Events
Wood Engraving and Relief Printing Workshop at Oak Springs Garden
Overview:
Discover the timeless art of wood engraving, one of the oldest and most intricate printmaking techniques. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to relief printing, where carefully carved woodblocks are inked to produce detailed, stunning images. The process involves using hardwoods like Lemon, Lime, Holly, Pear, or Box—cut against the grain for delicate and precise lines that can be shaped in any direction.
This enriching introductory workshop, will begin with a visit to the Library to explore a variety of wood engravings, drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary works. The course will then dive into practical demonstrations, covering essential cutting techniques like white and black line engraving, creating tone, and discovering the diverse possibilities for printing. Transitioning to application, participants will engrave their own blocks for printing, blending mono-printing, collage, and multi-block printing to tell a visual story.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will guide you through the process of producing quality prints, all while emphasizing the mininmal tools and materials required to become an expert printer maker.
Please note, this event does not include a formal site tour and participants will not have access to any other location outside of the provided classroom space and the Library.
Required Pre-Work:
All participants must bring small, prepared drawings to use as a foundation for workshop projects, as they will serve as starting points for your creative process.
Complimentary Items: All materials for this course will be supplied including woodblocks, engraving tools (small chisels less than 2mm in diameter), premium Japanese conservation paper and all printing supplies.
Participants are welcomed to bring a personal supply of fine papers, utility papers, or fabrics for printing if experimenting with different surfaces is desired.
Bird Box Building at Oak Spring
Join the OSGF Biodiversity Conservation Team for a songbird nest box building.
Overview: Join the Oak Spring Biodiversity Conservation Team for a songbird nest box building workshop. Come learn about the importance of songbird boxes, where to position them on the landscape, how to monitor them, and how to construct one. All participants will be given materials and instruction on how best to build a simple songbird box, that can then be taken home.
Complimentary Items: Light refreshments will be provided at the start of the count.
About OSGF: The Oak Spring estate, protected by Paul and Bunny Mellon as part of a conservation easement, features a rich mixture of fields, meadows, woods, streams, and wetlands. OSGF is actively stewarding the land to protect and foster wildlife communities on the estate. In accordance with the mission of the Foundation, OSGF’s Biodiversity Team is actively working to inventory the diversity of plants and animals on site, cultivate their habitats, and share these biotic treasures with the public.
Wagyu & Whiskey: Taste of Ovoka Farm Tour
Join us for a Taste of Ovoka Farm Tour! Explore the farm and delve into its rich history, get to know our herd up-close, and experience what makes our F1 Wagyu cattle so special. You’ll see inside the historic 1700s Ovoka Manor Home, enjoy sweeping views of the farm and surrounding mountains, learn about our sustainable farming practices, and get to know the team behind our Virginia-raised Wagyu beef.
Throughout the tour, enjoy a sampling of our F1 Wagyu beef (small bites) prepared by our chef, paired with local Virginia whiskey from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. (Please note this is a tasting and not a full dinner).
Turn it into a true getaway and extend your visit with a farm stay at Ovoka Farm. Snuggle up in our cozy cabin or revel in historic luxury in the Manor Home and wake up to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can learn more about our farm stays here. To book a single room in the Manor Home with a special tasting tour rate, select add-on ticket at checkout.
Tickets are limited.
About Catoctin Creek Distillery:
Catoctin Creek, the makers of Virginia’s Most Awarded Whiskey, are renowned for their small batch spirits made from locally-sourced ingredients. Catoctin Creek was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009 as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. Virginia is the birthplace of American whiskey, and at Catoctin Creek, we faithfully dedicate ourselves to that tradition, producing Virginia’s most awarded whisky: Roundstone Rye!
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Unusual Bulbs of the Garden
John Lonsdale will discuss and illustrate a wide variety of the many uncommon and beautiful shade and sun-loving “bulbs” which he grows in his zone 6b garden and greenhouses in Exton, PA. In addition to the true bulbs, such as snowdrops, the presentation will feature plants utilizing tubers, corms and rhizomes – anything that allows geophytes to live through periods of adverse weather. John is particularly interested in pushing the hardiness limits of these plants, and his talk will emphasize methods for their successful cultivation and propagation, especially from seed. The presentation will showcase fall and spring-flowering Cyclamen, Galanthus, Crocus, Sternbergia and Colchicum, as well as a variety of spring-flowering treasures such as Erythronium, Arisaema, Corydalis, Trillium and other less well-known genera. In addition to the presentation, John will bring several specimen potted plants, to further illustrate their beauty and versatility, and cultivation techniques.
A selection of potted bulbs will be available for purchase in addition to complimentary light refreshments.
Please note, this event will take place on the Rokeby Farm portion of OSGF and will not include a tour of the library, formal garden, or main residence.
The Art and Legacy of Miss North: Botanical Painter and Global Traveler
Join us for an engaging lecture and discussion of Lynne Howarth-Gladston’s new book, Marianne North: A Victorian Painter for the 21st Century. This lavishly illustrated book re-assesses the work of botanical painter Marianne North (1830–1890), examining her unique approach to painting, her techniques, and her use of photography. Howarth-Gladston will delve into how North was both an unconventional botanical artist and a technically progressive figure, merging various artistic styles and methods from both scientific and aesthetic viewpoints.
Moderated by Sir Peter Crane, President of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, this lecture will explore how North’s pioneering spirit reshaped the landscape of botanical art. The discussion will situate her as a multi-faceted individual rooted in the complexities of her time, offering a legacy that continues to resonate with modern intersections between art and science, feminism, climate change, and multi-media artistry.
Registration and Arrival:
This event will be capped at 100 attendees. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full. Doors for the lecture will open at 10:00am with light refreshments. The lecture will officially begin at 10:30am.
Please note: Books will be available for purchase exclusively through Middleburg Books and will . To purchase a book, please click here. Books will also be avaible for purchase at the lecture.
Woodland Treasures
John Lonsdale will discuss a wide variety of the many unusual and beautiful woodland plants which he grows in his USDA zone 6b garden in Exton, PA. The presentation will highlight genera such as Trillium, Galanthus, Cyclamen, Corydalis, Podophyllum, Hepatica, Erythronium, Cypripedium, Phlox, Epimedium and Arisaema, many of which are native to the eastern USA. These plants are suitable for a range of habitats in the garden, from dry shade to vernally moist sunlit woodland edges. Although often found in deep shade in the woods, many flourish and flower much better when given more sunny locations and plentiful moisture. Several trees and shrubs will also be included, particularly native deciduous azaleas.
John is particularly interested in pushing the cultivation limits of these plants, and his talk will emphasize methods for their successful growth and propagation, especially from seed. John has constructed two bog gardens to allow cultivation of some of the woodland plants which typically struggle in the garden, and examples of these will be discussed. In addition to the presentation, John will bring several specimen potted plants, to further illustrate their beauty and versatility, and cultivation techniques.
A selection of potted bulbs will be available for purchase in addition to complimentary light refreshments.
Please note, this event will take place on the Rokeby Farm portion of OSGF and will not include a tour of the library, formal garden, or main residence.
Fauquier County Wine Showcase
Valentine’s Dinner at Ovoka Farm
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique dining experience at historic Ovoka Farm. Join Resident Chef Ellie McMillen for a four-course tasting dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of Morocco, featuring the Ovoka F1 Wagyu beef, locally sourced ingredients, and curated wine pairings.
Dine at our intimate community table, where the warm ambiance and shared experience create the perfect setting to celebrate love and connection. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now to make this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable!
Make it a romantic getaway and stay the night in a room in the Ovoka Manor Home and wake up to the beauty of our farm and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Overnight add-on ticket at ticket checkout.
Raise a glass and explore the world via exquisite flavor at the next dinner in our Global Meets Local at the Ovoka Farm Table series.
Valentine’s Day Tasting Dinner
Friday, February 14th
6:30 pm
The Historic Ovoka Farm Manor Home
Paris, Virginia
$135 + service charge
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone at Sky Meadows
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website at https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-for-everyone-tickets-1077599110949 .
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]