Birding Banshee - Second Saturdays: Feb. 8, Mar. 14, April 11, May 9 and June 13, 8:00 am. Whether you're a beginning birder or an expert, you'll be dazzled by the many bird species you'll find at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Bles Park - Third Sundays: Feb. 16, Mar. 15, Apr. 19, May 17, 8:00 am. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is pleased to announce a new regular bird walk at Bles Park located along the Potomac River in eastern Loudoun. More than 175 different species of birds have been observed at Bles Park in a great mix of habitat. Everyone is welcome, whether you are an experienced or beginning birder. Bring binoculars if you have them. Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding the Blue Ridge Center - Fourth Saturdays: Feb. 22, Mar. 28, April 25, and May 23, 8:00 am. This monthly walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES), sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, takes us through fields, woods, and other wildlife-friendly habitat. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve and enjoy the varied birdlife. Meet at the Education Center; bring binoculars if you have them. BRCES is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671); detailed directions at www.blueridgecenter.org. Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

Bluebird Nest Monitoring Program Kickoff - Sunday, February 2, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Sterling Library, Sterling. Lisa McKew of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Bluebird Monitoring Program will provide an orientation on nestbox monitoring and the protocol used for collecting and reporting data. She will give an overview of the program, discuss the current trails being monitored around Loudoun County, and take us through a slide show about Bluebirds, their nesting habits and habitat. Registration required.

Exploring Nature in Winter - Saturday February 8, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES), Neersville. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy naturalists Phil Daley and Paul Miller on this family walk at Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) to discover and discuss how animals and plants survive the coldest months of the year. This will be a relatively easy walk during which we will examine the trees, plants, animal sign, and insects we find along the trails—and hopefully discover some skunk cabbages as they peek their flower heads up through the mud and snow (a sure sign that spring is on its way). We will enjoy a beautiful time to be out of doors in this truly magnificent setting. Directions to BRCES can be found at www.blueridgecenter.org. Reservations are suggested. Questions: Contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528 or pedaley@verizon.net.

The Life of Forests - February 29, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Stone Barn, Morven Park, Leesburg. Forests are a vital part of life, both for wildlife and the world's climate. At this Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy program, Loudoun County Urban Forester Kyle Dingus will describe how forests develop over time and how they are managed within their development cycles. If time permits, Dingus will lead a short walk. Registration required.

Volunteer Orientation – Tuesday March 3, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Vaughan Room, Morven Park, Leesburg. New and returning volunteers are invited to join us for a volunteer orientation. We will cover the basics of what it means to be a Loudoun Wildlife volunteer and highlight our various programs. This is a great opportunity to find out about our current volunteer needs and how you can sign up to help! Limit: 25. Registration required. Questions: Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kim Strader, kstrader@loudounwildlife.org