Frequently
Asked Questions

Frequently Asked QuestionsBrandi Delancey2022-10-06T11:50:35-04:00

Questions about the Conservancy and our Programs?

To learn more, please click on the category links below for frequently asked questions.

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willowsfordconservancyandfarm

Oct 13

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The chickens got a little treat to get into the Halloween spirit!

We placed a carved pumpkin in the coop and let the girls investigate. Between the pecking, exploring, and snacking, that pumpkin kept them busy and entertained!

Who knew a pumpkin could be so much fun?

Oct 9

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School’s out October 12th. Need something fun for the kids?

Drop them off for two hours of nature-inspired creativity, exploration, and hands-on fun at our Nature-Inspired Arts & Crafts program.

Kids will use found and upcycled materials to create their own local habitat inspired by places they might find around Willowsford — ponds, meadows, forests, and more. Along the way, they’ll discover how everyday materials can be reused instead of becoming waste.

Each child will choose one simple action they can take home with them, such as using less plastic or recycling cardboard, and share what they learned with their grownups.

October 12 | 10 AM–12 PM
Boat House | 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105
Ages: School-aged children
Cost: $12
Drop-off program

Please send your child with a water bottle and a snack if needed.

It’s a school day off with a little creativity, a little nature, and a chance to give everyday materials a second life. Sign up through the link in the comments.

Oct 8

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It is the 20th week of the 2026 summer CSA season!! Come see us at the Boat House tonight from 4-6pm!!🫜🥬🥔

Oct 3

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Only a few more days!

Join professional wildlife photographer Jeff Mauritzen on October 5th for Wildlife Photography: How to Capture Nature in Motion.

With 14 years as a Photography Expert for National Geographic Expeditions, Jeff will share practical tips, stories, and incredible images from photographing wildlife around the world.

October 5th | 5–6 PM
Sycamore House | $10

Come get inspired and pick up a few new ideas for your next time behind the camera.

Link in bio for our upcoming events

Oct 2

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Before you rake up those fall leaves, take a closer look. You might be looking at luna moth habitat.

Luna moths spend much of their lives hidden from view. After feeding for several weeks on trees like walnut, hickory, sweet gum, and birch, the caterpillar eventually comes down to the forest floor.

Among the fallen leaves, it spins silk and incorporates nearby leaves into a loose, papery cocoon. Once inside, it transforms into a pupa.

Cocoons formed in late summer or fall may overwinter in the leaf litter, where the leaves provide insulation, moisture, and camouflage through the colder months.

When spring arrives, the adult luna moth emerges to begin the next generation.

That layer of leaves is more than just something to rake—it can provide important habitat for luna moths and countless other species.

Sometimes, leaving things a little messy is good for wildlife.

Sep 30

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Campfires, good food, music, and questionable decisions about how long to roast your marshmallow over the fire

Our annual Community Bonfire & Campout brought community members together for a night of good times at Hidden Meadow. Between Willard’s BBQ, live music, camping, and the Glow Party, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained—and plenty of s’mores to go around.

A big thank you to everyone who came out, camped with us, laughed around the fire, shared stories with friends, and volunteered to make another Bonfire & Campout one to remember.

We’ll see you around the fire next year!

Sep 29

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Ranger Karston recently spotted this Eastern Box Turtle while out in the field!

Eastern Box Turtles are native to Virginia and can be found in forests, fields, and other areas with plenty of cover. They’re long-lived turtles, and some can live for 50 years or more. That means the turtles we see today may have been part of this landscape for generations.

Here in Northern Virginia, one of the biggest challenges for box turtles is habitat fragmentation. As roads and development divide up natural areas, turtles have fewer safe places to move, find food, and find mates. Roads can be especially dangerous for a species that spends much of its time moving around on the ground.

Protecting larger, connected areas of natural habitat is an important part of conservation. Willowsford’s network of forests, fields, wetlands, and open space provides places for wildlife to live and move through the landscape.

If you spot an Eastern Box Turtle while you're out exploring, enjoy the sighting from a distance and let it continue on its way.

Sep 28

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Looking for something fun for your child on their day off?

Bring them to our Nature-Inspired Arts & Crafts program on October 12!

During this two-hour drop-off program, kids will use found and upcycled materials to create their own local habitat inspired by places they might find around Willowsford—ponds, meadows, forests, and more. Along the way, they’ll discover how everyday materials can be reused instead of becoming waste.

Each child will also choose one simple action they can take going forward, from using less plastic to recycling cardboard, and share their idea with their grownups.

A little creativity, a little nature, and a chance to give some everyday “trash” a second life.

Date: October 12 | 10am-12pm
Location: Boat House 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105
Ages: All School ages
Cost: $12

This is a drop-off program. Please send your child with a water bottle and snacks if needed.

Learn more and purchase tickets using the link in the comments below!

Sep 24

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It is the 18th week of the Summer CSA season!! Thank you to our friends @gatheringsprings for the Yellow onion and Delicata squash!! See you at the Boat House tonight or the Farm Stand on Saturday!

Sep 21

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Ever wondered how photographers get those incredible wildlife photos?

We’ve invited Jeff Mauritzen, a National Geographic Expeditions photographer, to share his tips and tricks for capturing wildlife in the field!
Jeff will talk about finding the right light, composing a great shot, and getting the most out of the camera you already have, including your phone.

When: October 5th | 5 pm-6 pm
Where: Sycamore House- 23506 Founders Dr, Ashburn, VA 20148
Pricing: $12

Interested in joining us? The link to learn more and register is in the comments!

Sep 19

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The work never stops on the farm, and neither does our team!

There’s always something happening in the fields. Right now, the farm team is checking on growing produce, putting new plants in the ground, and preparing the fields for what’s ahead.

A lot of work happens behind the scenes to keep the farm growing and producing food for our community. Every day brings something new, and our farm team is always ready to get to work.

Here's a little look at what’s been happening around the farm lately!

Sep 18

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One of the best parts of Willowsford Conservancy is the community built by our volunteers. Long-time volunteers welcome new faces, friendships grow, and everyone comes together with a shared appreciation for the farm, the land, and the work that keeps it thriving.

Our volunteers play an essential role in caring for the Conservancy and creating a place where our community can connect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Together, our volunteers contribute more than 2,000 hours each year across the farm, land stewardship, and community events. Their time, energy, and dedication make a meaningful difference every day.

To all of our volunteers, thank you for the care you bring, the work you do, and the community you help create. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

Sep 16

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Have you heard about our Nature Journaling program happening next week?

Join us and our friends at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a creative and playful way to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural world.

No experience is needed, and all ages and skill levels are welcome!

Come ready to explore, notice, and put what you see on paper.

The program is free, but seats are limited so sign up today!

Sep 15

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Just a girl, her flowers, and a whole lot of sunshine

Our chickens do more than just provide eggs; they’re an important part of our regenerative farming practices!

We rotate the chickens through different areas of the farm, giving them access to fresh vegetation while allowing previously grazed areas time to recover. The vegetation provides more than just a tasty snack, too. Plants offer shade and protection from the elements, helping our flock stay comfortable while they explore their surroundings.

As the chickens scratch, peck, and forage, they return nutrients to the soil—making these feathered farm helpers an important part of the farm ecosystem.

Farm life looks pretty good from where she’s standing!

Sep 11

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We caught a Wild Turkey on the trail camera!

Wild turkeys are a familiar sight around Willowsford, and seeing them on camera is always a fun reminder of the wildlife that shares this place with us.

A few fun facts:
- Turkeys forage for seeds, nuts, berries, and insects on the forest floor.
- Their eyesight is excellent, about three times sharper than ours!
- At night, they roost in trees to stay safe from predators.

We love getting these little glimpses of the wildlife living around us.

Sep 9

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A little behind-the-scenes work from our Land Stewardship team! They’ve been out replacing boards along the boardwalk and keeping up with the many little maintenance projects that help keep Willowsford looking its best.

With all the recent wet weather, everything is growing like crazy, which means there’s plenty to keep the team busy. A lot of their work happens behind the scenes, but it makes a big difference in keeping our trails, landscapes, and open spaces safe, welcoming, and cared for.

Sep 8

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September is shaping up to be a busy month at Willowsford Conservancy, with plenty of opportunities to get outside, connect with neighbors, and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

This month’s events include our Native Plant Sales, Willowsford 101, Bonfire & Camp Over, and Nature Journaling. We’ll also have regular Farm Stand and Boathouse hours throughout the month, with fresh, locally grown produce and other offerings available.

If you’re interested in joining us for the Bonfire & Camp Over or Nature Journaling, be sure to sign up in advance, as registration is required for these events.

Visit our website to view the full calendar, learn more about each event, and register. We hope to see you around Willowsford this September!

Sep 4

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Fall is coming, and we're looking for local makers, growers, artists, and small businesses to join us for the 4th annual Harvest Market on Saturday, October 24, from 9 am- 1 pm at the Willowsford Farm Stand.

The Harvest Market brings together our Farm Stand, a vibrant Makers Market, wagon ride farm tours, a food truck, and hundreds of community members for a celebration of the season.

Since launching in 2023, the market has grown from 20 vendors to nearly 40, making it a great opportunity to get your products in front of a local audience and connect with the Willowsford community.

Vendor Fees:
• Willowsford Resident – $15/booth
• Non-Resident – $25/booth
• Kid’s Corner – $5/booth

Vendor acceptance notifications will begin soon, so now is the time to get your application in! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s Harvest Market.

Interested in being a vendor? Visit the link in our bio to apply.

Sep 3

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It is the 16th week of the Summer CSA season! Thank you to our friends at @gatheringsprings for the yummy peppers! Come see us at the Boat House tonight and at the Farm Stand on Saturday!!

Aug 21

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Volunteers needed! Join us to harvest okra for neighbors in need! Your efforts will directly support Anna Sudha Community Kitchens, providing meals to those in need. No experience needed, just a willingness to help. Sign up at the link in bio! #HarvestForGood #CommunitySupport