UPCOMING EVENTS
Landowner Meetup with the Clifton Institute
Join the Clifton Institute and OCHCF President Rae Stone for an afternoon at her property in The Plains. This casual gathering is for local landowners interested in managing their properties to benefit native plants and wildlife.
We’ll begin the meetup with introductions before taking a walk around the property to see some of Rae’s conservation projects firsthand. Rae has done a little bit of everything on her property, including extensive Japanese Stiltgrass management, native plantings, and the creation of a beautiful naturalistic garden inspired by the native meadows of the Piedmont, which was designed and installed by Claudia West of Phyto Studio. After the walk, we’ll have a social hour with refreshments.
Meet like-minded landowners, get answers to your trickiest technical questions, and find inspiration for incorporating conservation land management on your own property!
Spaces are limited. Please RSVP to attend by emailing kingram@cliftoninstitute.org.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
2026
Hunt Field Skills Clinic
Participants had the opportunity to improve their confidence, position, and safety in the hunt field during two days of instruction from top event riders and experienced horsemen. The clinics provided personalized coaching in a supportive environment. READ MORE
Nature Walk with Virginia Working Landscapes
On Friday, October 9, from 8–10 a.m., explore a beautiful farm near Atoka, Virginia, with Virginia Working Landscapes Biodiversity Technician Christopher Rademacher.
As we walk through the farm’s grassland, wetland, and riverine ecosystems, we’ll look for migrating birds, discover native plants and wildlife, and take in the colorful beauty of the Virginia landscape in autumn.
From falling leaves to late-blooming flowers, there’s plenty to see this time of year—and you’ll have the chance to learn more about the biodiversity that makes these working landscapes so special.
📅 Friday, October 9
🕗 8–10 a.m.
📍 Farm near Atoka, VA
🌿 Guided by Christopher Rademacher, VWL Biodiversity Technician
Space is limited. Registration is required. Register through Eventbrite .
Specific location details and additional information will be provided to registered participants.
May 25 — Run for Conservation 5K at Stoke
OCH Conservation Foundation joined runners from Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund and other nature enthusiasts for an adventure-style 5K through fields, trails, and rolling hills in support of conservation education and stewardship.
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May 23 — Hunt Country Stable Tour at Stoke Farm
At the 67th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour, OCH Conservation Foundation joined hundreds of visitors at historic Stoke Farm to celebrate equestrian heritage and share the importance of conserving Virginia’s iconic Hunt Country landscapes.
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May 17 & 18 — Spring Conservation Safari
A guided, behind-the-scenes look at land in transition led by conservation experts and local stewards. Discover how thoughtful land management protects both habitat and heritage.
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March 27 — Conservation Speed Dating Workshop
Hosted at the Middleburg Community Center, the workshop brought together landowners and conservation leaders from Virginia Working Landscapes, Blue Ridge PRISM, Goose Creek Association, and other organizations to discuss habitat stewardship, land management, and conservation partnerships across the Piedmont.
View Gallery →2025
October 19 — Fall Conservation Trail Ride
Guests joined Dr. Amy Johnson and partners from Virginia Working Landscapes for a day of conservation education, exploring practical habitat stewardship strategies including pond management, meadow restoration, nest boxes, and stream buffer protection across Virginia’s rural landscape.
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2025 Spring Conservation Safari
In partnership with Virginia Working Landscapes , guests explored biodiversity research, wildlife corridors, and habitat restoration across the Orange County Hounds territory through immersive field tours led by conservation scientists and local land stewards.
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February 2, 2025 — Orlean Community Meeting
Hosted in partnership with Citizens for Fauquier County and The Old Dominion Conservation and Educational Foundation, this community gathering connected landowners with conservation experts and local organizations focused on protecting Fauquier County’s rural landscapes, natural resources, and agricultural heritage.
Read More →2024
2024 Fall Conservation Trail Ride
Led by Smithsonian ecologist Dr. Amy Johnson and Virginia Working Landscapes, this guided trail ride through Orange County Hounds country combined outdoor recreation with hands-on conservation education focused on biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and land stewardship. View Gallery →
May 17 & 18 — OCHCF & Virginia Working Landscapes Spring Event
Hosted at Meredyth Farm by Jacqueline B. Mars, this event brought together conservation leaders and landowners to explore habitat restoration, biodiversity, and practical stewardship strategies across Virginia’s working landscapes.
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February 2024 — Conservation Speed-Dating Workshop
Hosted in Middleburg, this hands-on workshop connected landowners and producers in the Goose Creek Watershed with conservation experts and organizations offering guidance on stewardship practices and funding opportunities.
View Gallery →2023
2023 Fall Conservation Trail Ride and Hike
Hosted by Lilla and Chris Ohrstrom at their conserved property and historic Lee Hall, this trail ride and hike highlighted native species conservation, wildlife habitat stewardship, and the preservation of Virginia’s rural landscapes.
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May 19 & 20 — Conservation Seminar
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.
View Gallery →2022
Fall Conservation Trail Ride
Hosted at Andrea Currier’s Kinloch Farm, this guided horseback tour was led by Dr. Amy Johnson of Virginia Working Landscapes and explored riparian buffer restoration, native meadows, wildlife habitat, and conservation practices that support biodiversity across Virginia’s Piedmont.
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