Your Friendly Agrihood Update!

We hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather and taking advantage of the more than 40+ miles of trails the Conservancy maintains! Today we are highlighting, Wetlands Way, a 3.5-mile hiking trail in The Greens that winds through forest, grassland, and wetland habitats. If you are looking for a more robust hike, this trail connects with the Bull Run Overlook Trail forming a 9-mile loop. As the trail transitions between ecosystems, it creates valuable edge habitat that supports a variety of wildlife. Be sure to listen closely – during this time of year, it is especially noisy with frog mating calls, especially at dusk.

Speaking of frogs, are you interested in learning more about the amphibians in your backyard? Join us for the upcoming Guided Amphibian Walk on Saturday, April 27 from 7 – 8 PM. Registration and additional information, here.

Latest Field Note From Farm Team – This month we celebrate Earth Day – and today we’d like to share a bit about how agriculture plays a role in the world we live in and what you can do to help us cultivate a brighter future.

Some of you have probably already experienced when shopping for groceries or trying to connect with farms and food brands that it can be exceedingly difficult to find resources without bias and clear nutritional comparisons. Even we have moments where we need to re-read the label and then do more research because marketing and the numerous labels on packaging today make it difficult to understand – and unfortunately this lack of clarity is intentional, putting more of the burden on the individual to be well informed and diligent.

Check out the rest of this article written by Farm Director, Andy Dunham, and contractor, Mel Dunham, for recommendations on how to best stay informed and to learn more about the importance of voting with your food dollar.

And, Better Yet – Take Action + Support the Earth Today by by joining the Willowsford Farm CSA today. With our wide selection of products that are cultivated and sourced with the planet in mind, you’re sure to find something that suits your dietary and lifestyle needs. Products include: fruit, eggs, veggies, honey, local cheese and meats, gluten free baked goods + more. Select CSA options are becoming limited – secure your spot at the Farm Table today!

In the last couple months, several residents and staff have seen evidence of open fires at Hidden Meadow, near Cedar Pond Pavilion, and on our trails. A few of these were still smoking – meaning someone not only started these, but they also left them unattended which is incredibly dangerous given how close our open space is to residential homes, utilities, and neighboring communities. With higher wind events like we’ve recently experienced, this is incredibly risky. We know that the vast majority of residents understand these rules, but we ask that all residents consider this issue. Especially parents – we ask that you monitor your children’s behavior and speak to them about the importance of not starting open fires and the potential catastrophic consequences that could occur should they choose to disregard this warning.

Starting an open fire during the majority of the year is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Loudoun County.

Where are fires allowed? The Conservancy enjoys a good campfire as much as anyone – but for the safety of our community we ask that you keep your fires contained to backyard fire-pits and in fire rings when renting campsites at the Grant Family & Hidden Meadow Campgrounds. Fires should always be attended and fully extinguished before walking away. Note that fires are not permitted at Cedar Pond Pavilion.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Did your experiences as a youth inspire you to live at Willowsford? Share your story with us and we’ll highlight it – hopefully through sharing our experiences we’ll inspire others to plant their own environmental seeds – one experience in nature at a time.