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 […]