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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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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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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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Aug 20

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Aug 19

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This is what the Willowsford Conservancy is all about.

Some days, that looks like hundreds of people gathering for Pollination Celebration. Other days, it’s neighbors catching up at Community Night at the Farm Stand, kids running around outside, families spending time together on the farm, or volunteers getting their hands dirty helping harvest produce from the fields.

Our mission is to protect the land, support sustainable agriculture, and create opportunities for people to connect with nature and the farm. We believe that when people have the opportunity to explore the outdoors, see where their food comes from, and experience the land firsthand, they build a deeper appreciation for the places they call home. Just as importantly, we want to create spaces where people can connect with each other.

The events and experiences may look different, but the goal is always the same: bringing people together, connecting our community to the land, and celebrating what makes Willowsford Conservancy so special.

Aug 12

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It’s almost time for Back to School! Join us this Saturday as we celebrate at the Farm Stand!

Bring the family out for a morning of fun with wagon ride farm tours, face painting, and all the fresh produce and baked goods you need for those lunch boxes!

Show your school spirit by wearing something from your school or alma mater and receive 10% off your Farm Stand purchase!

Aug 11

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What is a Lemon Cucumber? Listen to Farmer Charlotte tell you a little bit about what a lemon cucumber is and how to use it! 🍋🥒

Aug 6

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It is Week 12 of the Summer CSA season and it’s a B Week!! Come out to the Boat House tonight to grab @killertpizza and Christina’s Hot Sauce!! 🍕🌶️

Aug 5

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WHOO’s ready for an unforgettable evening? 🦉

August 12th from 5pm- 6pm, we’ll be welcoming live owl ambassadors for a special program all about these incredible birds and the amazing adaptations that make them such successful nighttime hunters.

Discover how owls use their incredible vision, powerful hearing, and silent flight to navigate the night. Along the way, you’ll learn about their unique behaviors, hear the truth behind common owl myths, and find out how we can help support owl populations in our own communities.

This small-group experience is a chance to get up close with these remarkable raptors, learn from a wildlife educator, and see what makes owls truly one of a kind. You may even get the chance to snap a selfie with one of our feathered guests!

Reminder: This is a ticketed event; advance registration is required, and spots are limited. Secure your place by visiting the Events section on our website. Tickets are first come, first serve.

Admission: 13+ $25/ Person, 2-12 $15/person, 2 years old and under
is free

Jul 28

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Jul 22

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Meet the Monarchs

Our Land Stewardship interns have been caring for a tiny army of monarch caterpillars, watching them grow from tiny eaters into beautiful green chrysalises.

To keep them healthy, our interns collected fresh milkweed two to three times a day. Milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, making it essential to their survival and one of the best native plants you can add to your landscape to support monarchs and other pollinators.

Now safely tucked inside their chrysalises, they're undergoing one of nature's most remarkable transformations. We can't wait to watch these monarchs emerge as butterflies and take their first flights.

Join us at our Pollination Celebration this Saturday, July 25th, for a chance to see them up close and learn more about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem!

Jul 21

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