Program and Event Descriptions:

Birding Banshee ― Saturday, July 9, 8:00 a.m. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. Questions: contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

Butterflies of Loudoun Identification Class and Field Session — Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL - WAITLIST ONLY Learn about tips and tricks for identifying 55 of our 85 local butterflies. Nicole Hamilton will lead the class in an indoor session.  Then everyone will head out to the gardens and wild, weedy areas at Ida Lee to see and identify as many butterflies as we can. This is a great way to hone your skills and get ready for our 15th Annual Butterfly Count in August!  Participants will be provided with a Butterflies of Loudoun Field Guide for the 55 species covered during the class, All experience levels are welcome. Meet in the downstairs classroom at Ida Lee Park and please bring a lunch.  Registration required: PROGRAM FULL - WAITLIST ONLY Sign Up Online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.

Batty about Bats! ― Wednesday, July 20, at the Broadlands Community Center 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Join us as we welcome Leslie Sturges of Bat World NOVA and learn about the fascinating world of nature’s only flying mammals and their important role in our ecosystem.  Loudoun County is home to seven species of bats, some of which are common and some rare.  After the lecture we will walk around the community center and eavesdrop on bats’ ultrasonic calls as they forage for bugs.  This free, family program is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Broadlands Wildlife Habitats Committee.  The Broadlands Community Center is located at 43008 Waxpool Rd, Broadlands. Questions: contact Laura McGranaghan at lmcgranaghan@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding the Blue Ridge Center — Saturday, July 23, 8:00 a.m. On the fourth Saturday of each month (except December), Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a free bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES). This beautiful 900-acre preserve is located on Harpers Ferry Road, Rt. 671, in northwestern Loudoun County. Only a few miles south of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the property includes meadows in the valley and heavily forested slopes on the Blue Ridge. Meet at the Visitor Center. The Blue Ridge Center is located just north of Neersville, at 11611 Harpers Ferry Road (Rt 671).  Detailed directions can be found on the website, www.brces.org . Questions: contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

Dragonflies and Damselflies of Loudoun Field Trip — Sunday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Join Andy Rabin and Kevin Munroe on a free, fun, and informative day of “dragon-hunting” as we visit some of the best dragonfly and damselfly habitats in the county.  Learn how to catch, handle, identify, and release these insects.  Bring an insect net if you have one (some extra nets will be provided), a hat, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, water, and binoculars.  We may be walking off-trail through some tall vegetation.  To get the most out of this trip you will want to be an active participant, so be prepared for the possibility of getting your feet wet and muddy.  Adults and interested children are welcome.  Meet at Bles Park in Ashburn (for directions http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=924).  Registration required – limit 12 participants.  To register and for questions, please e-mail Andy Rabin at stylurus@gmail.com(preferred) or call 703-723-6926.

A Hummingbird Evening — Sunday, July 31, 5:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. Join Dr. Emily Southgate at her home near Middleburg, Virginia to hear a short informative talk about these amazing creatures and spend time on Emily’s porch in the midst of dozens (yes dozens!!) of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feeding in a thrilling spectacle. Registration required.  Please call Emily at 540-687-8291 or email her at ewbsouthgate@gmail.com  to reserve a time between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and to get driving directions.

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