration of our trails and vernal pools while we listen for frog calls and look for breeding activity and salamander egg masses. Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult. Bring: Please bring a flashlight and waterproof shoes if you have them. Weather policy: Rain or shine except in […]
Help us finish installing our trail signs! We may also do some light trail maintenance. Please wear good sturdy shoes, and bring shovels and work gloves if you have them. 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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
It's officially spring, and that means there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, bug spray, and good working gloves. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Date […]
We love adding to our trail system and exploring new parts of the property! Come help us finish our Far Woods trail. Make sure to wear good shoes and work clothes, and bring loppers, clippers, and work gloves if you have them. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. […]
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 […]
If you’re learning to identify plants, learning the common families can really help narrow down your options when you’re faced with an unfamiliar specimen. If you already know a few plants, learning their families can provide a useful framework to help organize all the species rattling around in your brain. Whatever level you’re at, learning […]
Summer is upon us, and there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, bug spray, and good working gloves. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Date and […]
Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most mysterious and beautiful animals that live at the Clifton Institute, and June is the perfect time to search for them. Join us for a workshop that will cover the basics of dragonfly identification and biology. We will then practice what we learned by visiting lakes, streams, and […]
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: […]
During Piedmont Polliwogs camp, your early learner will explore and engage with nature on our beautiful 900-acre field station. We aim to inspire feelings of curiosity and wonder for the natural world, while promoting healthy minds and bodies as children play and learn outside. A typical morning will include an outdoor story time, a short […]
Join us for a visit to an active Bobolink nesting colony! Bobolinks are unique and beautiful birds that select hay fields for nesting. Sadly, they are declining as a result of nest losses from cutting the hay early in the summer. We should enjoy views of adults and fledglings and hear their wonderful song that […]
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 […]
Join us for a tour of native gardens of various sizes and styles around Warrenton. We hope that seeing these gardens will give you some inspiration of what and how to plant natives in your garden and there will be experts available to answer any questions about choosing, sourcing, and establishing native plants. We are […]
LAST MINUTE REGISTRATION: Contact Bert at bharris@cliftoninstitute.org if you'd like to join the count. Join us for our second annual Dragonfly Count! Our goals are to learn which species of dragonflies and damselflies are found in our area, to monitor changes in their populations, and to encourage everyone to learn more about Odonates. The map […]
During this unique experience, students will explore and carry out their own research project. Young Scientists will engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning as they develop their own research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their results, all under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This opportunity is perfect for middle and high school students […]
We have a lot of trees down throughout the property, and need help getting them cleaned up. Bring good work clothes, including gloves and sturdy boots, and plenty of water. Additional equipment, including chainsaws, handsaws, loppers, or clippers are also welcome. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Date […]
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 […]
Summer is upon us, and there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, a water bottle, and garden gloves (if you have them). Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. […]
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: […]
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 […]
Each day at Young Explorers camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. In the afternoon, children will enjoy crafts and games that will expand their knowledge of ecology and the environment. Campers will gain a deep understanding of […]
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 27th annual butterfly count and celebrate our 20th year contributing our data to NABA. Butterfly enthusiasts of all levels of experience are welcome! If […]
Each day at Young Explorers camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. In the afternoon, children will enjoy crafts and games that will expand their knowledge of ecology and the environment. Campers will gain a deep understanding of […]