Events
Paint Out In the Landscape – Independent Work Session for Artists
About:
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is set in a special landscape that includes rolling hills, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at some vantages, and abundant wildlife. The landscape has served as inspiration for local artists in the past, and presently through our residency and fellowship programs. OSGF is pleased to host this event, which will allow local artists to visit work in our landscape for 4-hours.
This opportunity is designed for practicing artists, such as plein air painters, or other artists who work outdoors, and who are able to bring their own supplies and materials. This event will take place on the Rokeby Farm airstrip at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia. Artists will be asked to stay within a specified acre for the entire program. The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is pleased to host this unique opportunity for practicing artists to visit and paint, draw or create other works inspired by the beauty of the landscape.
This event is designed for practicing artists, such as plein air painters or botanical illustrators, or other artists who work outdoors and who are able to bring their own supplies and materials. We are, therefore, requesting that only artists who are comfortable working independently register for this event.
This event does not include a formal site tour and artists will not have access to the Main Residence, Formal Garden, the Oak Spring Library, or other areas of the property.
What to Bring:
- Any and all necessary art supplies and materials
- An easel (if desired)
- A stool or folding chair to sit on
- Hat and/or sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Water bottle
- Snacks (if desired)
Ecology and History on the Appalachian Trail
Overview: Join the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) and Michael Gaige for a day exploring plant communities and interpreting the landscape on a Northern Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail. This section traverses a number of interesting ecological areas including pine knobs, rocky slopes, rich hardwood hollows, and distant views. Stone walls, old fields, and an abandoned homesites make it all the more interesting providing the perfect adventure to analyze and unpack the formation of various plant arrangements and their response to ecological and human disturbances.
What to Expect: In total, the hike will cover about 6.5 miles (with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain and loss) and is best suited for participants experienced in moderate to strenuous hikes of approximately the same distance. As this is a one-way trail, once started, participants must be able to complete the hike. Participants will initially meet at the Snickers Gap trailhead where an OSGF van will transport the group to the start point of the hike. The hike will end at the same trailhead near parked cars. Note outside of an outhouse, there will not be any restrooms available on the trail so please plan accordingly.
Participants should arrive prepared for an all-day adventure with proper footwear, sufficient water, additional snacks and appropriate dress for the weather, rain or shine. Binoculars and digital cameras encouraged.
The pace of the hike will accommodate discussion of the landscape and breaks but will be attentive to concluding on time.
Invasive Plant Species – Management and Control
Overview: This workshop will be led by Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) staff members Curtis Wurth and Clif Brown. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of several treatment methods for managing invasive plant species.
Following an introductory session about tools and treatments, participants will gain some hands-on experience identifying and learning treatment application methods out on the landscape. Topics to be covered will include: the identification of common invasive plant species, the timing and practical application of available treatment methods and other issues related to the management of current and potential future invasive plant species.
PLEASE NOTE: Do NOT bring your own pruning tools or any plant material.
What to Expect: Participants can expect to walk about 2 miles over uneven terrain. Sturdy walking shoes or boots as well as proper outdoor clothing are required. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided to all participants.
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.
Habitat Detectives
Picnic Area.
Take a walk of exploration with two Virginia Master Naturalists in this series of seasonal walks planned for children. Use your five senses to find clues to how various organisms – plants, animals, and more – work together to survive in this forest community. Recommended age 7 – 11, with parents, of course. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Halloween Costume Contest at Three Fox Vineyards w/Complimentart Line Dancing!
Harry’s Spookacular Halloween Bash
Join us for a spine-tingling evening at Harry’s at Airlie!
Halloween comes alive with live music by Eclectic Company, eerie-sistible drink specials, and our delicious fall menu. Show off your style & creativity in our costume contest for a chance to win gift cards to Harry’s and Topgolf for the best couples and individual costumes!
This event is free and open to the public. Parking available at Airlie. Don’t miss out on the most thrilling Halloween
Biodiversity Walk
Overview: Join the Oak Spring Biodiversity Conservation Team for a biodiversity walk across the forests and meadows at OSGF. The morning will consist of a walking tour across parts of the 700-acre property to observe and highlight notable biota, such as birds, insects, mammals, and plant communities, and discuss ongoing projects and collaborations. Novice and seasoned wildlife watchers welcome.
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 Conservation 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.
What to Expect: Please expect several hours of moderate walking across hilly fields and similar uneven terrain. Participants should arrive with proper footwear, sufficient water, and dress appropriately for the weather, rain or shine. Binoculars and digital cameras encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided at the start of the walk.
Weather Update: In the event of inclement weather or heavy rain, the event will be canceled and participants will be notified by Eventbrite email the day before.
Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.
Availability: This Biodiversity Walk will be capped at 15 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full.
Banner image: Savannah Sparrow by Joshua Rector
Picnic Area.
Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist. Discover the tips and tricks of basic tree identification and the tree-mendous roles trees play in our environment. Discover the traditional uses and folklore of these wooden wonders. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists, please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
The Settle’s Kettle at Sky Meadows State Park
Log Cabin in the Historic Area.
Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Explore history through food and how it connects us to past generations. Explore farming practices of Virginians in the Crooked Run Valley and the influences of cooking traditions. Learn about the cooking methods of early European settlers and the African people who were enslaved here and were a part of life on this historic farm.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Taste of Ovoka Farm Tour: Wagyu and Whiskey
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 an exquisite three-course tasting menu prepared by our chef, paired with local Virginia whiskey from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.
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.
Astronomy For Everyone
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 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 .
Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Weave A Harvest Centerpiece: Free Art & Nature Class for Kids & Teens
A Walk Through Geologic Time at Sky Meadows State Park
Picnic Area.
Take a walk through the geologic history of our Earth with a Virginia Master Naturalist. Stroll through 4.6 billion years of Earth history and learn when life began, when it flourished and when catastrophic events altered the course of life on the planet. Examine fossils and hold ancient rocks from the region in your hands. Explore how continental drift determined the history of our rocks, and how those billions of years of history gave rise to our beautiful Appalachian Mountains. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the picnic area and will last approximately one hour. The Sensory Explorers’ Trail and this program are accessible for visually impaired and blind participants.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit their website at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/.
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit our website page at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Hands-On Hearth Cooking Workshop at Sky Meadows
Log Cabin in the Historic Area.
Does exploring food and recipes of the past, cooked over an open fire, appeal to you? Join Historian Rebecca Suerdieck in the park’s historic Log Cabin for a hands-on hearth cooking workshop to learn historically accurate cooking techniques. Recreate recipes from 17th, 18th, and 19th-century sources and taste everything you make in class.
The cost of tuition for each participant is $220. Registration is required, and space is limited. At the end of the course, participants will join in a meal made from their lesson. Visit https://cookingandfire.wixsite.com/workshops/registration to register today!
Participants must be 16 years of age or older. Parking fee is included in registration. Please arrive by 10:15 a.m., as the workshop will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Weave A Harvest Centerpiece- Free Art & Nature Class for Kids & Teens!
Twilight Hikes at Sky Meadows State Park
Lost Mountain Entrance.
Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night! Embark on an easy guided hike that winds through lush forests, open fields, and picturesque meadows. Experience the magic of twilight as the landscape transforms under the fading light and wildlife becomes more active during this mystical time of day.
Please dress for the weather, wear footwear appropriate for hiking, and bring water/snacks. Leashed pets are welcome on all hikes.
$10/car parking fee.
Winter Tree Identification Workshop: Botany and Bloom Series
Historic Area.
Even after the chilly breezes of autumn have stripped them of their leaves, trees provide clues to their identification by way of their bark, leaf scars and other individual characteristics. Explore Sky Meadows’ diverse forests with Shenandoah Chapter Master Naturalist Paul Guay, and find the characteristics that are key to identifying any tree, even in the winter months. Begin in the park’s Carriage Barn with an informative introductory presentation on tree anatomy, symbiotic and parasitic relationships among trees, tips and tricks to winter tree identification, and more. Then, test your new winter tree identification skills on an approximate 2-mile guided hike along the park’s wooded trails. Bring water and lunch to eat along the trail, dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Weave A Harvest Centerpiece: Free Art & Nature Class for Kids & Teens!
4th Annual Celebrating the Harvest – A Farm to Table Dinner
Join the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) for a special evening as we gather around the table and celebrate the harvest through the seasons with a menu curated and created by Chef Jason Neve. Dishes will highlight a medley of heirloom crops grown at Oak Spring’s Biocultural Conservation Farm(BCCF).
The event will begin at 5:00pm with libations and hors d’oevres in the School House Courtyard, followed by a dinner served at 6:00pm in the Schoolhouse, one of the oldest buildings on Rokeby Farm.
Kindly note that due to the nature of this event, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. This meal may contain dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts
About the Chef
Jason Neve joined the Oak Spring family in April of 2022. Born and raised in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Jason grew up immersed in the natural world of mangrove islands, sandy beaches and the wide-open sea. An early interest in cooking for family and friends evolved into an education at the Culinary Institute of America. Following his graduation from the Bachelors program in 2003, Jason moved to New York City and worked at AIX Restaurants under Chef Didier Virot. In 2005 he joined the Batali & Bastianich team to open Del Posto, which sparked his passion for cured meats that eventually led him out west to Las Vegas in 2007. 10 years passed as Jason started a family and worked his way up to Culinary Director for all of the Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich properties in Las Vegas. However, the east coast was calling Jason back; so in 2016 he moved to Boston to open and assume the role of Executive Chef for the Eataly location there.
In 2018 seeking a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Eataly, Jason was fortunate to secure the Chef-in-Residence position at the Robert Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva Florida. This provided him a return to his home state, a reconnection with cooking and the relationships formed by interacting with those you cook for, and a glimpse into the world of the artist. When his time in Captiva came to an end in 2019 he returned to the restaurant world this time in Charlotte NC, as Executive Chef of Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen and The Jimmy; two Noble Food and Pursuits establishments. For the next 3 Years Jason survived the pandemic life of restaurant business, but never stopped thinking about using his cooking talents outside the standard restaurant walls. Karma and a celestial alignment prevailed in 2022 when Jason joined the Oak Springs Garden team as Chef and Head of Culinary Services. Now cooking for residents and guest by showcasing the bounty of the BCCF farm, Jason is looking forward to growing the culinary programs within the foundation.
Fall Wild Edible Plants: Earth Connections Series at Sky Meadows State Park
Carriage Barn in the Historic Area.
Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable seasonal wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This full-day hike will cover native and non-native species of useful plants and will conclude with a sampling of the foods you gathered from the wild. Each participant will receive a full-color copy of MacWelch’s Fall Wild Edible Plants manual as a take-home reminder of the plants they studied in class.
Registration is $127/person (non-refundable) and includes the parking fee for Sky Meadows State Park. Limited to 15 registrants (minimum 13 years of age). To register please visit the Advanced Survival Training website at https://www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com/.
The course will be held rain or shine. Bring water, dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes. Proof of pre-registration must be presented upon arrival at the park Contact Station.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]