Winter 2018 by WillowsfordLife

WillowsfordLife Winter 2018

Manager’sLetter W I L L O W S F O R D FAR M

Farm Market & Garden Manager’s Letter Come Visit Us at the Farm Market & You-Pick Garden

by Rebecca Lyons, CMCA, AMS, PCAM HOA Community Manager

Open May - November Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables . Fresh Eggs . Our Chicken & Pork . Local Meats Willowsford Honey . Local Coffee . Artisan Cheeses . Local Flowers Kombucha . Dairy Items . Breads & Baked Goods . Soups, Salads & More Heat n’ Serve Dishes . Pantry Items . Gifts . Tours . Volunteer Hours

Welcome to the first issue of WillowsfordLife! We have truly enjoyed developing this exclusive publication for you, our residents. Thank you to all the contributors; whether it be submitting a photo, article, or topic suggestion, keep them coming. In this issue, you will meet the Scudder Family from The Grove who have truly made Willowsford a way of life. If you know a neighbor from The Grange, The Grant, or The Greens who embodies Willowsford, nominate them. Do you have a new favorite local eatery or liquid oasis that your neighbors must visit? Don’t stop there; let’s get the kids involved, too! See “Kids Talk” on page 34, and

submit your young artist’s newest work, or send us your young, eager writers as special correspondents. By now, you should have received the annual mailing, but just in case you missed the good news, there is no HOA assessment increase budgeted in 2018. This year is shaping up to be fantastic with extended pool hours, added equipment to The Lodge Fitness Center, and an innovative approach to grounds maintenance. Lifestyle will focus on enhancing newer programming, freshening up some of our signature events, and utilizing more of our amazing amenities. Whatever your interest, we have it covered: second annual Wineries at Willowsford, Mystery Dinner Theatres, Spring EGGstravaganza, Family Picnic & Fireworks, AutumnFest, pop-up restaurants, wine pairing dinners, concerts, fitness classes, and so much more. Finally, whether you have lived here for years or settled just this week, please join us at a Willowsford 101 held every other month. Learn more about the who, what, when, where, and why about your new neighborhood over a glass of wine and Willowsford Kitchen’s signature hors d’oeuvres. Visit WillowsfordLife.com to register.

Willowsford Life Vol. 1, No. 1: Winter 2018

Willowsford Farm | WillowsfordFarm.com | Farm@willowsfordfarm.com 571-297-6900 | 23595 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148

Copyright © Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. WillowsfordLife is a quarterly publication of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc., 23506 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject or edit any articles or other content submitted to it for publishing. Any opinions expressed by the authors of articles or other content published herein are the opinions of such author and in no way, represent the opinion of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject advertising determined to not be in keeping with the publication’s standards. Acceptance of advertising by WillowsfordLife does not constitute an endorsement of products or services advertised herein. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. does not take responsibility for and does not undertake effort to validate any representations by advertisers. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, and “W” are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is expressly prohibited. Liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. Printed in the USA.

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Winter 2018 9 26

A Perfect Pairing of Wine & History

Willowsford Lifestyle

Willowsford Conservancy

Winter at the Farm

12 13

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Barley & Butternut Squash Risotto

Snow is Coming: Be Prepared!

From the Founder

Meet the Scudders

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Get Social

Community Clubs

Message from the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office

Fall Events

18 29

Sponsor Spotlight

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Kids Talk

WillowsfordContacts SycamoreHouse

TheLodge

23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148

41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105

(571) 297-2586

(571) 297-2584

Continually Supporting Our Community Dr. Neal Kravitz is proud to be recognized as South Riding & Ashburn’s premier orthodontist. No doctor puts more of his heart & soul into supporting the community. Support the team that supports your community.

Monday

9 AM - 5 PM

Monday

CLOSED

Tuesday-Friday

9 AM - 9 PM

Tuesday-Friday

9 AM - 9 PM

Saturday

11 AM - 6 PM

Saturday

11 AM - 6 PM

Sunday

11 AM - 4 PM

Sunday

11 AM - 4 PM

We Accept ALL Insurance un Co

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Neal D. Kravitz D.M.D., M.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics Specializing in Orthodontics for Children & Adults

25055 Riding Plaza, Suite 110 South Riding, VA 20152

Located off of Loudoun County Parkway in the Home Depot shopping center.

Sprague Dr

Russell Branch

www.KravitzOrthodontics.com Open Weekdays 7am-7:30pm & Saturdays 8am-3pm

Located in One Loudoun next to the Alamo movie theater.

ImportantContacts

HOA@willowsford.com HOA Questions, Comments & Concerns

LCSO Non-Emergency – (703) 777-1021

DRC@willowsfordlife.com Exterior Modification Applications

lifestyle@willowsford.com Lifestyle Programming & Amenity Rentals

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20405 Exchange Street, Suite 210 Ashburn, VA 20147

(571) 206-1395

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Easthampton

(703) 722-2900

WillowsfordContacts

Pkwy

questions@willowsford.com Willowsford Development Team info@willowsfordconservancy.org Conservancy, Trails & Campsites farm@willowsfordfarm.com Willowsford Farm Team

LCSO Emergency – Dial 911 Animal Control – (703) 777-0406 Republic Services – HOA@republicservices.com Trash – Tuesday & Friday Recycling – Tuesday Yard Waste – Wednesday NOVEC Electric – (703) 335-0500 Washington Gas – (703) 750-1000 Loudoun County Sanitation Authority – (571) 291-7880 Verizon Fios Phone & Cable – (800) 837-4966 Verizon Fios Internet – (800) 438-3467 SFMC, Inc. – (703) 392-6006

Winter2018

Wine&History

Let’s Create Your Outdoor Space

A Perfect Pairing of Wine & History

Patios and Retaining Walls • Theme Gardens • Decks • Water Features Landscape Lighting • Pergolas and Arbors

The Winery at Bull Run by Kelly Morris Marketing Associate

Courtesy of Lisa Damico

Extensive experience designing and installing in YOUR community! (references available upon request)

www.jgladesign.com (703) 789-0588 direxpo@hotmail.com

If you live in Virginia, specifically Northern Virginia, you’re acutely and pleasantly aware of just how many wineries are among us. Loudoun County and the surrounding area is a wine destination that boasts scenic views of the Bull Run Mountains, charming small towns, and historic sites. But, there’s one winery that we think stands out amongst the many: The Winery at Bull Run.

Licensed and Insured

A Catholic High School Coming to Loudoun!

In 2008, owner Jon Hickox purchased 21 acres along Lee Highway in Centreville and fulfilled his dream of establishing a family-oriented winery that honored his own ancestors and those of his predecessors on the property while paying homage to the history of the land. And what a rich history that is:

January 20 - Junior High Close-Up S�� P�� P�� B�� G�� 5 PM: Join us for pizza! Meet coaches and players from PVI athletic teams as well as students and teachers from our music and theater programs. 6 PM: Boys Varsity Basketball game

March 7 - Preview to High School Now oﬀering bus service to and from Ashburn, Aldie and Bristow!

Everybody loves wine. Well, almost everybody. Apologies to my hops, malt, and grain friends; we’ll get to you in a later issue. Back to everyone loving wine—we at Willowsford do. So much so, that it was apparent we needed to find the right partner to help us with our own—one that would provide the perfect flavors of both white and red and with a brand that was as strong, discerning, and as distinguishable as our own. Off we went on our wine-tasting venture.

Close-Up Night! Come ﬁnd out “Why PVI?”

Courtesy of Lisa Damico

In 1729, an Englishman, the Sixth Lord of Fairfax, granted 2,832 acres of land along Bull Run to Landon Carter. The land remained in the Carter family for more than 100 years when it was sold to the Ball family in 1840. It’s during this time that Hillwood was built, originally used as a caretaker’s house. The foundation remains as a monument just outside the tasting room at the Winery. The Hillwood property would stay with the Ball family through the Civil War when it would witness the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (also known as Manassas) as Union and Confederate armies crisscrossed the rolling landscape.

Email ehanley@paulvi.net for more info or to RSVP

Winter2018

Wine&History is the only piece of lumber salvaged from Hillwood The land would later pass to the Thorntons and after the fire. eventually sold to Thomas A. Lee in 1876 for $600. The Lees and a few of their children would occupy Hillwood and farm the land while others settled in Manassas, While many families made this land their home, the Richmond, and Washington, D.C. Hillwood would switch Lee family has a long-standing heritage that extends hands three more times until the original clapboard all the way to Willowsford. The stone building that we and brick house burned preserved in front of the in a fire in 1990. It then Sycamore Pool is what sat idle for 18 years until remains of a farmstead Jon Hickox purchased it built circa 1800. Standing 15950 Lee Highway in 2008. through two centuries Centreville, VA 20120 in Loudoun County, the

TheWineryAtBullRun

stone dairy, smokehouse, Today, The Winery at (703) 815-2233 and farmhouse were Bull Run sits on 225 Saturday-Wednesday 11 AM - 7 PM home to many Loudoun scenic acres adjacent Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM County families, including to Manassas National the Lees. The dairy— Battlefield Park. Ten acres Friday 11 AM - 10 PM part of the residence’s of vines grow on-site with domestic yard and the bulk of their fruit garden area—is the only building left standing grown and harvested at an 115-acre estate vineyard today. But in true Willowsford custom, stone from in Little Washington, VA, which the Hickox family call the farmhouse was used in the construction of The Rock Mill Vineyard. At Rock Mill, there are 39,000 vines Tenant House Information Center, in a masonry style growing across nearly 50 acres, producing the majority reflecting vernacular buildings. of Bull Run’s wines for harvest. While sipping on their award-winning wines, you can savor and then walk the vines and the battlefield around the property for a more tangible lesson on the legacy of the land. The ruins of Hillwood serve as a beautiful archaeological site asking to be photographed. Just outside the tasting room are the remnants of the root cellar, which the Lees kept cold with chunks of winter ice they cut from the nearby river. The current building itself takes up the same footprint and is built using stones from the original barn. And the wooden mantle

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This coincidental connection to the land the Lee family as well as our shared passion for history and preservation is what brought Willowsford and The Winery at Bull Run together in the first place. And it’s how we knew we had to work together. Well, that and the wine. The Winery at Bull Run has produced and bottled a red and white that are deliciously, distinctively Willowsford. We are excited about the opportunity to bring them to the dinner tables of our residents and to our varied lifestyle events.

Your next oil change is on the house! Stop by with your copy of Willowsford Life in hand and experience our exceptional service. We look forward to earning your business for future maintenance and repairs.

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Grown in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this bright yellow Pinot Grigio presents aromas of lemon, orange peel, and apple. The palate offers a bright acidity and blood orange tanginess on the front, with lingering lemon zest on the finish. It is a wine for casual enjoyment or to pair with light seafood and vegetable dishes.

This red blend exemplifies Virginia style. A balance of French varietals, its characteristic berry and pepper notes make this wine ideal for pairing with a host of options along the red wine spectrum. American Oak aging provides this wine with big fruit, vanilla, and spice all in one.

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WillowsfordLifestyle

Willowsford Lifestyle

WillowsfordKitchen

Barley & Butternut Squash Risotto

Save-the-Date

by Susan Walters HOA Lifestyle Manager The Lifestyle program at Willowsford is full of unique community events and activities created to bring residents together through hands-on culinary courses, outdoor events and concerts, holiday dinners, fitness classes, and undoubtedly much more. Let’s take a look at what to expect in the coming year. We will refine our culinary programming by incorporating menus inspired by the Farm’s weekly CSA shares and offering more child/parent workshops. Signature events such as the Spring EGGstravaganza and AutumnFest, as well as our second annual Wineries at Willowsford, will get some fine-tuning to accommodate the growth of Willowsford. As the community grows we look forward meeting that challenge and improving our events year-after-year.

by Chef Bonnie Moore 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock or broth 1½ tablespoons olive oil 3 cups sliced wild mushrooms, such as oyster, shiitaki or baby bella

Willowsford 101 Thursday, January 25th

1 large sprig of fresh thyme, plus smaller sprigs for garnishing 1 cup finely diced onions 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 cup barley 1 small butternut squash (or your favorite winter squash), peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes 2 cups winter greens, such as spinach, arugula or baby kale 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus a little extra

Jr. Chef Academy Two Six-Week Sessions – Early February

salt and black pepper, to taste 1. Heat the stock or broth in a saucepan and keep at a simmer.

Need some motivation to keep up with your New Year’s fitness resolution? We have partnered with Studio Pink Fit to provide boutique fitness classes tailored for you. Yoga and Bootcamp are offered at both The Lodge and Sycamore House weekly. This year, we plan to expand early morning and weekend classes. Sign up for classes on the Studio Pink Fit app (on iTunes or GooglePlay). Your first class is FREE. I encourage you to get out and enjoy all that Willowsford has to offer. See you at the next event!

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot. Add the mushrooms and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned on the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion, and cook until it becomes translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more. 3. Add the barley to the mushroom mixture, and stir for 2 more minutes.

Valentine’s Dinner Saturday, February 10th

4. Turn the heat to low, add about 2 cups of the hot stock to the rice mixture, and stir slowly until the barley begins to swell and most of the stock is absorbed. Add the squash. Continue to add the stock 1 cup at a time, stirring slowly, letting the rice absorb the stock before adding more. The risotto is cooked when it is creamy on the outside and slightly firm (al dente) in the center.

Visit WillowsfordLife.com > Calendar to keep up with everything happening at Willowsford.

5. Remove the thyme sprig. Stir the greens and Parmesan cheese into the risotto. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the risotto is too thick, add a little more stock until it becomes creamy.

Spring EGGstravaganza Sunday, March 25th

WillowsfordLife

6. Divide the risotto into serving dishes, and garnish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and a small sprig of thyme.

Winter2018

CommunityStandards

Snow is Coming: Be Prepared! by Christine Massey HOA Assistant Manager As children, we envision endless snow days spent sledding and sipping hot cocoa. However, as adults, our thoughts turn to shoveling snow and wondering when the roads will be cleared. As a developing community, there are multiple entities responsible for snow removal: homeowners, VDOT, the HOA, developer, and builders. “How do we know who takes care of what?” While a detailed list is provided on the Willowsford Life website, the following items fall under the responsibility of you as a homeowner:

• Avoid bending and twisting as you lift and empty each shovel of snow. Avoid throwing snow off the shovel, especially over your shoulder.

is the perfect opportunity to hibernate indoors and familiarize yourself with the Design Review Process.

• Take a break every 15-20 minutes to straighten and stretch your back.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that you are well-prepared to submit an application:

• Stay hydrated! • Stretch when finished. If you experience any back strain, apply ice packs first and then heat to loosen muscles. Once you’ve completed your snow removal duties (or maybe even before!), head for The Greens Sledding Hills and make unforgettable memories with your family. Just because you shovel snow, doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun of sledding and hot cocoa, too.

• Complicated? If you are planning a more complex project, such as multiple items together, a pool, or an addition, consider signing up for a pre-review meeting. This provides the opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with a committee member about your application.

Design Review Tips & Tricks

• Success is in the details! Provide as many details for your project as possible (pictures, all measurements, materials, color samples, etc.). The application and additional checklists provide information on what details should be provided to help complete your application package. Lack of details is the most common reason applications are not approved on the first go-around.

It’s not too early to start planning for the post-winter thaw. With early spring being the most popular time to submit an Exterior Modification Application, winter

• Plat: What’s that? Providing a plat, or House Location Survey, is required for all applications. But what is it and where can you find it? The plat

• Driveway & lead walk (with the exception of MI Courtyard Homes) • Sidewalks and bus stops adjacent to your lot • Fire hydrant(s) adjacent to your lot • Road with a shared driveway (i.e., a “pipestem driveway”) When clearing these areas, safety and preparedness are of utmost importance. Here are a few tips to help you avoid injuries and ensure you are well-equipped: • Before the first snowfall, make sure you have a proper shovel. The ideal shovel is lightweight and ergonomic with a curved handle. Your shovel should be long enough to avoid bending over and short enough so that when you lift the load it is close to your body. • If possible, shovel when the snow is fresh and shovel in stages, starting with the most critical path first.

Courtesy of Andrew Murphy

WillowsfordLife

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CommunityStandards

WillowsfordUpdate

shows the final location of your home, property boundaries, easements, etc. If you do not have a readily available copy of your plat, comb through your closing documents, as it is typically provided at closing. If not there, please contact your builder. They will be able to provide you with a copy. • “To Read or Not to Read?” Let’s face it: the Design Guidelines are far from something you imagine cuddling up with on the couch to read. However, reading up on the guidelines surrounding the projects you want to complete will save you time, stress, and money in the long run. • Check the Calendar. Design Review dates (deadlines, pre-reviews, and meetings) are all placed on the Willowsford Life Community Calendar. When planning a project, consider applying for it at least one month in advance of when you’d like the work to begin. Two, if you are completing a larger project (pool, pavilion, etc.). This will decrease the chance that your project will be delayed by the application process. DRC dates can also be found in your Willowsford Weekly.

Courtesy of Andrew Murphy

For further details on the Design Review Process, please visit WillowsfordLife.com.

From the Founder Willowsford Development Team The fourth quarter of 2017 culminated an extraordinary year in the development of Willowsford. New home sales exceeded projections as new builders introduced an array of housing types and designs. We completed major road infrastructure in 2017, including construction of Trailhead Drive north to Lenah Road, Everfield Drive all the way through The Grant as well as Grassland Grove Drive through The Greens from Braddock Road to Northstar Blvd. Together, Trailhead and Grassland Grove Drives comprise nearly 5 miles of the county-planned Lenah Loop Road—built at no cost to taxpayers! We also added important Conservancy/Farm infrastructure to facilitate the long-term stewardship of the community’s vast open space lands. A new maintenance building was built in The Grange farm

Winter2018

fields. Sewer and water were extended for future farm uses at The Grant, including the farmhouse being built for the Director of Farm Operations. We also started work on the Cedar Pond Pavilion area in the south of The Greens along with an archery range. The Hidden Meadow Event Field off Shasta Daisy Court is also underway and should be available for the annual Community Bonfire & Camp-over. As anyone who has traveled through Willowsford can attest, land development of new neighborhoods has continued steadily to keep pace with demand from our builders. New sections were finished recently for Line-K and Camberley at The Grant, for NV at The Grove and for K-Hovnanian’s Craftsman line and for NV Homes in The Greens. The Development Team was also proud to complete Ellenvale Park, Wild Plum Pocket Park, and several more miles of multi-purpose asphalt trails. Of course, we’re looking forward to another busy year in 2018. Stay tuned for development updates.

LifeInTheGrove

Meet the Scudders

Life in The Grove

by Kacie Ward HOA Administrative Coordinator What does Willowsford Life mean to the Scudders? “To us, it’s all about getting outside, enjoying the open space and spending time with our neighbors in the community.” Erik, a Virginia native, ventured off to play collegiate baseball at Baldwin Wallace University in the snowbelt of Berea, OH. It’s where he met his future wife, Kristen, a fellow Yellow Jacket athlete competing on the volleyball team. After college, Kristen relocated with Erik to Virginia where they continued their athletic way of life. The duo has spent countless hours training for and competing in triathlons together. In fact, the couple’s active lifestyle was a pivotal reason they were drawn to Willowsford.

“It’s all about getting outside, enjoying the open space and spending time with our neighbors in the community.” “I was participating in the Mountain Bike programs on the Willowsford trails for at least 3 or 4 years before we moved into the neighborhood,” says Erik. “That’s how we found out about the community, because I had come out and done the races.”

WillowsfordLife

Winter2018

“He said, ‘You have to come drive through this neighborhood,’ and I finally did… and of course it was amazing,” recalls Kristen. Erik, Kristen, and their 3-year-old daughter, Ella, moved into The Grove roughly 2 years ago and have been satisfied residents ever since. “Being here adds to our family time because, before we moved to Willowsford, he used to have to drive an hour just to get somewhere to ride his bike. And now he can roll right out of the garage before or after work and then come home,” says Kristen. Erik even co-founded the Willowsford Mountain Bike Club to connect likeminded residents. But life for the Scudder family isn’t solely about blazing the trails. The household thoroughly enjoys attending community events, such as the annual EGGstravaganza and AutumnFest. “We go to every event we can. I don’t like to miss anything!” says Kristen. As for Ella, she has participated in the kid’s art classes and swim lessons. She adores swimming at The Lodge Pool and even chose it as the location of

LifeInTheGrove

SponsorSpotlight

her third birthday celebration. Willowsford Farm is also an important component to their lifestyle as the family values the ability to eat local. Besides being actively involved within Willowsford, the Scudders are dedicated to the community at large. Kristen is a teacher at Navy Elementary School in Fairfax and devotes her spare time to curriculum development for the school system in addition to volunteering at Ella’s preschool. Erik is involved with MORE (The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts), Inc., which seeks to expand riding opportunities and increase trail access throughout the region. One thing’s for sure: you will likely run into the Scudders sooner rather than later. Erik emphasizes, “one of the things we really enjoy about the community is that there’s always an opportunity to do stuff with neighbors, whether it be through formal HOA events and activities, or impromptu cookouts and backyard firepit hangouts. Everyone’s always out doing something.” That they are.

Kravitz Orthodontics Do you know a family that should be featured in the next issue of WillowsfordLife? We are looking for candidates who have unique, interesting stories to share and are actively involved in the community! Nominate a fellow household by emailing HOA@willowsford.com. Please include your reason why the family should be featured.

by Susan Walters HOA Lifestyle Manager

is a dual Ivy League trained orthodontist who received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University (where he was Academic All-Ivy while playing for the Columbia Lions Football team), and received a Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (where he graduated as Valedictorian). Dr. Kravitz and the team at Kravitz Orthodontics have built their reputation on giving back to the community. “We are your neighbors and your friends, and we are proud sponsors of every local elementary, middle school, and high school in South Riding, Aldie, Brambleton, and Ashburn, as well as numerous community organizations and sporting teams,” the team emphasizes.

Dr. Neil Kravitz and Kravitz Orthodontics have been an exclusive sponsor for Willowsford HOA since 2015. You will often see him and his team supporting our residents at community events such as AutumnFest and the Family Picnic & Fireworks. Dr. Kravitz was even the guest judge for our pie making contest at the 2016 Family Picnic & Fireworks! 25055 Riding Plaza, Suite 110 South Riding, VA 20152 To say that Dr. Kravitz is Dr. Kravitz truly cares about dedicated to his patients is an (703) 722-2900 his patients and has built his understatement. The Kravitz reputation on giving back to team makes themselves the community. When asked available early mornings what sets Kravitz Orthodontics before school and late into 20405 Exchange Street, Suite 210 apart from other orthodontic the evenings, as well as on Ashburn, VA 20147 practices in the area he weekends to ensure patients (703) 729-0169 states, “We pride ourselves on can easily fit their visit around offering a happy, hard-working, busy schedules. The Kravitz affordable environment that places ethics, integrity, Orthodontics Facebook page is often full of appreciation and service above all else.” posts from patients showing their gratitude for the expedited quality service they received for those unexpected weekend dental emergencies. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and also serves as a clinical faculty member and research adviser at the University of Dr. Neal Kravitz, DMD, MS has been practicing Maryland and Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Kravitz Orthodontics for over 10 years and now has offices in South Riding and Ashburn.

SouthRidingOffice

AshburnOffice

WillowsfordLife

Winter2018

WillowsfordConservancy

Nurture Your Nature by Iris Gestram Conservancy Executive Director

Landscape Design and Build ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Flagstone/Paver Patios Walkways & Sidewalks Retaining & Seat Walls Fireplaces & FirePits Outdoor Kitchens Custom Decks Water Features Outdoor Lighting Plant Installation

Courtesy of Yuri Timofeyev

703.969.4481 myoutdoorsolutions.com

Being a Willowsford resident gives you access to the large open space of Conservancy lands; what we like to call ‘your backyard.’ When you decided to make Willowsford your home, we hope it was, in part, because nature and wildlife are important to you. The open space in our community is a natural playground with great potential for conservation, education and recreation. The Conservancy is here to help you deepen that connection and enjoy the trails, farm, and land that make our community such a unique place to live. We invite you to nurture your nature. The Conservancy manages about 2,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, farm land, and 30plus miles of trails set aside for residents to safeguard, use, and explore. Read on for tips on how to get out and about this winter and for new programming in 2018.

Exploring the Trails & Woods This Winter Courtesy of USFWS Midwest

UNLOCK YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Winter walks can be special and exciting, giving you and your family a unique view of the forest and trails. “As an avid outdoorsman, some of my favorite moments of hiking and camping have taken place in the winter,” says Ranger Mark. “When there is a fresh blanket of snow, it’s a perfect time to strap on snowshoes and make some fresh tracks of your own.” With trees and brush clear of leaves, you can see and photograph many unusual features. Look for interesting trees—gnarly oaks and soaring tulip trees—and tree snags that look like they could easily serve as fairy houses. Stop and admire the shapes of streams, bridges and fences, and all the life that can grow on top of a boulder, including mosses and lichens in varied colors and textures.

Courtesy of Rebecca Suchland

Winter2018

WillowsfordConservancy Wildlife: With the leaves gone you will see animal nests – clues about whom is sharing the forest with you. Look for food sources like nuts, seeds, and berries that attract wildlife.

WillowsfordConservancy

“In the stillness of a winter hike, you step out of your comfort zone and into a wintry mural.”

Meditative spots: As you walk, you may note features that create unique places to stop and contemplate. It may be rapids in a stream with a soothing sound, an opening in the trees that frames a picturesque view, or a private spot screened by trees and shrubs from the rest of the world.

Exploring with Children Animal tracking is exciting, particularly when there is snow! In addition to footprints, there are other clues to animals’ whereabouts. If you look and listen closely, you may find scat, fur, feathers, nests, skulls and bones, trails, chew marks, and traces that animals leave behind. Try to engage all senses while examining

clues, including places where deer bucks have rubbed their antlers, sounds of squirrels rustling in the leaves, smells in tree hollows where raccoons and other mammals sleep, or the feeling of a bird’s feather on your skin. Turn over a rock or log to see who’s hiding underneath. You may be surprised!

Bring binoculars to help spot animals scurrying around. At Willowsford, you can see overwintering songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, wild turkey, coyote, fox, and many others. Picnics help keep tummies happy, and a hot beverage is a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Scavenger hunts are always a big hit with children. Hug some trees. —Can you find one that has the perfect circumference for you to wrap your arms around?

Watch, listen, touch, smell, and taste the woods to get the most out of your walk. So, get out there, and take a walk! Enjoy nature, whatever the weather, and if you see something amazing, mystifying, or just downright pretty, add it to your journal, share it with your friends, and post it on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear what your favorite walk at Willowsford is. Some ideas sourced from http://rainorshinemamma.com.

What’s New at the Conservancy? Hidden Meadow & Event Field

Residents who have joined us for our annual Community Bonfire & Camp-over will be excited to know about the Hidden Meadow Event Field in The Greens, scheduled to open this summer. The long, cedar-lined grassy field will feature a wooden pavilion, firepits, a portable stage, and plenty of space for community cookouts, bonfire events, and small concerts. Residents and civic groups will be able to rent the site for events, rustic camp-overs, and family gatherings.

Cedar Pond Pavilion

Not far from Hidden Meadow, the rustic, three-season Cedar Pond Pavilion with a spacious deck overlooking Cedar Pond will open this summer for educational programs and rentals. The beautiful structure was handcrafted in Tennessee from old cedar logs, shipped to Willowsford, and raised onsite by the craftsmen who built it. Stop by this summer when hiking Bull Run Overlook trail, which passes right by Cedar Pond, and enjoy a picnic near the pond while watching waterfowl, turtles, and other wildlife.

for building confidence and focus while enjoying the outdoors. The Conservancy is excited to offer residents of all ages an outdoor archery range to practice this popular sport. Scheduled to open in late spring in The Greens, the archery practice range will serve as a venue for a resident-run archery club. Club contact information will be shared as it becomes available.

Events & Programs

Education programs will kick off on February 6 with Landscape for Life, a 6-session course on how to transform your yard into a healthy refuge that benefits birds, pollinators, and other wildlife as well as the entire community. Learn about soil, water, native plants, sustainable habitat, and creative design with instructors from Piedmont Environmental Council, Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District, Watermark Woods native plant nursery, and Lush Life Landscape Design. To register visit WillowsfordLife.com. To learn about other programs, go to Programs & Events at our new website, WillowsfordConservancy.org.

Willowsford Conservancy Team Our team looks forward to meeting more members of the community. When you see us out in the field, please stop and say hello!

Educational Signage

While hiking along Bull Run Overlook, don’t miss the colorful new educational signs to learn about our wild neighbors, including coyotes, birds of prey, deer, and beaver.

New! Conservancy Archery Range

The ancient sport of target archery combines skills of strength, precision, and consistency and is great

Iris Gestram, Executive Director Andrew Richardson, Ranger Mark Ahlijanian, Ranger

Courtesy of Randi Hausken

WillowsfordLife

Winter2018

WillowsfordFarm

WillowsfordFarm (maybe the best of all) with fresh winter greens and salad fixings, late broccolis, cabbages, and Brussels sprouts as well as storage crops like carrots, beets, turnips, and the winter starches. The laying hens keep laying eggs, and the freezer is stocked now with meat, and we bring up canned goods from the cellar to taste a little of the summer.

Winter at the Farm Community Supported Agriculture by Mike Snow Director of Farm Operations The day after the end of the CSA season, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, is a little like the day after the World Series. You’re almost not sure what to do. It’s quiet. It’s crisp. You stand and look around, and the earned, favorite fatigue of the long season catches up with you and sets in. Basketball is meaningless now. Football is forgettable these days. The hockey season is nascent. All these things fade into the background. The Farm is tucked in. No harvest to do; no seedlings in the greenhouse to take care of; no laying hens to take care of. It is quiet. There are things that can be done but not really things that need to be done. And it’s one of the best feelings in the world. But now, it is January, February, March, and we’re starting seedlings in the greenhouses for the season. This time of year, we are planting for the season ahead, and we build our plan around our CSA membership. How many people—how many singles, couples, and families—are we growing for? Let’s plant some seeds for them. Let’s raise some chickens for them.

on your payments (in which case Tiny may be paying you a visit), money is no longer an integral part of our relationship. We farmers just get to grow food, we say “Hi” to each other, and you take food home to eat. What else does there need to be? We’re all part of the community, and it is genuinely good to see you each week. And that’s the way we think about it. We start harvesting in early spring with spinach, sprouting broccoli, strawberries, and eggs. Our crops mature and turn from the foods of spring (cabbage, traditional broccoli, greens and small roots, then beets and carrots, and odd creatures like garlic scapes) to those of summer (tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers, and melons—oh, and tomatoes). We harvest our first chickens of the year around this time, and maybe our first pork. Summer peaks, and harvest starts to turn to fall foods. Cooler weather crops come again and those long-season ones that we harvest now and eat all winter, such as potatoes, winter squash, and sweet potatoes to go with proteins like eggs, dry beans, and meats. And now, we’ve begun planting for winter

Being part of CSA means letting where you live nourish you in cycles. In the kitchen, we celebrate the seasons meal by meal. Sometimes, that means finding and trying new recipes around a spring mushroom, asparagus, spinach or scallions. Other times, it means making the same dishes with whatever ingredients you have on hand – that is, whatever we have at the Farm to fill your omelet, pasta, soup, or pot pie. We try to help you navigate eating this way. We offer cooking and storage tips, recipes and instructions in technique, classes oriented to CSA boxes, and ideas for organizing your time and kitchen. We also try to connect you to each other because your neighbors are great resources. You’re reading this now, and spring may seem some ways away. This is exactly the time to join CSA. Some of you have been members since you arrived— welcome back! Time to sign up! Some of you are new, and we hope you’ll connect to the Farm in a most unique, collaborative way. And some of you have been members in the past. Consider trying CSA again this year. We hope you’ve had a good, healthy start to the year. Look forward to spring greens and strawberries! And, in the meantime, be great.

There is something extra satisfying about Community Supported Agriculture. The agreement we make at the beginning of the season—when you ask us to grow food for you, then give us “seed money,” and we buy real seeds with it—it is a good partnership for a farm. It is also a good partnership for a community. The best part may be that, when we see you each week, there is no money exchanged. Unless you get behind

WillowsfordLife

Winter2018

CommunityClubs

Let’s Get Social Community Club Spotlight by Bill Meister Willowsford Resident The Willowsford Social Club encourages resident adults from all four villages to get together and share experiences, have fun and companionship in different environments, and make new friends. There are no dues to join, but participants are asked to share in the event by providing food and drinks. Past gatherings have included a Chili Cookoff, Oktoberfest, Concert, BBQ, Italian Night, Nature Walk, Tubing & Rafting, Bocce & Croquet, Game Night, Quiz Night, Pool Party, and more. Members take turns hosting the various events (providing utensils, cups, setup/ breakdown). By having different hosts, each experience becomes unique. The Social Club alternates locations between The Lodge and Sycamore House. Some events have even been held offsite or at a member’s home. Most are adults only but, particularly in the summer, children are often invited to attend.

Italian Night (The Lodge) January 27th – 6 PM - 8:30 PM Bring your favorite Italian dishes to share. Roman & Italian history quiz fun. Adults only.

The Belated Valentine’s Night (Sycamore House) February 17th – 6 PM - 8:30 PM

• Bourbon Club • Brew Club

Helping the Easter Bunny Bash (The Lodge) March 24th – 6 PM - 8:30 PM

• Bunco Babes • Community Garden Club • Mountain Bike Club • Recreational Sports Club

Bring a dish to share which in some way features/ includes eggs or ham! Each household is also asked to bring one dozen hand-decorated eggs. The eggs will be bid on by others present and all money raised will be donated to charity. Adults only. For questions or to volunteer to host please contact willowsfordsocialclub@gmail.com.

Check out our list of events scheduled for the first quarter of 2018. Please join us!

Community Clubs

Bring your favorite appetizers & desserts to share. A variation on The Newlywed Game will be played by all! Adults only.

WillowsfordLife

• Social Club • The Wine Club North • The Wine Club South Joining a Willowsford-Sponsored Community Club is a wonderful way to meet your neighbors, become familiar with your community, and make real world connections. Visit the Community Calendar at WillowsfordLife.com to view all upcoming club events and details. Each club also has a Facebook Group which residents can request to join.

Winter2018

Sheriff’sOffice

“Never underestimate the power of a planted seed.” ~ Author Unknown

Message from the Sheriff’s Office by Deputy First Class Garry Epple Dulles South Station As we enter the new year, I wanted to reach out to the Willowsford community to highlight information about possible criminal activity and what we can do to limit crimes of opportunity.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Jan. 28

LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Preschool - 8th Leesburg, VA

RSVP: www.LCDS.org

Loudoun County has the lowest crime rate in the DC Metropolitan area, but that does not fully protect us from those seeking to make an easy profit. As packages are sent to your homes, the Sheriff’s Office is asking for your assistance. There is an increase of package larcenies from doorsteps. By planning ahead, we can limit thefts from occurring. Listed below are alternative delivery methods: • Request that your package be delivered to the Post Office • Utilize package delivery points (e.g., Amazon Locker)

Winter2018

• Track your package and have someone home the day of delivery, or • Request a friend collect your package if you will not be at home The Sheriff’s Office has joined a national campaign, #9PMROUTINE. The focus is to secure your vehicles and house just as you would brush your teeth before bed. It is imperative to remove all valuables from your vehicle, lock it, maybe remove your garage door opener, and lock your house including the door leading to the garage. If you happen to notice that someone gained entry to your vehicle and do not believe that anything of value was stolen, we still want you to report the incident to us. Usually, if one car was broken into, there will be several others in the area as well. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office provides many outlets to report a crime, suspicious incident, and/or leads to help us better serve you. You can report issues by going online to sheriff.loudoun. gov. There you will find an online feature to make your report. You can also call the non-emergency line 24/7 at (703) 777-1021. Thank you, and I hope all of you have a great winter.

“We look forward to AutumnFest every year! Our daughters love all the activities

FallEvents

for the kids - everything from the animals, to pumpkin painting, making candy apples, and dancing to the music. We love spending time with our neighbors and just enjoying all that makes Willowsford unique and special.” – Erica Hall, resident

“We had an amazing time. The food was delicious, and the Murder Mystery Co. was great… We would love to do something like this again.” – Eileen Sidaros, resident

“AutumnFest is one of my favorite events to work, seeing all the families coming out to enjoy a day with their neighbors and friends shows how much of a great connected community Willowsford is. Having live music, food and drink, what could be better? Probably one of best parts of the event though is the hay maze, whoever builds it must be a mastermind.” – Alexander Burkett, HOA Community Coordinator

KidsTalk

Located At The

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SHOWROOM 42351 Azalea Lane, Dulles VA 703-996-8099 DECKS • PATIOS • PAVILIONS PORCHES • FIREPLACES FIRE PITS • OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND MORE...

DESIGNED AND BUILT BY HOLLOWAY COMPANY

Kids Talk by Sam Walsh Resident, Age 7 Q: What is your favorite thing to do at Willowsford during the winter? A: I love to go sledding on the hills and build snowmen. Q: What is your favorite Willowsford memory overall? A: Camp Willowsford and going to the pool! Q: What is something that makes your family special?

DESIGNED AND BUILT BY HOLLOWAY COMPANY

www.HollowayCompany.com Want to be featured in the next issue of WillowsfordLife? The upcoming Kids Talk topic is TREEHOUSES! Resident children ages 3-7: Submit a drawing of your dream treehouse. Resident children ages 8-13: Submit your written answer to the following question: “How would you design a treehouse?”

CONTRACTOR SALES

- Pick-Up or delivery available - Orders in by 2pm can be pulled for next day pick-up - Quick turn around on special orders - Ask about partial pallet material - Contractor packages available - Training on new products - Lot material storage solutions

*Drop off submissions at Sycamore House by February 10th. On the back of submission, please include child’s name and age (may be published) plus parents’ names and address (used for authentication purposes). All submissions become the property of Willowsford HOA and may be published in a future issue of WillowsfordLife.

PAVERS & STONE - Hanover Pavers - Cambridge Pavers - Porcelain Pavers - Flagstone - Travertine Pavers - Natural Veneer - Eldorado Stone Veneer - Natural Panel Stone Veneer

PAVER SUPPLIES - Edging - Edge Spikes - Fabric N060 GeoTextile

www.SunspacebyHollowayCompany.com 703-429-0944

WillowsfordLife

CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES - Silca System - Post Protector - Sunspace - Polysand - Crushed Stone: #21 & #57 - Chalet Stone (River Rock) - Isokern Fireplace Kits - Chicago Brick Oven - Quikrete Products - Drainage Supplies

www.OutdoorLivingWholesale.com 571-237-4651

A: We care about each other, and we get into the spirit of the holidays.

DESIGNED AND BUILT BY HOLLOWAY COMPANY

• Sunrooms & Screenrooms • WeatherMaster Windows • Patio Covers • Railing Systems • Aluminum Decking • SunShades • Slide Clear Screens Contractors Welcome

Willowsford HOA 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148