EVENTS

OCHCF - VWL SPRING STEWARDSHIP EVENT
May 17th (5-7PM) &
May 18th, (9-1130AM) 2024
On-Line Registration Now Open

May 17th Friday evening, from 5-7 PM, OCH Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) in collaboration with Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), invites you to a cocktail reception and landowner panel discussion at Meredyth Pavillion. Gain invaluable insights into conservation management straight from the “horse’s mouth”! Facilitated by VWL Director, Dr. Amy Johnson, a panel of landowners will share their firsthand experiences in stewarding bird-friendly horse pastures and hay fields, native pollinator meadows, bluebird trails, and more!

Register for Friday Night

raestonedvm@ochcf.org

The excitement continues Saturday morning from 9-1130AM as we embark on a guided tour of Broad Hollow Farm in OCH territory. Whether you prefer traveling on foot, horseback, or by gator, there’s a mode of transportation for everyone. Led by VWL biologists and local conservation professionals, participants will have the opportunity to explore native meadows and observe local wildlife and their preferred habitats up close, while learning about effective conservation practices.

After the tour, join us for a casual picnic where teams reconnect, share experiences, and engage with our native plant and wildlife experts. Discover how you can enhance biodiversity stewardship on your land. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community committed to preserving our natural environment for future generations!

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Previous Events

The Middleburg Conservation Speed Dating Workshop
February 2, 2024 ~1-4 PM
The Hill School Peard Building

130 Madison Street

Middleburg, VA 20117

This workshop was a great hands on opportunity for our landowners and managers to meet directly with representatives of Fauquier County agencies all in one place, without playing phone tag or trying to decipher multiple agency websites!

Each participant received a large scale printed map of their own land to use during the workshop and to keep for reference later.

Space is limited, please reserve your spot by contacting Justin Proctor

(607) 229-6255 or ProctorCJ@si.edu

OCHCF will host drinks and snacks

OCHCF Thanks Ms. Brooke McDonough, Communications & Development Assistant | Virginia Working Landscapes for the above photos

OCH Conservation Foundation 4th Annual Fall Trailride & Hike Sunday October 22, 2023 9:00 - 11:30 am

To be held at the home of Lilla and Chris Ohrstrom:
Lee Hall 6073 Herringdon Rd. The Plains, VA

Living in harmony with nature is a priority for Lilla and Chris Ohrstrom. They moved the historic Lee Hall, built in 1918, from Kenbridge VA in 1995 and continued salvaging abandoned buildings to create their home. Lilla’s favorite method of gardening is to let things grow untended for three years then edit what’s not helpful to the native species. The land is in conservation easement and efforts are continuously adjusted to preserve wildlife habitats and promote native species. Lilla will lead the trailride and Chris will lead the group on foot. Following the tours, participants are invited to the house for refreshments and discussion.

OCHCF educational events provide for youth and adult participation and include guided trail rides and nature walks within the historic equestrian and fox-hunting countryside.
To preserve our natural landscapes for future generations, OCHCF programs enhance connections with Nature, while emphasizing the importance of protecting open space and wildlife habitats. Experts in native plants, local wildlife, conservation ecology, watershed protection and sustainable agriculture lead OCHCF nature walks on trails maintained by the foundation.

OCHCF Spring Event ~ May 19 & 20, 2023

Friday evening Cocktails and the Seminar, Modern Stewardship Practices to Conserve, Expand and Connect Wildlife Habitats, were hosted by Jacqueline B. Mars at Meredyth Pavilion.

The discussion was led by Dr. Amy Johnson, Conservation Biologist and Director Virginia Working Landscapes, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Hear what a few of the Spring Event Attendees had to say:

"This is the most I have learned in a single day since medical school!" Michael Olding, MD

Michael Olding MD

Professor of Surgery

"We loved the variety of bird song this summer, as we hacked through the paths we and our neighbors created by letting our meadow grasses grow well into July. Previously, we wanted a tidy, mown look to our fields, unaware of the effect on our native birds. We will never make hay before mid-July again! "

Shannon Davis

Owner - Little River

Saturday morning sixty participants met at Mark and Melissa Winchester’s Westborne farm.

Participants joined one of three small group Guided Safaris, choosing to explore wildlife habitat management practices on neighboring farms on horseback, by foot or by gator!

Each group was led by a Smithsonian ecologist, providing informative and inspiring insights into best conservation practices.

OCHCF Trail Ride ~ October 21, 2022

The Fall Trail Ride took place at Andrea Currier’s Kinloch Farm on Oct 21, 2022.

Dr. Amy Johnson, a conservation ecologist and Program Director of Virginia Working Landscapes, led the two hour tour from horseback.

The group visited riparian buffer zones planted in native trees and shrubs which protect our watershed and provide critical wildlife habitat and corridors.

Leaving the stream the riders explored the vibrant textures, colors and sounds found in the meadows comprised of native grasses and shrubs.

When meadows are allowed to flourish alongside the hay fields and pastures, the native birds and other wildlife find the nourishment and cover they need to thrive.