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 […]
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. Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case […]
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 […]
In the spring we planted 975 tree seedlings along the stream in our native grassland. We need your help maintaining the tree tubes and making sure that they continue to protect the seedlings from deer and other mammals. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Date and […]
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists. Unlike most of our programs, we won’t be looking for anything in particular. Instead we’ll amble and explore and see what we can find! Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent […]
For the first time ever, we are offering after-school programs! Students in grades 3-8 are invited to join us on the third Tuesday of every month for an adventure in nature. Activities will vary from month to month and will include science projects, art projects, and lessons in outdoor skills; but every month we will […]
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. […]
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. Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case […]
Join us to collect and clean seeds of native grasses and wildflowers for use in our grassland restoration programs. 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. […]
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, […]
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 third program in the series is an in-person program about owls. Come sit by a bonfire, roast marshmallows, listen to […]
Phenology is the study of seasons in nature. Tracking when flowers bloom, when animals migrate, when mushrooms appear, or when anything else happens in nature, helps scientists understand our ecosystem and how it's changing over time. Fall is a great time to study phenology because we can watch the leaves change colors all around us. […]
In the spring we planted 975 tree seedlings along the stream in our native grassland. We need your help finishing the planting with a few more trees. Please bring your own work gloves if you have them. Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Date and time […]
Join us to collect and clean seeds of native grasses and wildflowers for use in our grassland restoration programs. 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. […]
Come on out for our Nature Club! You’ll have the opportunity to explore the field station, learn about local plants and animals, and spend time with like-minded, nature-loving peers. Bring your friends! Cost: $10 ($8 for Friends of Clifton) Age: Youth grades 6-12; this program is drop off only Weather policy: Rain or shine except in […]
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. Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
For the first time ever, we are offering after-school programs! Students in grades 3-8 are invited to join us on the third Tuesday of every month for an adventure in nature. Activities will vary from month to month and will include science projects, art projects, and lessons in outdoor skills; but every month we will […]
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 […]
Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and provide little to no food for native animals. Every winter we work to remove invasive Autumn Olive from around our property and over the last few years we have made a lot of progress, thanks to all of our amazing volunteers! Please bring your own work gloves, […]
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists. Unlike most of our programs, we won’t be looking for anything in particular. Instead we’ll amble and explore and see what we can find! Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case […]
Come on out for our Nature Club! You’ll have the opportunity to explore the field station, learn about local plants and animals, and spend time with like-minded, nature-loving peers. Bring your friends! Cost: $10 ($8 for Friends of the Clifton Institute) Age: Youth grades 6-12; this program is drop off only. Weather policy: Rain or shine except […]
Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and provide little to no food for native animals. Every winter we work to remove invasive Autumn Olive from around our property and over the last few years we have made a lot of progress, thanks to all of our amazing volunteers! Please bring your own work gloves, […]
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. Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case […]
Friends of the Rappahannock will be giving away free Project Feederwatch bird feeders at the Clifton Institute after our regular Wednesday morning bird walk! The feeders are first-come first-serve, and the limit is one per family. A Friends of the Rappahannock instructor will give you instructions on how participate in Project Feederwatch, which is a community […]
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. […]
Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and provide little to no food for native animals. Every winter we work to remove invasive Autumn Olive from around our property and over the last few years we have made a lot of progress, thanks to all of our amazing volunteers! Please bring your own work gloves, […]
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 […]