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| From frogs to camping, trail racing and paddle boarding—there's plenty to learn and fun to be had this spring with the Conservancy.
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| Haven't participated in a Conservancy event? As a Willowsford resident, we encourage you and your family to take part in events throughout the year. Clear your mind with a half marathon this March or bond with the family during the Tenderfoot adventure race this fall. Explore the nights' "ribbits" and discover wildlife living right outside your door. Or, master the art of camping, kayaking and paddle boarding. Our job is to conserve, manage and program over 2,000 acres of open space and, most importantly, to educate and inspire you; there's no limit to what we can learn on Conservancy lands. We hope to see you this season.
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Landscape for Life – Register
Tuesdays, February 21 through April 4 (April 4 is a snow date) at Sycamore House (with 1 field trip) from 9:30 AM to 12 PM
Landscape for Life is a 6-session course in sustainable landscaping on how you can transform your home landscape into a healthy refuge that benefits birds, pollinators and other wildlife along with the entire community and the Chesapeake Bay. Developed by the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden. $60/student.
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Rev3 Adventure Enablers Spring Thaw Trail Run Series – Register
Saturday, March 11 in The Grant (Everfield Park)
Pound out some trails and keep that New Year’s resolution alive. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon trail runs lead through the ever-changing landscape of Willowsford. You will experience natural trails and gravel roads as you take on this course through woods and gently rolling open fields. The Grant has a few new bits of moderately technical trail suitable for beginners through expert trail enthusiasts. Use code "WILLOWSFORDRESIDENTS" for 20% off registration.
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| Willowsford Farm Tour – Register
Sunday, April 2 at The Grange Farm from 11 to 12 PM
Come see where and how your favorite vegetables begin at the Grange Farm. During the spring months, the farmers are very active in the greenhouse, high tunnels, fields and gardens. We will walk and talk you through our practices and processes for starting seeds, nurturing soil fertility, and managing for pests and disease. This is a great tour for gardeners, students, anyone interested in the life cycles of plants and anyone curious about where their food comes from.
Volunteer Hours – Register
Sunday, April 2 at The Farm Garden from 12 to 2 PM
Early April is an exciting time in the garden. A time for prepping the beds with fresh compost, installing or repairing irrigation, mulching, and potting on the seedlings that aren’t quite ready to leave the greenhouse yet, but are outgrowing their cells. Work might include these tasks and more from 12 – 2 PM. This is a great volunteer day for families with young children who just want to get their hands in the dirt, for budding gardeners and for gardeners who are considering adding drip irrigation to their plots.
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Save-the-Date: Earth Day Bluebird Nestbox Tour
Saturday, April 22
Did you know there are two bluebird nesting box trails at Willowsford? For the past few years, Willowsford Conservancy—with a dedicated group of residents and help from the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC)—has encouraged a variety of native songbirds to nest in the Grant and Grove. Walk the trail with Ranger Andrew Richardson this Earth Day and learn about bluebirds at Willowsford. More information coming soon!
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Voices in the Night Amphibian Program – Register
Thursday, April 27 from 7 to 9 PM at Sycamore House/Grange Vernal Pool
Have you ever listened to the nighttime sounds and wondered who was making that noise? Join us for Voices in the Night and learn how to identify local frog and toad species based solely on the sounds they make. There is something very rewarding about closing your eyes and knowing what critters are around you. So, come out and explore our local frogs and toads at Willowsford! $5/person
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| Willowsford Farm Tour – Register
Sunday, May 7 at The Grange Farm from 11 to 12 PM
April showers bring May flowers! This tour will begin in the Farm Garden, where we’ll see early flowers and herbs, and maybe some asparagus. Then we’ll up to the space the farmers call “the home farm” The Grange. With the start of our CSA just around the corner, you’ll see a variety of plants, in various stages of life, in the fields. We’ll talk about our favorite hand tools and tractor implements and how the farmers’ work day changes as harvesting begins. This is a great tour for veggie-loving neighbors, home gardeners, beginner farmers, students and teachers.
Willowsford Farm Volunteer Hours – Register
Sunday, May 7 at The Farm Garden from 12 to 2 PM
Let’s plant! The first successions of our annual flowers will be ready to get their roots into the “pick-your-own” beds around the Farm Stand and the battle with weeds, bunnies and groundhogs will be underway. This is a great volunteer day for families with young children, scout groups, gardeners and beginners.
Willowsford Farm Stand Opens & CSA Begins!
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Camping 101 – Register
Saturday, June 3 from 2 to 5 PM at Grant Family Campsite
Learn about the fun of family camping and different types of camping equipment you will need including tents and hammocks, sleeping bags, pads, camp furniture, cooking equipment, clothes and hygiene, safety and comfort. Then learn how to organize, store and pack your equipment, and enjoy camping-related games and activities. Consider renting a Grant campsite pad to set up your camping gear and stay the night (campsites are rented separately from this event and on a first-come, first-served basis). $4/person.
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Willowsford Farm Volunteer Hours – Register
Sunday, June 11 from 2 to 4 PM at The Greens Farm
Animal Care 101. June volunteer hours at The Greens Farm will include interaction with livestock and their shelters, waterers, feeders, fencing and (gasp!) manure. We will go through each chicken chore and explain what it takes to become a livestock volunteer, from collecting eggs to electric fencing instruction. Be prepared to get very dirty! This is a great volunteer session for high school students, beginner farmers, and families with children who beg for backyard chickens.
Willowsford Farm Tour – Register
Sunday, June 11 from 4 to 5 PM at The Greens Farm
Chickens, pigs and fencing, oh my! The Greens Farm is home to our livestock operations. Our animals get lots of room to roam and forage so be prepared to walk some distances on this tour. You will see laying hens, broilers (chickens for meat) and pigs out on pasture, learn how and why we move them frequently, what types of shelter, care and supplements they require, and how we manage for predators. This is a great tour for local food consumers, meat eaters, beginner farmers, students, teachers and folks interested in weekly volunteer work at the farm.
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| Kayaking for Beginners (ages 9-12)
Saturday, June 17 from 1 to 2 PM – Register
Sunday, June 25 from 10 to 11 AM – Register
Learn the basics of kayaking including instruction on types of kayaks and paddles, safety equipment, clothing, paddle and water safety skills and kayaking terminology. Dress for the weather, including swimsuit and sun protection. Bring water. Rain or shine. The class will be delayed or re-scheduled in case of a thunderstorm. $18/person.
Paddleboarding for Beginners (ages 9-12)
Saturday, June 17 from 2:30 to 3:30 PM – Register
Sunday, June 25 from 11:30 to 12:30 PM – Register
Learn the basics of paddle boarding including instruction on types of paddleboards, paddles, safety equipment, clothing paddle and water safety skills and paddleboard terminology. Dress for the weather, including swimsuit and sun protection. Bring water. Rain or shine. The class will be delayed or re-scheduled in case of a thunderstorm. $18/person.
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Willowsford Conservancy Ι 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148
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