Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Practice intentionally focusing your senses on the present moment while walking in a beautiful natural setting. Connect with your body and nature to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost well-being. Notice sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and the rhythm of your steps without judgment, allowing your mind to wander and gently return to the experience.​​

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Take a stroll around Lake Ballard and beyond with local birding experts (or by yourself) to identify birds in the area by sight and sound before the preserve opens to the public. Bring binoculars or spotting scope for best viewing.​​

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Join tree expert D.W. Coble to learn seasonal identification skills that go beyond the leaves. Discover how to identify local deciduous trees by bark, shape, and buds, and explore the strategies evergreens and dormant plants use to survive the cold.

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Practice intentionally focusing your senses on the present moment while walking in a beautiful natural setting. Connect with your body and nature to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost well-being. Notice sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and the rhythm of your steps without judgment, allowing your mind to wander and gently return to the experience.​​

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Join us for an immersive, two-day Boating Safety Education Course led by Mike Reiss, the 2025 NASBLA Virginia Boating Educator of the Year. Managed by the VA Department of Wildlife Resources, this classroom experience covers everything from navigation signs to safe operations and practices. After passing the final exam, you’ll walk away with the official completion card required to legally operate a vessel in Virginia.

Help us maintain the Preserve's trails and common areas! Come ready to remove invasive plants, rake, prune, pull weeds, and sweep. We appreciate our volunteers, and your help goes a long way toward allowing others to enjoy the natural wonders here!

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