Bull Run Mountains

Garter snakes are on the move at the Preserve, find out more about their natural history storiessss.

Liliana Ramirez, a Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation student, begins her project this week surveying vegetation at the Preserve through an ethnobotanical lens.

Next up in the Spring Spotlight Species, we focus on the lifecycle and behavior of the spotted salamander, a poisonous amphibian.

The first flowering plant at the Preserve has a variety of secrets to its success, beyond a memorable name.

Barinaale Dube and Summers Cleary presented on the Preserve’s Cultural History Project to Prince William County’s RELIC Room early in March. Read about their work and watch the recording of their presentation here.

Explore three native woodland orchids that are easier to find during winter right here in the Preserve!

View Preserve Volunteer Archeologist, Patrick O’Neill’s virtual presentation to the Prince William County RELIC Room on the history of an African American quarrying neighborhood in the Preserve.

Investigate the next #sciencesaturday species, witch hazel, and how this winter loving plant has a special relationship with moths.

Outreach Assistant, Becky Conway, explains the importance of vernal pools to Sweetheart Hike attendees; Image: Summers Cleary Thank you to the brave souls who ventured out with us on the first round of chilly Sweetheart Hikes at the Preserve these past two weekends! How incredible was it to be talking about the evidence and presence…

Partridgeberry (Mitchell repens) is easily identified by the two eyes or spots on its red berries! Image: Summers Cleary As Valentine’s Day has come and gone, I hope nobody is sick of the color red, as that is one of the best ways to identify our next winter spotlight species for #sciencesaturday! Partidgeberry (Mitchella repens) might…