The Clifton Institute

Open-access Day for Friends of the Clifton Institute
2026-05-02 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Spring Native Plant Sale
2026-05-02 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. At the plant sale we will sell seedlings grown from these seeds of a variety of perennial wildflowers, native grasses, and a few trees. Some of our favorites include butterflyweed, upland ironweed, scaly blazing star, narrow-leaf mountain-mint, and gray goldenrod. Partners from other organizations will also have plants and merchandise for sale. We will accept credit card, cash, or checks made out to the Clifton Institute. We hope to see you there!
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Open-access Day for Friends of the Clifton Institute
2026-05-05 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-19 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-02 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-23 09:00 - 16:00 | 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 and Tuesday 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.

Nature Journaling Meetup and Walk
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Nature journaling is a powerful tool for learning about plants and animals, a mindful practice for connecting to nature, and just a great way to spend time outside. Managing Director and passionate nature journaler Eleanor Harris runs quarterly nature journaling meetups to help people develop their nature journaling skills and meet other nature journalers in the area. 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! If you’d like to learn more about nature journaling you can check out our page here.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring a journal and art supplies. Just a piece of paper and pencil will be enough. Eleanor will have a limited number of John Muir Laws’ nature journals for sale.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
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 Club 2025-26
2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Nature Club is a program where middle and high school students who are interested in the natural world can spend time in a nerd-friendly environment. If they like bones, insects, tools, plants, fungi, research, or simply to be outdoors, then they have found their people.
The club generally meets on the second Saturday of every month throughout the school year. In the 2025-26 year, we will be focusing on the three tenets of our work at Clifton: Research, Restoration, and Education. Members will help various Clifton staff and visiting professionals from other local organizations with what they do around the field station: propagating plants, building structures, removing invasive species, studying plants and animals, and making educational materials. There will be a chance for students to share their experience with their families at the final party in May!
Nature Club meets from 1-3:30 PM on the following dates: September 13, October 4*, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, April 18*, May 9.
Scholarship Opportunity: We have 5 full merit-based scholarships available. To apply, please fill out our Scholarship Application Google Form by September 5th, 2025. Wait to register until you have heard back from Bridget (she will register you so you will not have to pay the program fee). If you have any questions, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org)
Registration Notes: *If you are purchasing tickets for multiple students, please write all of their names together in the same box, i.e. “Sam, Martie, and Alex Bradshaw” when registering. The form does not give you separate spaces to enter different names for each ticket.*
Cost: $100 per student ($75 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Youth grades 7-12; this program is drop off only.
Bring: Please bring a water bottle and snack.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snowfall).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this series, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else. No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation within 1 month of the program’s start date. No refunds will be given for any missed programs. A medical form and waiver will be sent out to registrants before the start of the program (or can be filled out on the first day).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!
*Please note that some Saturdays are NOT the 2nd Saturday due to other program conflicts and FCPS spring break!

Bird Walk
2026-05-13 07:00 - 09:30, 2026-06-10 07:00 - 09:00, 2026-06-27 07:00 - 09:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come join us to bird watch 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).
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!

Piedmont Polliwogs 2025-26
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Piedmont Polliwogs is a monthly program for pre-K children that includes a lesson on a different topic every month, story time and short nature walk. Students get to know each other, grow their independence, and gain confidence in the outdoors with our skilled instructors.
The 9-month series will take place on the second Thursday of each month from 10 to 11:30 on the following dates: September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11, January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14.
We understand that you may have children outside the 2-5-year-old range that need to come along with you to Polliwogs. You are welcome to keep them with you or for them to entertain themselves during the class. It is also fine with us if slightly older children participate.
When you register below, please register and pay for the number of children you expect to participate in the class each month! You can think about this through the lens of: will my child want to use the materials that they see the other kids using (magnifying lenses, eye droppers, stuffies)?
Registration Notes: *If you are purchasing tickets for multiple students, please write all of their names together in the same box, i.e. “Sam, Martie, and Alex Bradshaw” when registering. The form does not give you separate spaces to enter different names for each ticket.*
Cost: $90 per child ($75 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Children ages 2-5, accompanied by a caregiver
Bring: Please bring a snack and drink. There will be a snack break.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this series, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else. No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation within 1 month of the program’s start date. No refunds will be given for any missed programs. You will be sent a liability waiver and medical form before the start of the program.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Science Saturday: Box Turtle Survey
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
In 2022 we started a collaborative research project with the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab and Joe Kolowski at the Smithsonian’s NZCBI to study Box Turtles. We are studying Box Turtle movements and habitat selection so that we can learn when it’s safe to mow fields in our area. In the third installment of this event, we will give a short presentation on what we have learned so far and then we’ll go into the field. Participants will help us search for new turtles to study and track turtles that are tagged with radio transmitters. This is a special opportunity to tag along with our staff researchers and see how field science is done.
Cost:
Children 18 and under – Free
Adults – $15 ($10 for Friends of Clifton.) All proceeds from our programs go directly to funding our education programs, restoration work, and research projects. Thank you for your support!
Age: Adults and children 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.
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. Program fee will not be refunded in event of participant cancellation. If Clifton has to cancel or reschedule, we will refund tickets.
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!

Firefly Watch
2026-06-05 20:00 - 21:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We love going out on a summer evening to see hundreds of fireflies flashing in the trees and we’d love you to have you join us for this magical display. In this program, Co-Director Eleanor Harris will give a brief talk about the biology and identification of fireflies (there are several species in our area!) and then we’ll go on a short walk in our fields to enjoy the show.
Cost:
Children 18 and under – Free
Adults – $15 ($10 for Friends of Clifton.) All proceeds from our programs go directly to funding our education programs, restoration work, and research projects. Thank you for your support!
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.
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. Refunds will not be given if attendee cancels. Refunds will be given if Clifton cancels.
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!

Rappahannock Dragonfly Count 2026
2026-06-06 10:00 - 16:00 | VA
Join us for a day of counting dragonflies across Rappahannock County! Our goals are to learn which species of dragonflies and damselflies are found in our area, to monitor changes in their populations, and to help everyone learn more about odonates.
A map of the count circle is here. The circle includes a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including a fish-free ponds and a variety of clean streams and rivers that range from tiny seeps all the way up to the Hughes River. Highlights from previous Rappahannock counts include Dot-tailed Whiteface, Rapids Clubtail, Appalachian Jewelwing, and Aurora Damsel.
Beginners are most welcome!
As in the Clifton count, participants will get to explore biodiverse private properties that are not open to the public.
Please email Bert Harris (bharris@cliftoninstitute.org) if you have dragonfly identification skills and would like to lead a team.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 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.
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!

Young Explorers Camp (Ages 5 - 6)
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-12 12:00 | VA
*Please note that the website will say that it is “full” until registration opens on 10th Feb.*
During Young Explorers, campers spend the morning learning about the natural world through hands-on activities and pure adventuring over our beautiful 900-acre field station. Topics may vary from insects to pond life to the science of smell! The small group of campers is led by 2 Clifton instructors, who will help students learn how to prepare for being outdoors and work with others in addition to the natural history of the Piedmont. Campers must bring their own snacks and reusable water bottles.
Ages: 5-6 at the time of camp. *This is a drop-off program*
Time: 9AM – 12PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $155 for first camper, $125 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 10 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 10 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
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 19th, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Dragonfly Identification Workshop
2026-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
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 fish-free vernal pools, each of which host distinct dragonfly communities.
Cost:
Children 18 and under – Free
Adults – $15 ($10 for Friends of Clifton.) All proceeds from our programs go directly to funding our education programs, restoration work, and research projects. Thank you for your support!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring binoculars 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.
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. Refunds will not be given if attendee cancels. Refunds will be given if Clifton cancels.
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!

Clifton Dragonfly Count 2026
2026-06-21 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for our sixth 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 of the count circle is here. The circle includes a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including a sphagnum bog, fish-free marshes, lakes with abundant lily pads, and a variety of clean streams and rivers that range from tiny seeps all the way up to the Rappahannock River. This interesting area has not received as much study as nearby northern Virginia, but 72 species of dragonflies and damselflies have already been documented inside the circle.
We will divide the circle up into several areas, which teams of people will cover, similar to a Christmas Bird Count or NABA butterfly count. We will let you know where to meet closer to the date. The count is open to people of all experience levels. We welcome dragonfly experts as well as anyone who is interested in learning about these fascinating insects.
This event is free but registration is required. Email Bert Harris (bharris@cliftoninstitute.org) with any questions or if you would like to lead one of the teams. Please let us know if you live inside the count circle and you have a fish-free pond or marsh or a pond with lily pads or other emergent aquatic vegetation on your property that you would like to be included in the count. We are partnering with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and White House Farm Foundation on this event.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: It will be hot and we’ll be spending time near or in the water. Shorts and sturdy sandals or rubber boots are usually best, but long pants can come in handy as well. Please bring sunscreen, sun hat, binoculars (important), camera, insect net, and plenty of water.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
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 Scientists Research Experience (Ages 13 - 18)
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 16:00 | VA
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 with an interest in the environmental and natural sciences and the desire to experience ecological fieldwork. We welcome motivated students who are excited to spend the week at our beautiful, 900-acre field station in the northern Virginia Piedmont in the company of like-minded peers.
Example research questions include:

How does road noise affect the singing of birds, frogs, and other animals?
Where on the field station is there the most evidence of deer and other mammals?
Are there more insects on plants that are native to Virginia or on exotic plants?

Ages: 13-18 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday (June 22-26). There will be a presentation of student research projects on the evening of Friday, 6/26, open to friends and families.
Cost: $350 for first camper, $280 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
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 June 1st, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!
