DEVEL SITE - The Clifton Institute

Early Spring Wildflower Walk
2023-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
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 walk exploring our wooded trails in search of early spring ephemerals such as Bloodroot, Cutleaf toothwort, Rue-anemone, and Skunk Cabbage.
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!

Family Nature Walk
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-14 10:00 - 12:00
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 pick a different trail to explore each month and usually move slowly as we stop often to look at and learn about the plants and animals that live in Northern Virginia.
Cost: Free!
Age: Families with children in grades K-8.
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: Tree Tube Maintenance
2023-04-08 09:30 - 12:30
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: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Work 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!

Vernal Pool Camp
2023-04-07 09:00 - 17:00
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 live in our vernal pools! Vernal pools are small bodies of water which dry out for part of the year, making them the perfect amphibian nurseries. They are home to frog, salamander, and dragonfly young, as well as a wriggling mass of other creatures!
We will spend the first part of the day learning about amphibian and insect life cycles, as well as how to identify many of our local amphibian species by sight and sound. We’ll spend the rest of the day hiking to the pools with our rain boots and research equipment and learning how to safely handle amphibians, check water quality, and interpret our findings.
Campers will have the chance to participate in real science, practice nature journaling, as well as use their creativity to design their own amphibian paradise.
Campers will need:
-Picnic lunch
-2 snacks
-Rubber boots
-Backpack
-Water bottle
This is a drop-off program and a signed waiver will be required for participation. If the cost is prohibitive or you are missing something from the needs list, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org). More details about the day will be sent 2 weeks prior to the program.
Price: $50 ($40 for Friends of Clifton) per child
Age: Students in grade 1-6.
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). At the moment, we are requiring 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. Please note that our registration system may only give you the space for one attendee. If you are registering for multiple children, please put all of their first names in the First Name box. Thank you!
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.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

Reading the Weather
2023-04-01 14:00 - 17:00
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 to read models and forecasts, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting back to watch the sky with a cold beverage (provided). This afternoon is intended to give participants the practical skills to understand weather maps and interpret the sky.
Cost: $10 ($5 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
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. No refunds will be given upon registrant 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!

Beginner Bird Song Workshop
2023-03-31 18:00 - 19:00
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 and give tips to identifying birds by ear.
Cost: $10 ($5 for Friends of Clifton)
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.
COVID-19 Information: This program will include a presentation inside. We are requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks inside. 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.).

Bird Walk
2023-03-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-03-08 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-01-28 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-01-11 08:00 - 10:00
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 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!

Woodcock Watch
2023-03-11 17:45 - 19:15
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 perform their mating displays, flying high into the air and falling back to the ground, making calls and sounds with their wings as they do so.
Join us for a brief talk about these interesting birds. Then we’ll go out into our fields where we will be able to watch and hear the birds perform.
Cost: $10 for general public, $5 for Friends of Clifton
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm). 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: No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation. If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
By registering for this event you indicate that you have read our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you there!

Geology of the Piedmont Driving Tour
2023-03-11 09:00 - 16:00
Come dig a little deeper into Fauquier County (and beyond) in our 2nd annual Geology Tour guided by our Habitat Specialist Andrew Eberly! Hitch a ride on the edge of the North American plate as it sails across the globe and watch neighboring continents come crashing in then break free again as mountains and oceans rise and fall. Visit rocks over a billion years old, born when the continents were plantless deserts. Hear stories of buried volcanoes and look for clues written in everyday rocks about landscapes of the long distant past. The forests of Northern Virginia are hiding a rich and varied display of geologic forces. This is an opportunity to practice a new way of reading the landscape and glimpse what lies beneath the trees and soil. For those who attended last year, we will be visiting new sites this year. We will also be travelling by individual cars (with the opportunity to carpool) instead of by van. Please bring your own picnic lunch, but we will provide snacks, hot drinks, and plenty of rocks to smash open!
Cost: $30 ($25 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Adults only.
Bring: Please bring a lunch! We will provide snacks.
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. No refunds will be given upon registrant 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!

Woodcock Watch
2023-03-04 17:45 - 19:15
**NOTE: If this event fills up we have another Woodcock Watch with the same chance of seeing woodcock on the following Saturday March 11. Sign up here!**
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 perform their mating displays, flying high into the air and falling back to the ground, making calls and sounds with their wings as they do so.
Join us for a brief talk about these interesting birds. Then we’ll go out into our fields where we will be able to watch and hear the birds perform.
Cost: $10 for general public, $5 for Friends of Clifton
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm). 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: No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation. If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
By registering for this event you indicate that you have read our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you there!

Walk with a Naturalist
2023-03-04 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists.

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 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!

Bird Walk
2023-02-25 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-02-08 08:00 - 10:00
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!

Spotted Salamander Walk
2023-02-21 19:00 - 21:00
Once a year, salamanders leave their homes in the woods and head toward vernal pools, temporary ponds created by spring rains and melting winter snow. The conditions must be just right, a warm night with rainy conditions. The males arrive first and lay sperm sacks around the pond. The females come later and absorb these sacks, which causes them to lay their eggs, about 50-100 per female. Join us on a walk to our vernal pools to witness this spectacle of nature.
We’ll be watching the weather closely to adjust our time and date that looks most promising for us to see this wonderful migration. For now, this date is a best-guess placeholder for 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 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!

Sensational Senses Series
2023-02-16 18:00 - 19:30
*SERIES CANCELED*
Have you ever wondered why our hearing gets worse as we age? Why you can’t see colors at night? Why some smells make us want to gag while we make others into perfumes? Join Co-Director Eleanor Harris and Education Associate Bridget Bradshaw for a 3-part series where they discuss the biology of vision, hearing, and smelling through the lens of other animals and compare it to our own perceptions of the world. Each evening will begin with a short presentation indoors and be followed by an exploratory activity or experiment. Tea and cookies will be provided!
Cost: $30 ($25 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Adults only.
Weather policy: Rain or shine!
COVID-19 Information: This program will take place inside. We are requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks. 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.).
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.
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
2023-02-11 13:00 - 15:00

Family Nature Walk
2023-02-11 10:00 - 12:00
Cost: Free!
Age: Families with children in grades K-8.
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 Seed Sowing
2023-02-11 09:00 - 12:00
We are seeking volunteers to help sow native seeds. These species will be grown in our greenhouse for use in our restoration projects and sold at our native plant sale in May.
THIS EVENT MAY BE RE-SCHEDULED DUE TO PRESCRIBED FIRE SEASON. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS BEFORE THE EVENT FOR EVENT UPDATES.
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!

Nature Journaling Meetup and Walk
2023-02-04 13:00 - 15:30
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. The next meetup will be on May 6 and you can register here: https://cliftoninstitute.org/event/nature-journaling-meetup-and-walk-4/
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 the community of nature journalers in our area and to encourage more people to start their own nature journals. 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!
This February we’ll be focusing on waterfowl! Hundreds of ducks spend the wiinter on our ponds and it’s a great opportunity to get some practice journaling and drawing animals in the wild. I’ll give a brief introduction to the waterfowl of our area and then we’ll walk around our ponds and journal what we see. We will start and end the data in our historic cabin.
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.
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 include a brief indoor component. We will request proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and masks. We will not expect masks to be worn outside. 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.
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 Seed Sowing
2023-02-04 09:00 - 12:00
*CANCELED DUE TO COLD TEMPERATURES*
We are seeking volunteers to help sow native seeds. These species will be grown in our greenhouse for use in our restoration projects and sold at our native plant sale in May.
THIS EVENT MAY BE RE-SCHEDULED DUE TO PRESCRIBED FIRE SEASON. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS BEFORE THE EVENT FOR EVENT UPDATES.
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!

Winter Tree Identification Workshop
2023-01-28 13:00 - 15:00
Winter is a great time of year to learn how to identify trees and to practice looking at bark and twigs. In this program, we will take you on a short walk in the woods and talk about the tips and tricks to identify the most common trees in our forests. This program is meant for beginners. Advanced botanists are welcome but you may teach us more than we teach you! If you would like to start practicing now or if you would like to bring some resources with you, we recommend the book Winter Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts and Tom Watts, the Flora of Virginia app, and the Virginia Tech Tree ID app.
Cost: $10 ($5 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
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. No refunds will be given upon registrant 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!

Research Talk: American Kestrel Nesting Habitat
2023-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
Link to Zoom webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87576436084
**This is a virtual event**
Join Executive Director Bert Harris to hear the latest on our American Kestrel research. We have been studying these declining falcons for two years and we have learned so much about the habitats they use for hunting. Cattle pastures are preferred over all other kinds of fields and we are trying to find out why. We also now know that at least some of northern Virginia’s kestrels are migratory and that their territories are smaller here than in other parts of North America. This research is a collaborative project with Joe Kolowski from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Alan Williams. The work is funded by the Raines Family Fund, BAND Foundation, Nick Lapham, the Virginia Society of Ornithology, the Washington Biologists Field Club, and Janine Moseley.
We will send a link to the Zoom meeting a few days prior to the talk. Please make sure your email address is up to date!
Cost: Free!
Age: All ages.
Registration is REQUIRED.
We look forward to seeing you then!

Walk With A Naturalist: Special All-day Hike
2023-01-21 10:00 - 16:00
On this special Walk with a Naturalist, we will walk one of the longer trails on our property. We’ll still go slow as we look for plants and animals, even in the dead of winter, and we expect to walk no more than 3 miles. Please bring a lunch and / or snacks to eat on the trail and dress for the weather.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring water, a snack, and/or lunch 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!

Open-access Day for Friends of the Clifton Institute
2023-01-14 10:00 - 16:00
We invite Friends of the Clifton Institute to come explore the field station on their own every Saturday from mid-January to mid-October. You can become a Friend of Clifton with a minimum annual donation of $40. Your support will help us reach our goals of expanding and improving our education, restoration, and research programs this year. Thank you!

Before attending an open-access day, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here). As you walk our trails, you can help us take care of the field station by keeping your eyes and ears open to help us learn about the ecosystem we’re a part of and by enjoying and respecting the plants and animals that live here.

A trail map is available here. Please note that some trails are in the process of being built and many are not marked. Navigation skills and a GPS are recommended. Please stay on the trails, use common sense, and proceed at your own risk.
The farmhouse is closed to all visitors at this time. There are port-a-potties available in both parking lots.
We reserve the right to deny access to our property to anyone who does not obey the rules posted below or is otherwise disruptive to our field station operations.

On open-access days, you may park either at the lower parking area (“the Gap”) or at the farm house.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You are welcome to bring your family with you on open-access days. One or two visitors are acceptable as well, but if this starts to be abused we reserve the right to limit the benefit to family members.
No dogs are permitted.
Leave no trace. We expect you to take all litter with you. It would be even better if you helped us pick up any litter you find! We do not have trash collection facilities.
Take nothing but photographs. We use our trails to teach kids about the environment and their experiences are much richer if there are still feathers and bones and everything else for them to look at.
No swimming, fishing, boating, or any other entry in the ponds.
No alcohol is permitted.
No horses, bicycles, automobiles, ATVs, or any other vehicles are allowed on the trails.
No hunting is permitted.

Volunteer Day: Invasive Removal
2023-01-14 09:00 - 12:00
We are seeking volunteers to help remove invasive multiflora rose near our vernal pools in preparation for our local salamanders in February!
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!

Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-18 09:00 - 18:00
Join us for our annual Christmas Bird Count! We’ll spend the day surveying the birds in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats. We usually see a nice diversity of waterfowl and grassland birds. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow! Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to learn about the winter birds of Virginia, contribute to a long-term community science project, and get to know other birdwatchers in the area. After you register, our staff will assign you to a team of volunteers led by an expert counter. (If you feel qualified to lead a team, please let us know!)
Beginners will be assigned to a team responsible for counting the Clifton Institute’s property; this will give you a chance to go slow and learn how to identify our winter birds. If you are an experienced birdwatcher we will likely assign you to a team that will drive from site to site in our circle. Each team will decided whether to carpool or caravan from site to site. Unless conditions change dramatically, we plan to have a compilation dinner here at the Clifton Institute at the end of the day.
Since we will be inside, we ask that you be vaccinated and bring your vaccine card. If you are not vaccinated, or are just tired at the end of a long day, you can leave your data with us, grab a treat, and go. Chili will be warm starting at 5:00 p.m.
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).

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!
