DEVEL SITE - The Clifton Institute

Volunteer day: Invasive management
2024-10-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and provide little to no food for native animals. Come help us remove them 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!

Lawn Lab Grand Opening and Bioblitz
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Grace Miller Elementary School, 6248 Catlett Rd, Bealeton, 22712
This fall the Clifton Institute, in collaboration with Fauquier County Public Schools and the Fauquier County We Need Bees Committee, is beginning an exciting new project: Lawn Lab. This experiment is all about studying what happens to life in lawns that only get mowed once a year instead of every week. Clifton staff along with students from Grace Miller Elementary School and Liberty High School will be collecting data on changes in plant and animal communities that live in a 3-acre lawn on school grounds as 2 of those acres are taken out of the normal mowing schedule. The adjacent acre will get mowed once a week as per usual. This project is a rare example of a win-win-win-win: students will spend time outside learning how to identify native plants and animals and getting hands-on experience doing scientific research, the school campus will become better habitat for pollinators, the county will spend less money and emit less pollution by mowing less often, and the experiment will serve as a demonstration plot to people in the community.
We invite you to join us for a grand opening and bioblitz on October 19. Our goal is to collect baseline data: what plants and animals already call the Lawn Lab home? Once we have this information, we can visit each year and see what new plant and animals show up (or which ones disappear). We don’t expect high diversity this year, but you never know what we’ll find. If you have experience identifying plants and insects, that’s great. If not, we will give you all the training and tools you’ll need. We’ll send participants out in small teams to survey sections of the experimental fields and we’ll keep a leader board running to see who can find the most species! We’ll also have family-friendly activities for the younger naturalists among us.
At 3:30 we’ll take a break to have an official opening ceremony, with snacks, drinks, and brief remarks.
This event is a chance to get in on the ground floor of this exciting project, contribute to science, and join the local community of people who want to learn about and take care of native biodiversity! All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
We are grateful to support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Kortlandt Fund, the Warrenton Garden Club, and individual donors for Lawn Lab.
Please park in the Grace Miller Elementary School parking lot. The experimental fields are a very short walk (a couple hundred yards) southeast of the parking lot. There will be signs, but you should be able to see our tables and staff from the parking lots and as you drive in along Catlett Road.
Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event. If we need to cancel or postpone, we will also post any updates on our Facebook page.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

**Cancelled** Volunteer Day: Invasive Management
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States

Volunteer Day: Native Seed Collection
2024-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us to collect and clean seeds of native grasses and wildflowers for use in our grassland restoration programs!
Age: Adults only 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 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.

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!

Volunteer Day: Native Habitat Restoration
2024-12-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-29 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come help us make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome. May involve clearing invasive plants, light trail maintenance, or planting, please contact aeberly@cliftoninstitute.org with any concerns.
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 garden tools if desired.
Weather policy: Date subject to change depending on weather. Please check your email for updates.
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!

25th The Plains/Airlie Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-15 08:00 - 17:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for the 25th Annual The Plains/Airlie Christmas Bird Count this December! Our goal? Count as many birds as we can in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats–grasslands, forests, lakes, backyards, and even parking lots. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow, and counters get to explore parts of Fauquier county that they might not normally see. Most importantly, we will be contributing to an international community science project reaching back over 120 years which informs bird conservation in North America.
This event is for birders of any experience level. Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to learn about the winter birds of Virginia and get to know other birdwatchers in the area. In order to cover the entire circle we split into 9 teams. Each team is led by an experienced birder. If you are interested in leading a team, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org). Depending on the team, you may spend the day walking, driving, or both in order to cover your area. At the end of the day, teams are invited back to the peach farmhouse at Clifton for hot chili, cornbread, and drinks for our tally rally! This is where we have a chance to all get together, count up the birds from the day, and swap stories.
*Please note: Depending on which team you are assigned, you may NOT be meeting at the Clifton Institute in the morning. Team leaders will tell you when and where to meet at the start of the day, which is typically around sunrise.
Cost: Free!
Age: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring binoculars if available.
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!

*POSTPONED to 2/15* Volunteer Day: Native Habitat Restoration
2025-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States

Volunteer Day: Native Habitat Restoration
2025-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This event is officially part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week! We are proud to partner with Blue Ridge PRISM and many community organizations to bring awareness and education about invasive species.
Come help us make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome. May involve clearing invasive plants, light trail maintenance, or planting, please contact aeberly@cliftoninstitute.org with any concerns.
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 garden tools if desired.
Weather policy: Date subject to change depending on weather. Please check your email for updates.
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: Tree Trail Cleanup
2025-03-01 13:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This event is officially part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week! We are proud to partner with Blue Ridge PRISM and many community organizations to bring awareness and education about invasive species.
We have a tree trail we use to teach people about native trees and how their phenology is changing over time due to climate change. Each spring it needs a little work, cleaning up the trail and removing invasive species around the trees we’re studying. 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 garden tools if desired.
Weather policy: Date subject to change depending on weather. Please check your email for updates.
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!

Volunteer Day: Native Plant Propagation
2025-04-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We need help repotting some of our native seedlings into bigger pots! Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly will be leading this event and will be happy to answer any participant questions about growing native plants.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if desired.
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: Native Habitat Restoration
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come help us make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome. May involve clearing invasive plants, light trail maintenance, or planting.
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 garden tools if desired.
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: Native Habitat Restoration
2025-08-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Come help us make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome. May involve clearing invasive plants, light trail maintenance, or planting, please contact aeberly@cliftoninstitute.org with any concerns.
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 garden tools if desired.
Weather policy: Date subject to change depending 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.
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: Native Plant Propagation
2025-08-23 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We need help repotting some of our native seedlings into bigger pots! Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly will be leading this event and will be happy to answer any participant questions about growing native plants.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if desired.
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.
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** Volunteer Day: Native Plant Propagation
2025-08-30 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
**This event has been cancelled, please check your email if you were signed up**
We need help repotting some of our native seedlings into bigger pots! Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly will be leading this event and will be happy to answer any participant questions about growing native plants.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if desired.
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.
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 BBQ
2025-09-26 17:30 - 19:30 | 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 from a local barbecue restaurant. All you need to bring is yourself! You’re welcome to arrive before 5:30 and hang out on the lawn or go for a walk if that makes coming after work easier.
Please RSVP so we know about how much food to order. If you have dietary restrictions you would like us to take into account please email kpaulsen@cliftoninstitute.org at least a week before the event date.
We look forward to seeing you all!

**Cancelled** Volunteer Day: Native Habitat Restoration
2025-10-11 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States

26th Annual The Plains / Airlie Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-14 08:00 - 17:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for the 26th Annual The Plains/Airlie Christmas Bird Count this December! Our goal? Count as many birds as we can in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats–grasslands, forests, lakes, backyards, and even parking lots. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow, and counters get to explore parts of Fauquier county that they might not normally see. Most importantly, we will be contributing to an international community science project reaching back over 120 years which informs bird conservation in North America.
This event is for birders of any experience level. Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to learn about the winter birds of Virginia and get to know other birdwatchers in the area. In order to cover the entire circle we split into 9 teams. Each team is led by an experienced birder. If you are interested in leading a team, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org). Depending on the team, you may spend the day walking, driving, or both in order to cover your area. At the end of the day, teams are invited back to the peach farmhouse at Clifton for hot chili, cornbread, and drinks for our tally rally! This is where we have a chance to all get together, count up the birds from the day, and swap stories.
*Please note: Depending on which team you are assigned, you may NOT be meeting at the Clifton Institute in the morning. Team leaders will tell you when and where to meet at the start of the day, which is typically around sunrise.
Cost: Free!
Age: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring binoculars if available.
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!

**Cancelled** Volunteer Day: Native Habitat Restoration
2026-01-10 13:00 - 16:00 | VA
**Cancelled**
Come help us make the field station habitat the best it can be! Led by Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly. All levels of experience welcome. May involve clearing invasive plants, light trail maintenance, or planting, please contact aeberly@cliftoninstitute.org with any concerns.
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 garden tools if desired.
Weather policy: Date subject to change depending 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.
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!
