Leopold's Preserve

10/16/2026

We are sorry to share that tonight's Halloween Safari with Bull Run Mountains Conservancy has been canceled due to weather concerns.

While this is sad news, we are now even more excited for next week's Halloween Safari! There are still spots open for the 10/23 Safari, 7 PM - 8 PM. Register on Bull Run Mountains Conservancy's website & join us next week for a non-scary night hike through Leopold's!

10/15/2026

This photo was taken on Monday after we received close to 3.5 inches of rain over the weekend. ☔

The rainfall filled up Berry Pond, and our manmade (and then beaver-improved) dam continues to hold up! We started working on the dam around this time last year, and the beavers came along in spring to add finishing touches.

Beaver dams work by creating a barrier that slows the flow of water and causes it to pool on one side. Excess water passes over and slowly through the dam itself, which acts as a natural filter.

10/14/2026

Take 23 seconds to watch our Friday Conservation Corps in action!

Sped up over the course of a morning, this video shows our volunteers thinning a cedar stand and removing invasive vines along Warbler Loop. As the video goes on, watch as more and more sunlight makes its way through the trees to eventually show the field beyond!

By removing these branches and vines, understory plants receive more sunlight, wildlife can move through the area more easily, and the viewshed for our visitors increases. We'll be back to this spot on another Friday morning to chip the removed limbs and mulch the trail!

Friday Conservation Corps is a no-experience-necessary volunteer opportunity held every Friday morning at Leopold's Preserve, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. You can register for Friday Conservation Corps on the Leopold's Preserve Calendar.

10/13/2026

In case you were bummed that last week's didn't include snack time, here's a clip to satisfy your appetite!

Hawks are carnivorous birds of prey that use their hook-tipped beaks and sharp, curved talons to catch and eat their prey. Hawks' prey typically includes small mammals but can also include small songbirds, amphibians, and reptiles.

10/08/2026

We need your help next weekend! 🌱🌎

Join us next Saturday, October 17th, for one or both of our volunteer events! In the morning, get your hands dirty helping us plant 150+ native trees and shrubs along the north section of our Leopold's Loop Trail. In the afternoon, get your feet wet helping us collect litter and clean up Pond 878, our large catch-and-release fishing pond!

More details and registration for both volunteer events can be found on the Leopold's Preserve calendar (PM us for event links).

10/08/2026

Everyone knows that it stinks to step in pet waste. What you may not know is that pet waste has devastating impacts on our environment.

The White House Farm Foundation is excited to announce our partnership with the newly formed Prince William Regional Pet Waste Coalition on the Be Cool. Trash the Stool. Campaign! Our mission is to educate our local community about the negative impacts that pet waste has on our environment and encourage pet owners to properly dispose of their pet’s waste. Bag it, trash it, and help us share the message with the community!

Interested in learning more? Check out our website: kpwb. org/becooltrashthestool
Want to keep updated on all things Be Cool Trash the Stool? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Have any questions? Email us at [email protected].

Welcome to , the pilot campaign of the Prince William Regional Pet Waste Coalition.

We urge the community to protect the natural resources of the Prince William County region by properly disposing of pet waste. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the website linked in our bio to get the scoop on pet waste and how you can prevent it from harming our environment. 🐕‍🗑️

10/07/2026

If you've taken a stroll on Leopold's Loop lately, you may have noticed a few missing trees.

Last month, MB Homestead Services made another visit to the Preserve and took down several snags in the woodlands near Thoroughfare Meadow.

A snag is a dead tree that remains upright, which is great for wildlife, but can also pose a serious safety concern. We leave our snags standing unless they are close to our trails and unstable, which these trees had become. So we called in the professionals!

A huge thank you to MB Homestead Services for taking care of these hazardous trees. MB Homestead Services is a local business based out of Gainesville; give them a call at 571-921-2728 if you're in the market for landscaping, lawn care, or property maintenance!

10/06/2026

Looking through our footage can sometimes result in multiple staff members working to identify the star of the clip. "What about the shape of the bill?" "It matches this photo! Oh, but that's a juvenile." "I wish we could see its body..."

While we can confidently tell you this is a hawk 😉, we're unsure about the particular species (please share your IDs in the comments)! We do love our field marks and dichotomous keys, but it's a good reminder that you don't need them to enjoy a cool video of nature doing its thing.🦅🐿️

10/05/2026

Looking for a way to connect with local nature this weekend?

Join Emily Hampton at her upcoming Forest Bathing event at the Preserve! Happening this Sunday, October 11th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM.

Forest Bathing, also known as Forest Therapy, is a slow, mindful immersion in Nature. Emily, an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) certified guide, will lead you through the forest and show you how to connect with the environment using all of your senses. This practice is deeply grounding and has many health benefits.

These photos are from last year's Fall Forest Bathing event! Register using the Leopold's Preserve Calendar to join this peaceful Sunday morning activity.