The Willowsford
Resident Account

Homeowner AccountCody Creswell2022-04-20T21:42:38-04:00

willowsfordconservancyandfarm

willowsfordconservancyandfarm

Feb 28

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Our trail cams had a little surprise for us in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a bobcat prowling through The Grant! Under the cover of darkness, this sleek, spotted neighbor made a rare appearance. Bobcats are not endangered and have wide territorial ranges, but they are still uncommon in our immediate area, so spotting one on camera is definitely an exciting find.

As opportunistic hunters, bobcats will feed on small game and, if available, small livestock. Like with bears, our approach to coexistence is simple: Give them space. We encourage residents not to feed wildlife, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and monitor bird feeders. While bobcats rarely cause conflict with people, they have been known to prey on domestic cats, so keeping pets indoors, especially at night, is the safest choice.

This sighting is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. As a top-level predator, they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and we are happy to have them here in Willowsford.

Feb 24

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If you’ve been out at dusk lately and heard a sudden “peent!”….congratulations, you’ve been serenaded by the American Woodcock! Also known as a “timberdoodle” this plump little creature is a one of a kind forest dwelling shorebird. The woodcock probes for earthworms with its long bill and its set back eyes help it keep an eye out for predators.

The buzzy “peent” call you hear in the video are part of the male’s mating calls heard in the spring around dusk. After several calls, the male will often perform a “sky dance”, flying into the air and spiraling down.

Feb 20

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When the snow melts, the salt on our driveways and roads doesn’t disappear, It flows straight into our streams. ❄️💧

After the recent snow melt, we measured chloride levels in Lenah Run in the Grange village that were nearly double compared to the levels we were measuring before January’s snowstorm.

While concentrations remain far below chronically toxic thresholds that harm aquatic wildlife, this spike is a clear reminder that everything we put on our roads, lawns, and driveways eventually makes its way into our waterways. Whether it’s salt during the winter or fertilizer in the summer, nothing stays put and it all ends up downstream eventually.

Feb 19

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It's Week 8, the LAST week for the 2025 Winter Farmer's Choice CSA! Farmer Andy shares cooking tips about black spanish rasdish as we take a trip around the pack line. Are you an Winter Egg CSA member? Your share continues through the end of April and you can still order a la carte veggies and more!

#Agriculture #shoplocal #eatlocal #loudouncounty

Feb 14

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Love is in the air… and echoing through the trees. 💘

Pileated Woodpeckers form strong pair bonds and often stay with the same mate for life, teaming up to defend territory, and raise their young. This Valentine’s Day weekend (February 13–16), show your love for birds by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global community science event where anyone, anywhere can help track bird populations.

Just spend at least 15 minutes counting the birds you see and submit your observations online, it's that easy. Click the link in our bio to learn how to participate.

Feb 5

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It's week 7 for the 2025 Winter CSA! Farmer Andy takes us around the micro room (packing in a warm space today) for this week's Farmer's Choice.

#agriculture #shoplocal #EatLocal #loudouncounty

Feb 2

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On World Wetlands Day, we’re celebrating the wetlands on our land and the wildlife they support all year long. 💧The clips here showcase just a small portion of the wildlife we captured on trail cams during our wildlife survey last year that utilize and depend on the wetlands and waterways in our community. 🦫

Clip 1: A beaver enjoying a moment by the water’s edge
Clip 2 &3: A hawk having a bath and then having a good shake to dry off
Clip 4: A family of otters passing through
Clip 5: A great blue heron strolling along

Jan 28

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Snow may be on the ground, but birds are still the move!❄️ Staff spotted these birds foraging among the eastern red cedars along Pinewoods Loop Trail in The Grove earlier this afternoon.

Even in below freezing temps, songbirds stay active because staying warm takes constant fuel. Many birds have a very high metabolic demand and birds like chickadees can eat over 30% of their body weight each day. The best food source for our wildlife in the winter? Native plants of course! Planting native plants means more natural food sources, even in winter, helping wildlife get through when survival is tough.

Photo 1: Carolina Chickadee
Photo 2: American Robin
Photo 3: White-throated Sparrow
Photo 4: Dark-eyed Junco
Photo 5: Eastern Towhee
Photo 6: Northern Mockingbird

Jan 22

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It’s week 6 of the Winter Farmer’s Choice CSA! 🥕 the Farm Stand at the Boat House will be open from 4-6PM today, stop by to stock up on fresh foods before the weekend snow storm. Plus @threecapfarms will be there with delicious mushrooms! 🍄‍🟫

Jan 15

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POV: you haven’t signed up for your 2026 CSA yet. 😡🐓

Don’t forget to use the promo code EARLYBIRD2026 to save $20 on your CSA subscription!

Jan 8

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It's Week 5 for the Winter Farmer's Choice CSA! Farmer Andy takes us down the pack line of this heavy box of winter roots and fresh greens.

**WHOOPS! Looks like our audio isn't working... Here's the Farmer's Choice CSA Contents: Extra Evercrisp apples, beets, purple or white daikon radish, carrots, green kale, extra bulk salad turnips, double spinach, and butternut squash
#agriculture #shoplocal #eatlocal #loudouncounty

Jan 1

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2025 brought growth in our fields, our community, and our mission. We’re so thankful for everyone who supported us this past year. Check out this “wrapped” video for a small peak into our highlights of 2025 or read our 2025 Annual Letter at the link in our bio. Here’s to continuing to grow together in 2026! 🌱

Dec 18

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It's Week 4 for the 2025 Winter CSA! Farmer Andy shares what's in this week's Farmer's Choice share as we go around the pack line. All Custom and Egg/FC orders get an extra dozen eggs this week as a gift and we have our Holiday Farm Stand at the Boat House tonight with @threecapfarms @ayrshirefarm @loudounhoney and @countrycottagebakes
Miso Radishes -> https://veryveganval.com/2020/05/17/black-radish-recipe-miso-roasted-black-radishes/

#eatlocal #shoplocal #loudouncounty #farm #agriculture

Dec 17

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What does ‘pasture-raised’ really mean?

Pasture-raised hens aren’t just producing eggs; they are active participants in the farm ecosystem. By rotating them across different pastures, they naturally fertilize the ground, control pests, and prepare the soil for future crops.
At the same time, the hens get to roam, forage, and express natural behaviors, making them healthier and happier. Their work supports the land we grow our food on and strengthens sustainable farming practices.

Pick up Willowsford Farm pasture-raised eggs at our holiday market and support happier hens, healthier soil, and sustainable farms this holiday season.

#pastureraisedeggs #pastureraised #farmfresheggs #eggsfromthefarm #happyhens

Dec 10

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Feed yourself and help feed others. Stop by the Dulles Landing Chipotle on Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 9 pm and show this post. Chipotle will donate 25% of sales to the Willowsford Farm Produce Fund for the Dulles South Food Pantry. Every order makes a difference and helps us get closer to our 2025 goal! Show this flyer when you are paying or order online and use code GGELRAE.

Dec 5

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Our foraged wreath making workshop was the perfect way to kick off the season. Everyone gathered around the tables with bundles of winter greenery, warm drinks in hand, and plenty of creativity. In the end we had a room full of beautiful, personal wreaths. Thank you to everyone who made the night so festive and fun.

Dec 4

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It's the THIRD 2025 Winter Farmer's Choice CSA! Farmer Andy talks lacinato kale, chinese (napa) cabbage and more as we travel down the pack line.

#shoplocal #eatlocal #loudouncounty #farm #agriculture

Dec 2

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Giving Tuesday is here and the winter holidays are just around the corner, a time when there is so much to be thankful for. This year, we’re especially grateful for our growing partnership with the @dullessouthfp and for the incredible community support behind the new Willowsford Farm Produce Fund that we launched just a few months ago. This joint effort strengthens both organizations and provides meaningful, local impact for families in need.

Because of generous supporters like you, since we launched the Produce Fund in early October we have raised more than $10,800 and have already begun delivering produce purchased with your donations. We’re getting close—our goal for 2025 is $15,000. Please help us keep the momentum going this Giving Tuesday. Together, we can provide healthy, organic food to families who need it most and continue building a stronger, more resilient community. To donate, click the link in our bio!

#givingtuesday

Nov 20

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It's the SECOND pickup/delivery for the 2025 Winter CSA! Farmer Andy talks up our Thanksgiving staples share and our Holiday Farm Stand at the Boat House tonight! We will be open from 4pm-7pm with our friends from @threecapfarms @ayrshirefarm @loudounhoney and @countrycottagebakes !

#shoplocal #loudouncounty #eatlocal #farm

Nov 19

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Do you know your squash? Swipe through our guide for a quick look at each variety, then pick up your favorites (or try something new😉) at our Holiday Farm Stand tomorrow, November 20th.