Bull Run Mountains Preserve

10/27/2026

On Friday, October 30th, please consider joining VOF staff for a 3.5-mile night hike exploring the cemeteries of the Preserve at Bull Run Mountains.

During this hike, we will discuss the mountain folklore collected by the WPA in the 1930s and cultural history of the preserve with a special focus on the variety and diversity of burial practices represented within the mountain community.

Come ready with a spooky tale of your own, if you are so inclined to share.

Please bring a headlamp or flashlight, good shoes for hiking, and dress appropriately for a cold October night.

Please reach out with any questions about this hike to Preserve Specialist Deneith Reif ([email protected])

10/01/2026

It is the time of year when our Mountains' resident timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) population heads back into their hibernaculums, or dens, for the winter.

These unique and fascinating animals are important keystone predators in our local ecosystem and one of the last few remnants of a wild past here in the human dominated landscape of Northern Virginia.

Our timber rattlesnake population is a small, disjunct relictual population that is seperated from its nearest neighbors in the Shenandoah mountain ranges of Virginia and the Catoctins in Maryland.

Despite its scientific name, these snakes are anything but horrible, as some of the least defensive venemous snake species one could come across. They typically use their rattle to warn threats far before they strike, as they don't want to waste their venom on non-food items. And generally, would much prefer to be left alone.

Here are some quick tips to help coexist with these wild neighbors:

🐍 Watch where you step when hiking and be mindful when stepping over logs. Never stick your hands or feet into rocky crevices, thick brush, or animal burrows without looking first.

🐍 Stay on the trail: Avoid scrambling up loose rock faces or talus slopes during peak migration months.

🐍 Secure your property: Clear away large woodpiles, brush, and debris near your home. Seal up foundation cracks and gaps under concrete porches where snakes might try to overwinter.

🐍 Give them space: If you stumble upon a venemous snake, just back away slowly. Rattlesnakes generally do not like being seen and will leave areas of human presence as soon as they feel safe to do so. They are not aggressive but will defend themselves if cornered, or stepped on. Attempting to kill a snake puts you at much greater risk of being bitten and harming or killing them is illegal within our state. Please find a licensed professional to remove them from your home or property if necessary.

09/28/2026

We are thrilled to announce that VOF has awarded $2,099,672 in Preservation Trust Fund grants to support 11 open-space conservation and community projects across the Commonwealth! 🌿

From expanding local parks to protecting working family farms, scenic river corridors, and vital wildlife habitats, these projects will help preserve Virginia's natural beauty and expand public outdoor access for generations to come.

Congratulations to all of our grant recipients:

• Boxerwood Education Association (Rockbridge Co.)
• Bryant Land Company (Southampton Co.)
• Richlands Farm (Culpeper Co.)
• Stevenson Farm (Smyth Co.)
• City of Danville
• Crystal Springs Farm (Sussex Co.)
• Envision Critz, LLC (Patrick Co.)
• Friends of Dragon Run (Middlesex Co.)
• Long Meadows Farm (Bedford Co.)
• Town of Boones Mill (Franklin Co.)
• Town of Woodstock (Shenandoah Co.)

Read the project summaries and learn more about our grant programs: https://www.vof.org/2026/09/25/vof-awards-2m-in-grants-to-11-open-space-projects/

Latest grants supports projects to protect working farms, historic landscapes, and public parks.

09/24/2026

We were proud to join our partners in Stafford County Government, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), Marine Corps Base Quantico, and others for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tank Creek Preserve near Patawomeck Park this afternoon. NVCT’s acquisition of this 20-acre parcel was supported by a grant from VOF’s Preservation Trust Fund and exemplifies NVCT’s motto of “Saving nearby nature.” We know residents of Stafford will enjoy the preserve for generations to come.

09/17/2026

This week, VOF celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Executive Mansion, where First Gentleman Adam Spanberger presented a proclamation from Governor Abigail Spanberger recognizing September 15 as Virginia Outdoors Foundation Day.

We were honored to gather with past and present VOF trustees and staff, along with partners from land trusts, state agencies, and members of the General Assembly. Their dedication over six decades has helped protect open space and special places across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone moment. Here are a few photos from the event!

09/05/2026

It was an honor for us at the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to be asked by our partners at the Virginia Natural Heritage Program to help celebrate their 40th annniversary with this special event!

09/02/2026

VOF conservation assistant Rachel Watts recently joined field zoologists from the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for a freshwater mussel survey on the Cowpasture River in Bath County.

The team surveyed a 344‑acre VOF easement—protected since 1994—which includes more than two miles of river frontage. After the landowner kindly granted access, DCR used the site to investigate potential mussel habitat.

Using aqua scopes, the team searched the riverbed, identifying, sexing, and measuring the mussels they found. These surveys help DCR better understand mussel populations and map critical habitat across Virginia.

Want to learn more about freshwater mussels and DCR’s statewide mapping efforts? Visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/insights/mussel-hotspots-mapped

08/28/2026

🌿 Thank you, Bessie Weller Elementary School, for sharing this wonderful update on the Weller Woods Learning Trail. We’re proud that VOF’s grant helped launch this project, and grateful to the many partners and volunteers who brought it to life.
Weller Woods has quickly become a special place for exploration and discovery, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow with community support. Congratulations to everyone involved! 💚

08/27/2026

Insect buffs, pretty moth enjoyers, and nocturnal naturalists of all ages- come and join VOF's Preserve Staff for a Black Lightning event while summer nights are still warm.

What is this?
A chance to observe a diversity of moths, beetles, and plenty of other insects rarely seen together, such as the impressive Hercules beetle, acorn weevil, or lovely mantid lacewing.

Where is it?
The NORTH section of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, NOT the South Section.
The North Section is an area of the preserve that is facilitated-access-only. It is about 20 minutes by car away from the South Section Trailhead. Please email Conservation Specialist, Deneith Reif, at [email protected] to RSVP and get the meeting address.
Park in the lot below the Stone House on the hill. You'll see lamps where the turn-off is from Bull Run Mountain Road onto Hungry Run.

When?
Friday, August 28th 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm.

What to Bring:
Flashlights, headlamps, repellent (tick prevention!), water, and your curiosity.

This is a family-friendly event. As with all preserve special events, please respect preserve rules and, in this case, the entomologist's setup and guidelines.

Please be aware that there are no facilities on the north section of the preserve. The gravel road in is uneven; drive carefully, especially after dark!

For any questions, please email Preserve Specialist Deneith Reif at [email protected].

08/26/2026

Project Spotlight: VOF is proud to support the development of the Appomattox River Trail, which will extend 25 miles from Lake Chesdin on the Dinwiddie-Chesterfield county lines to the confluence with the James River in Hopewell. We have provided grants to FOLAR - Friends of the Lower Appomattox River and Capital Region Land Conservancy to help acquire property that was transferred to Chesterfield County and the City of Petersburg to be managed for public access. Visit our YouTube channel to hear from partners about the significance of this trail and see more of the stunning beauty it has to offer. Link in bio.

08/03/2026

To celebrate Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage's (DCR-DNH) 40th anniversary, special events throughout Virginia are being offered that highlight the conservation of habitats enabled by and their Natural Area Preserve system.

We at are joining in on these festivities by co-hosting one with them at BRMNAP!

Led by Joe Villari of Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Mike Lott of Virginia Natural Heritage, you'll take a trip to visit the "High Point" section of the Preserve which is closed to regular visitation due to previous ecological damage. Enjoy scenic views and unique geology plus rare forest and woodlands along the way. The trip will focus on understanding public access impacts and the ability to recover sites like High Point once degraded. The hike will cover 5-6 miles and involve a section of steep and unmaintained trail.

Other Details
Registration required: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/fdaedebc01b14762addd1c0eb046f623?field:event_id=5

Date: August 29, 2026. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5 hours; Rain date: Aug. 30
Location: Bull Run Natural Area Preserve, 17502 Beverley Mill Dr, Broad Run, VA 20137
Maximum capacity: 10
Age: Kids of any age are welcome if they're able to complete the hike
Pets: No
Clothing: Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.
Supplies: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Amenities: None

Participants should be able to:
Understand and follow directions to avoid/manage risks.
Tolerate the elements including temperature for the duration.
Traverse unpaved and uneven trails.

07/20/2026

👏Congrats to Appomattox farmer Glenn Dye on receiving Virginia Farmer of the Year honors from the prestigious Sunbelt Ag Expo. He owns and operates Promise Land Farm on 901 acres of VOF-protected land in Appomattox County. You can read more about his stewardship of the land and interest in cutting-edge ag technology in the link posted below.

Congratulations to Glenn Dye, of Promise Land Farm in Appomattox, on being named the 2026 Virginia Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Ag Expo!🚜🌾
This recognition highlights Glenn’s outstanding commitment to sustainable farming, community leadership, and his dedication to keeping Virginia’s agricultural industry thriving.
Join us in congratulating Glenn in the comments below, and read more about his story and his farming operation here: https://sunbeltexpo.com/2026-virginia-farmer-of-the-year-glenn-dye/

07/04/2026

It's that... sweet... time of year again!

Consider joining VOF Preserve Staff on Saturday, July 11th for the manual removal of the non-native wineberry bush and the collection of its sweet fruit.

This tasty but invasive plant needs removal so that our native plants can thrive, and we need your help.

The collection of the edible berries is encouraged to prevent the spread of seeds. Wineberry, Rubus phoenicolasius, is closely related to the native raspberry, Rubus strigosus.

Where: We'll meet at the trailhead by the kiosk at the end of Beverly Mill Drive
When: We're starting a little earlier than we normally do for hikes (8:30!) so we can beat the heat and eat the berries!

Bring: leather gloves (wineberry has thorns), water, and collection containers. Also bring your preferred insect / tick repellent and appropriate footwear.

Looking forward to a fun and fruitful day of ecosystem management!

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

07/02/2026

The Virginia Eastern Box Turtle Project – Call for Volunteers!

*UPDATE: THE SCBI TURTLE STUDY VOLUNTEER ROSTER IS NOW FULL, THANKS TO YOU ALL*

Our partners at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and The Clifton Institute are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with ongoing research on Eastern Box Turtles here at BRMNAP.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to local conservation efforts while gaining hands- on experience in wildlife research.

Volunteers will work alongside a trained researcher to conduct turtle surveys in forested habitats. Fieldwork involves hiking off trail in varying terrain and weather conditions. Participants should be comfortable spending 3-4 hours outdoors, rain or shine, on weekday mornings (Monday – Friday).

Surveys are designed with the ultimate goal of estimating the size of the local box turtle population. This is a great opportunity to support meaningful research and contribute to the conservation of a charismatic and ecologically important species.

Details:
Ongoing until October 20th.
Location: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Time: 3 – 4 hours per outing, always in morning (approximately 9am-12pm)
Responsibilities:
- Arrive independently to study site.
- Assist in locating documenting box T
Turtles.
- Hike off trail through wooded areas.
- Follow research protocols
- Comfortable hiking on uneven terrain
- Reliable and able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule
- Have an interest in wildlife conservation

If you are interested in participating, please reach out to [email protected] with your availability and a brief message about your interest.

06/26/2026

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Catletts Trail (Blue Trail) at the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve this weekend.

This new 1-mile, out-and-back trail (for a total 2-mile hike) invites visitors to explore a stunning and previously inaccessible section of the Preserve. The trail follows the serene Catletts Branch stream corridor, offering peaceful waterside views as it winds through lush thickets of mountain laurel and vibrant, fern-dominated seepage swamps.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Catletts Trail serves as an outdoor museum, unlocking a vital chapter of the mountain's rich cultural history. Hikers will pass historic homesites, ruins, and landmarks—such as the Robinson and Charles Corum sites—that tell the deeply moving story of the free African American communities that built lives along these ridges.

A Community Triumph -
Bringing this trail to life required years of research, collaboration, and hard work.
VOF extends its deepest gratitude to the many partners who made this project possible:

The Descendant Community: We are profoundly grateful to the descendants of the mountain's historic families—especially the Robinson, Corum, and Gaskins families—whose invaluable input helps us honor and preserve their ancestors' legacies.

Historical & Archeological Research: Heartfelt thanks to the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County VA., the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Grant Program, archeologist Patrick O’Neill, forensic genealogist Phyllis Scott, and VOF Research Fellows Barinaale Dube and Amber Miller for their dedication to uncovering the deep history of this corridor.

Land Collaboration: Special thanks to the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Piedmont Foundation, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which collaborated with VOF to make this trail possible.

Trail Design & Construction: Incredible gratitude goes to the Virginia Natural Heritage Program (DCR-DNH) and their Regional Supervisor/Northern Region Steward, Michael Lott, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - PATC —especially District Manager Mike Custodio.
Along with the dozens of VOF volunteers from the surrounding community who dedicated their sweat and time to clearing and building this path with us.

Plan Your Visit:
Come out and be among the very first to hike the Blue Trail this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! The Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is open during our summer hours, from 8am to 6pm. We ask that all hikers stay on the designated trail to protect the sensitive ecological habitats and fragile cultural resources along the stream.

06/18/2026

VOF is making $1.8 million available through its Preservation Trust Fund to protect open space in Virginia. Applications are due July 29, 2026.

A free online workshop will be held June 30 from 1–2 p.m. to review requirements and help applicants navigate the process. Register at https://vof.org/ptf.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Read the announcement at https://www.vof.org/2026/06/17/vof-opens-1-8-million-grant-round-for-open-space-projects/

06/15/2026

Grab your coffee and binoculars-
it's prime season to hear the musical morning songs of visiting passerines and other birds here in the Bull Run Mountains.

Join Preserve staff on a 3.5-mile hike to listen and look for forest-dwelling birds like our scarlet tanager, waterthrush, towhee, and many more. This is a good chance to sharpen your identification skills or see something new!

What to bring: Insect / tick repellent, water, snacks, binoculars, and hiking shoes.

Where is it: The public south section of the preserve, located at the end of Beverly Mill Drive. We'll meet near the kiosk board at the trailhead.

When: 5:30 AM on Saturday, June 20th.
The early bird gets the worm. The late hiker gets to catch up to the group!

To RSVP: Head to the BRMNAP meetup page or email Deneith Reif, at [email protected]

If you're adventurous enough to wake up early on a weekend, you will be rewarded with a dawn chorus and a chance to glimpse some special birds!
PS: Please leave your canine companions at home for this and any hike at the preserve.

06/10/2026

New VLCF grant round now open. If you’re working to protect farmland, forests, open spaces, historic sites, or natural areas in Virginia, don’t miss this opportunity. Details from DCR below.

06/09/2026

It was wonderful having the Potomac Green Community Association's nature club come out to explore the preserve's botanical wonders with us this spring.

What other local sites would you recommend to hikers looking for a chance to observe native wildflowers in bloom?

05/13/2026

Awesome conservation news in Henrico County this week as the Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) transferred 61 acres of prime farmland to the Central Virginia Agrarian Community Land Trust (CVACLT). The project was supported by a $400,000 grant from VOF's Preservation Trust Fund.

This project is a win for both conservation and community by:

🌱 Supporting a BIPOC-led initiative to build resilient regional food systems.
🌾 Preserving more than 54 acres of prime farmland along the Virginia Capital Trail.
🛡️ Protecting significant historical resources, including core Civil War battlefield areas where United States Colored Troops (USCT) fought.
💧 Safeguarding water quality with a 100-foot forested buffer along a tributary to Four Mile Creek.

Congratulations to CRLC, CVACLT, and the Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District on this incredible collaborative effort to ensure this land remains a productive and historic resource for generations to come.

Read more about the project: https://capitalregionland.org/2026/05/crlc-transfers-prime-farmland-to-central-virginia-agrarian-community-land-trust/