What we’re about
This group is for those interested in monthly guided hikes, facilitated and led by Virginia Outdoors Foundation Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve staff, that focus on different aspects of a Natural Area Preserve and the native plants and animals it protects.
Each hike has a different trail and theme, and are dedicated to fostering the discovery of the natural ecosystems in the preserve. Topics range from education about those ecosystems and the management strategies in place to protect them, to naturalist hikes that are more for observation or hikes geared towards plant and animal identification or cultural history exploration.
Each hike is informal, with a larger focus on building the community of Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve and giving our hikers a broader view of the preserve and the work that goes in to managing these beautiful habitats. All skill levels and enthusiasts are welcome! Come out and explore the preserve with Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve staff!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Mushroom and Mycology Hike 2025Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve - Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Broad Run, VA
Mushroom Hike 2025
It's that time of year again. After this wet summer, the mushrooms are showing off in bulk!
Whether you're a mycologist, a mushroom enthusiast, or want to know more about these amazing fungi, please come and join VOF's Preserve Staff for a hike to search and identify mushrooms on our preserve's south section.What is this? A chance to learn about mushrooms and identifying techniques while hiking under the beautiful fall foliage. The hike will be an easygoing 3 miles total.
Where is it? The South Section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. Park at the end of Beverly Mill Drive. We will meet at the trailhead there.
When? Saturday, September 13th 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What to Bring: Water, a snack, repellent (tick prevention!), cameras, and your curiosity.What is this NOT? This is not a chance to forage. As tasty as some of the mushrooms might be, we will leave the fungi where we find them on the preserve.
(Here's your reminder that there are no dogs allowed on preserve trails. Thank you!)For any questions, please email Conservation Assistant Deneith Reif at dreif@vof.org
Hope to see you there!
PS: Remember, if you have RSVPed and then decide that you cannot come, please change your status so that others on the waiting list can be signed up. Thank you!
- Art en Plein Air at the PreserveBull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve - Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Broad Run, VA
Welcome, artists! Whether you are itching to find a beautiful spot to practice watercolor or you would like to just pretend to draw outside, please bring your supplies to this short guided hike & art en plein air at the preserve.
What is this? Conservation Assistants will lead groups of artists/hobbyists to one or two (depending on how many sign up) choice scenic locations within the preserve. The hike will be less than a mile. There is no structured how-to art project for this one, but a chance to get creative along with other artists in the beautiful fall weather. This is for everyone.
Where is it? The South Section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. Park at the end of Beverly Mill Drive. We will meet at the trailhead there.
When? Saturday, September 27th 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What to Bring: Water, a snack, repellent (tick prevention!), sunblock, art supplies, and a camping chair/stool to sit on.
Please note that this preserve practices a strict Leave No Trace Policy. No mess is left behind and nothing is removed from the preserve. For that reason, there will be no incorporation of leaves, berries, mushrooms, etc., into anyone's art and everything will be left as we found it.
The Virginia Outdoors Foundation is proud to team up with the Warrenton Arts Commission for this artistic communal event at the preserve. To learn more about WAC, visit https://warrentonartscommission.org/
For any questions, please email Conservation Assistant Deneith Reif at dreif@vof.org
Hope to see you there!
