The Clifton Institute

Bird Walk
2023-10-28 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-10-11 07:00 - 09:00, 2023-09-13 07:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
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.

Spooky Blacklight Walk
2023-10-27 19:00 - 20:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Did you know that flying squirrels glow pink? Or that some lichens fluoresce chartreuse or orange? We are still discovering the hidden world of fluorescence—plants, animals, fungi, and minerals that glow under UV light. During this program, we will wander slowly through fields and forests with UV flashlights turning over rocks and logs, inspecting leaves and trunks, and preparing to make a great discovery! Flashlights and Halloween costumes encouraged. Bonus points if your costume fluoresces.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
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!

Native Seed Collection and Propagation Workshop
2023-10-21 14:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
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. Our own Bert Harris will lead participants in learning when seeds are ready to collect, how to collect and store seeds, and how to propagate them.

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.

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!

Natural History Workshop for FCPS Teachers
2023-10-21 10:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
If you are a Fauquier County Public School* teacher looking to spend the day roaming outdoors with friendly nature nerds, this workshop is for you! Join Co-Director Eleanor Harris and Education Associate Bridget Bradshaw in getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna of Northern Virginia. We’ll use nets, jars, magnifying lenses, binoculars and a smattering of field guides to walk through the identification and natural history of the organisms we find. We’ll swap knowledge while meandering through forests, shrublands, and our spectacular 100-acre grassland restoration experiment. After lunch (provided), we will practice using everything from photos to feathers to lead open ended discussions and create connections. The day will conclude with a chance to observe and reflect using simple Nature Journaling techniques that can easily be adapted to use in the classroom! We hope this workshop will give you encouragement and inspiration for getting outside with your students.
From seasoned naturalists to curious beginners, teachers from any discipline are welcome. Teachers from realms other than science are highly encouraged. Attending teachers will be awarded 5 hours of Professional Development credit in addition to a $50 honorarium.
*If you are a public school teacher from another county and are interested in this opportunity, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org).*
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. Please register with your FCPS email address.
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!

CANCELLED: Riverside Plant Walk at Riverside Preserve
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
**This event has been cancelled! We look forward to seeing you next time.**

Join Dr. Bert Harris of The Clifton Institute to explore the special plants and animals of Fauquier County’s Riverside Preserve! This beautiful park protects a fascinating variety of habitats, from mature riparian forest to mesic upland forest, and native meadows. In mid-October we will see late wildflowers in the meadows and the last insects of the year, including bees, hoverflies, and caterpillars. We will also look for and learn about riparian tree species, including hazelnut, bladdernut, ironwood, river birch, and the rare butternut.
**Registration is through Fauquier County Parks and Recreation. Use the link below **
https://secure.rec1.com/VA/fauquier-county-va/catalog/index/5e381764b40b6957ae13216fc51dc654?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZsb2NhdGlvbiU1QjI0Mjk0JTVEPTE=
Cost: $12 per person
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
What to wear: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothes you can move in!
What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, binoculars

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-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.).

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Mushroom Walk
2023-10-14 14:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a fung-tastic afternoon with our friends at the Mycological Association of Washington, DC to learn about mushrooms! This program will include a presentation on mushroom biology and identification followed by a walk where we’ll see how many species we can find.
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: By attending, you are affirming that you are not experiencing nor 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. cancellation.
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
2023-10-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a walk around the field station to see what we can see! Led by a staff naturalist, we’ll encounter birds, bugs, plants and more.
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.
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: Invasive Removal
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come help us remove invasive plants like Autumn Olive 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!

Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue
2023-10-13 18:00 - 20:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We are so grateful for our volunteers’ help and support. We could not accomplish our mission without you! We would like to thank you by hosting you and your families for an evening at the Clifton Institute. This will be a very casual event. We will provide food and drinks. All you need to bring is yourself. You’re welcome to arrive before 6:00 and hang out on the lawn or go for a walk if that makes coming after work easier. Please RSVP and indicate any dietary restrictions below. We hope we’ll see you then!

Invasive Species Seminar
2023-10-07 14:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This workshop is open to all landowners in the Old Dominion Hounds (ODH) territory.
Join us for a workshop where landowners will learn how to manage meadows and forests for the benefit of native plants and animals. We will learn how to control non-native invasive plants such as Japanese Stiltgrass and Oriental Bittersweet, and how to help beneficial species. Participants will visit the Clifton Institute’s native plant garden and wildflower meadows. The program will be led by Executive Director Bert Harris. This event is being sponsored by the Old Dominion Conservation and Education Foundation (ODCEF).
For more information call or text Gale Johnson at 540-660-1849
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults only
Bring: Please bring a water bottle and any other items needed to be comfortable in the heat, be prepared to walk a moderate (less than a mile, mainly flat) distance.
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.).
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: Plug Planting
2023-10-07 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We need help planting plugs in our meadow restoration project! No experience required.
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!

Fall Native Plant Sale
2023-09-23 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).
COVID-19 Information: This event 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.).
We accept card, cash or check made out to the Clifton Institute. We look forward to seeing you!

Bird Walk
2023-09-23 07:30 - 09:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
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!

Party in the PawPaw Patch
2023-09-22 18:00 - 19:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us way down yonder for a Pawpaw party! Every year in late September we host this celebration of our only native tropical fruit tree. We will give a brief talk on the ecology and cultural history of the species before we meander to the pawpaw patch to pick fruits to sample. Warning: You MIGHT be encouraged to participate in a sing-along.
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.
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: Trail Work
2023-09-16 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
A few of our trails need some love! Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly will lead this event. No trail maintenance experience required.
Age: Adults only.
Bring: Work gloves and a water bottle. If you have personal garden tools you’d like to bring, feel free. Please dress appropriately for warm weather and working in the woods.
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 port-o-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 so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.

Volunteer Training - Fall K-12 Field Trips
2023-09-15 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
More than a thousand K-12 students visit the Clifton Institute on field trips each year. Our goal is to get students outside, engaging with plants and animals, and learning that anyone can participate in research–including kids!
On these trips, students help collect data for one of our on-going research projects. They spend anywhere between 2 and 5 hours exploring Clifton’s 900 acres, learning to identify local species, practicing field techniques, analyzing data, and discussing their results. For some students, this is their first experience in a semi-wild space. Having enthusiastic, engaged adults at their side makes a huge difference in the quality of their trip. Clifton’s education team is very small and we need help to give these students the best experience possible!
If you are interested in working with kids outdoors or simply curious about our education programs, please register for this Education Volunteer Training (and check out our Field Trips page)! By attending the training, you are not automatically beholden to volunteer. This is simply a way for you to learn more about what the field trips look like, what a volunteer’s role would be, and hone your own identification and field work skills. At the end of the training, there will be further instructions for how to sign up to volunteer.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults
Availability Requirements: Volunteers must be able to volunteer on Thursdays or Fridays, as those are our big field trip days. Our busy seasons are from September – November and March – May. We ask that volunteers help with a minimum of 3 trips per season. In the fall, the research topics are insects, grassland restoration, and waterfowl behavior. The spring field trips are vernal pools, tree phenology, and insects.
There will be an additional training for the spring season trips in February. We appreciate your interest in helping us get Fauquier County kids outside and engaged with science! If you have questions about this training or our education programs, email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org)
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!

Piedmont Polliwogs : 2023-24
2023-09-14 10:00 - 23:30 | 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 14
October 12
November 9
December 14
January 11
February 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
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.
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.
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!

Night-time Family Nature Walk
2023-09-09 19:30 - 21:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Families with children in grades K-8 are invited to come along as we explore the field station AT NIGHT! We’ll see how long we can walk without flashlights and then explore the woods to look for nocturnal animals and listen to the sounds of the night. We might hear owls screeching and flying squirrels calling and we can expect to see moths and katydids and other insects that are hard to see during the day. This is a special opportunity to see the Clifton Institute at a time of day when we usually don’t have programs and it’s a great way for families to explore nature together.
Cost: Free!
Age: Families with children in grades K-8.
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!

Creatures Of The Night
2023-09-09 19:30 - 21:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us to look and listen for creatures of the night! We’ll start by listening to the evening chorus of birds and katydids. Then we will take a gentle walk through fields and woods to look for nocturnal animals. Back at the farm house we will see what kinds of moths and beetles we can attract with black lights.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult. If you have younger children be sure to check out our Night-time Family Nature Walk happening at the same time!
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!

Late Summer Wildflower Walk
2023-09-09 15:00 - 17:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come and see our fields at their best! The fields we call Lower and Upper Woodcock are unplanted and naturally dominated by native plants. We will look for Gray Goldenrod, Slender Lespedeza, Green Milkweed, Field Thistle, Upland Ironweed, Elliott’s Bluestem and Little Bluestem in the drier areas, and Great Blue Lobelia, New York Ironweed, and Indiangrass in the moister areas. Executive Director Bert Harris will lead this walk through one of our most interesting habitats and teach participants about Piedmont prairies and how to identify grassland plants.
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!

Parks for Pollinators Bioblitz
2023-09-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Riverside Preserve, 8150 Leeds Manor Road, Marshall, VA, 20115, United States
Come along while we partner with the Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation to participate in the Parks for Pollinators Bioblitz!
We’ll explore Riverside Preserve with the goal of documenting as many different kinds of butterflies and bees as possible! This event is part of the Fauquier County Bee City USA initiative to learn about and conserve pollinators in our county. All levels of naturalists are welcome!
Please note that this program meets at Riverside Preserve, NOT at the Clifton Institute. The address is 8150 Leeds Manor Rd, Marshall, VA 20115. We will meet by the environmental education shed / port-a-potty. You can park on the lawn near the building or you can drive all the way to the lot at the bottom of the hill and walk back up.
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). 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.

Nature School : 2023-24
2023-09-06 09:00 - 13:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We are in our third full year of offering Nature School! Students meet every other Wednesday from September through May to learn about different natural history subjects through hands-on research, restoration, and exploration. This year, we are extending the duration to be from 9AM – 1PM, so that students will bring a picnic lunch to eat (in addition to the usual snacks). This will allow us to travel farther and dig deeper during each session! We invite returning and new Nature School students alike to sign up. The dates for the 2023-24 school year are below:
September 6 & 20
October 4 & 18
November 1, 15, & 29
December 13 (break for last 2 weeks of December)
January 3, 17, & 31
February 14 & 28
March 13 & 27
April 10 & 24
May 8 (Graduation)
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: $260 per child ($235 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Children in grades 1-5, drop-off only.
Bring: Please bring a small backpack packed with a full water bottle, snack, and a picnic lunch. We also recommend a small towel, seat pad, or piece of tarp to sit on when snacking and journaling.
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.
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 : 2023-24
2023-09-02 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 meets on the first Saturday of every month throughout the school year. In the 2023-24 year, we will be focusing on the three tenants of our work at Clifton: Research, Restoration, and Education. Members will conduct research in our grassland in the fall and our vernal pools in late winter spring. They will assist in the collection of seeds and propagation of native plants to later be transplanted. Lastly, they will help create programming for younger students and work on a science communication subject of their own choosing and design. There will be a chance for students to share their work with the families at the final gathering in May! Nature Club meets from 1-4PM on the following dates:
September 2
October 7
November 4
December 2
January 6
February 3
March 2
April 6
May 4
Scholarship Opportunity: We have 5 full merit-based scholarships available. To apply, please fill out our Scholarship Application Google Form by August 29th, 2023. 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: $125 per student ($100 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 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.
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 Journaling Meetup
2023-09-02 13:00 - 15:30 | 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. In September, we will be focusing on insects! Eleanor will give a brief introduction to some common types of bugs and some tips about how to journal about them, and then we’ll spend most of the program out on the trail drawing and writing about our discoveries. 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!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult. Adults will be responsible for monitoring their children, but we would love to have all ages of nature lovers attend.
Bring: Please bring a journal and art supplies. Just a piece of paper and pencil will be enough.
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). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. 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.
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 Hill Grassland and Garden Tour
2023-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Bird Hill, Orlean, VA, Orlean, VA, 20115, United States
Join us at the residence of our co-directors to experience a remnant prairie, a planted meadow, and a native plant garden. The remnant prairie on the property hosts a remarkable assemblage of native wildflowers and grasses over sandstone bedrock. Bert and Eleanor are managing the prairie with mowing, burning, and invasive plant control. They have also planted a one-acre meadow on an old lawn and they’ve worked with Hill House Nursery to establish a native plant garden.
This program is a case study of how landowners can manage their land to benefit native plants and animals on a relatively small property.
Location: Near Orlean, VA. Registered attendees will be emailed the address and directions.
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.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors. 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.

Nature Camp for Grownups
2023-08-26 10:00 - 2023-08-27 15:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Hey grownups! Have you ever wished you could go to summer camp? Well, now you can! This August we are offering our third annual weekend-long Nature Camp for Grownups. Now with an overnight option!
Activities will start on the morning of August 26 and conclude on the afternoon of August 27. Activities will include short workshops (for example on insect orders or plant families), nature walks, nature journaling, crafts, and more. And of course we’ll be making friends and having fun the whole time!
We will tent camp near the farmhouse. Campers will have access to a bathroom in the farmhouse but not a shower. If you prefer to go home on Saturday night you can meet back up with us for or after breakfast on Sunday morning. We will provide simple lunches, dinner, and breakfast. All materials for crafts and other projects will be included.
Times: 10:00AM on August 26 and 10:00AM to 3:30PM on August 27

Cost: $150 ($125 for Friends of the Clifton Institute).

Age: Adults only.

Bring: Snacks, water bottle, a nature journal if you have one. If you will be camping, please bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and any other equipment you need to be comfortable. We have a small number of tents and sleeping bags we can loan out, but not enough for everyone.

Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be mostly outdoors, but we will be inside while preparing meals. We are requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated. We will ask to see vaccination cards. 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.). (an outside porta potty will be available).

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. No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Walk with a Naturalist
2023-08-19 13:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a walk around the field station to see what we can see! Led by a staff naturalist, we’ll encounter birds, bugs, plants and more.
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!
