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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this workshop, the point is to have your head in the clouds. Spend the afternoon with Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly learning about the behavior of Virginia’s spring atmosphere, how […]
Home for spring break? Come to our first ever day-long spring break camp, all about vernal pools! Campers will spend a day with Clifton Institute staff studying the animals that […]
We need help maintaining tree tubes! Afterward, participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch and join us for a picnic on the lawn! Clifton will provide cold drinks. Cost: […]
Families with children in grades K-8 are invited to come along as we explore the field station. This program is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore nature together. We […]
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 […]
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 […]
REGISTRATION CLOSED *This is a virtual event* Brush up on your warbler songs just before the migrants arrive in droves. We will listen to the songs of each of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
We need help propagating native plants! Afterward, participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch and join us for a picnic on the lawn! Clifton will provide cold drinks. Cost: […]
On this program Executive Director and amateur lichenologist Bert Harris will give a guided tour of some of his favorite lichen-y spots while explaining the basics of lichen biology and […]
In what we hope will become a regular occurrence, we are inviting the public to participate in one of our ongoing research projects. This time you’ll help us track American […]
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 […]
Cost: Free! Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow […]
In 2022 we started a research project to study what habitats Box Turtles use at different times of year so that we and other landowners can know what the best […]
Join us for an night-time exploration of our trails and vernal pools while we listen for frog calls, look for insects, and see what animals are swimming on the ponds. […]
**This event has been cancelled due to winter die-off causing a low plant stock. Check back in the fall for our fall plant sale!** Native plants provide better food […]
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 […]
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 […]
Spend the afternoon with Education Associate Bridget Bradshaw learning about the bizarre and colorful world of our most diverse animal kin—the insects! The class will begin by covering basic insect […]
Who doesn’t love fireflies? Many of us have fond memories of catching fireflies or watching a magical light show on a summer evening. But why do fireflies flash? What do […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us for a visit to an active Bobolink nesting colony in partnership with our friends at Virginia Working Landscapes! Bobolinks are unique and beautiful birds that select hay fields […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
