Spring 2021

WillowsfordLife Spring 2021

Manager’s Letter

WillowsfordLife

A Note from Tenant House

by Rebecca Lyons, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® HOA Community Manager et’s give credit where credit is due… virtual experiences kept us all connected and productive this past year. We were able to hold Board Meetings (with higher attendance than normal), delve into the kitchen with Chef Bonnie and Chef Emily, and get that fitness class in—all from the comfort of home. While 2020 did not go as originally planned, we had many successes. For a full account of our 2020 accomplishments and 2021 goals, review the Annual Plan on WillowsfordLife.com > Document Center.

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Spring is now upon us though, and with that, renewed optimism for outdoor gatherings and events. While our offerings may still look different for a while longer, we are excited to get back to Willowsford Life.

Staff and vendors are hard at work preparing the amenities and grounds for you to enjoy.

We have a major trail repair project commencing this year with more information to come

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in the following months.

The HOA team is also working on another important initiative—communication, communication, communication! We want to keep you in the know and up to date. We are introducing a welcome e-brochure for new residents, developing a virtual Willowsford 101 presentation, and more. Do you receive the Willowsford Weekly emails?

Have you signed up for text alerts? If not, please visit WillowsfordLife.com > Notify Me to subscribe.

Finally, as we approach the first anniversary of the HOA Board of Directors turnover, I want to recognize our five Board members and thank them for thoughtfully and successfully navigating an exceptionally challenging year. An amazingly unique community has been created and entrusted in the very capable hands of resident Board members and Association staff.

Vol. 4, No. 1: Spring 2021

Copyright 2021 © 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, Willowsford Conservancy, and 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.

WillowsfordLife

Willowsford Contacts

SycamoreHouse 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148 (571) 297-2586

TheLodge

41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 (571) 297-2584

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Monday .................................................................. CLOSED

Thursday-Friday ............................................9 AM - 9 PM

Tuesday-Wednesday ................................ 9 AM - 5 PM

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Thursday-Friday ......................................... 9 AM - 9 PM

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Saturday ......................................................11 AM - 6 PM Sunday .........................................................11 AM - 4 PM

Willowsford Contacts HOA@willowsford.com HOA Questions, Comments & Concerns DRC@willowsfordlife.com Exterior Modification Applications lifestyle@willowsford.com Lifestyle Programming & Amenity Rentals info@willowsfordconservancy.org Conservancy, Trails & Campsites farm@willowsfordfarm.com Willowsford Farm Team market@willowsfordfarm.com Farm Stand & CSA Program

Important Contacts LCSO › – Dial 911 LCSO Non-Emergency – (703) 777-1021 Animal Control – (703) 777-0406 Patriot Disposal - (703) 257-7100 Trash – Tuesday & Friday Recycling – Tuesday Yard Waste – Monday 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

Spring2021

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WillowsfordLife

6

10

13 6 Village Voice 10 Lifestyle

13 In the Kitchen

Camp Willowsford In the Moment

16 16 Family Feature

21 Board Room

Meet the Kessler Family

Communications

New in Town

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WillowsfordLife

Contents

SPRING 2021

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30

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22 Design Review Committee 28 Willowsford Conservancy 27 Operations Department 34 Just for Kids

Meeting Dates

Meadows

Grass Roots

The Art Gallery

Spring2021

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Did you know?

This summer marks Camp Willowsford’s eighth year in existence! Since our plans were canceled last year, we saved up all the fun for this year. Please join us for a summer tradition that is unique and dear to our community.

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WillowsfordLife

Village Voice

Camp Willowsford Discover & Explore

ooking for an amazingly fun, one-of-a-kind experience for your child this summer? Camp Willowsford will instill in your child a lifelong love for nature, good food and healthy living, foster talents and explore unknown capabilities—all in your very own backyard!

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There’s not another camp like it. From time spent exploring the Farm or cooking in the Kitchen, to paddle boarding on Willow Lake or creating an artistic masterpiece, learning opportunities at Willowsford have no bounds.

Camp Willowsford registration is now open! View all the details and sign up on WillowsfordLife.com > Lifestyle > Registration Catalog.

WEEK 1 7/12 – 7/16 Farm Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

WEEK 4 8/2 – 8/6 Culinary Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

Culinary Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 9-12

Discover Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12

WEEK 2 7/19 – 7/23 Culinary Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 5-8

WEEK 5 8/9 – 8/13 Farm Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

Art Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12 WEEK 3 7/26 – 7/30 Music Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8 Discover Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 9-12

Music Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 8-12 WEEK 6 8/16 – 8/20 Art Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 5-8 Culinary Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12

* All events are tentative due to COVID-19

Spring2021

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Lifestyle

St. Paddy’s Boxes & Beer Wednesday, March 17th

In the Moment Spring at Willowsford

by Ellie Olney, HOA Lifestyle Manager t a time like this, we all crave a sense of normalcy and what is typical for life at Willowsford? Events. Engagement. Fun! In anticipation of a back to normal season, we have compiled a multitude of activities to kick the post-virus blues and bring back those carefree smiles this spring. We will, of course, be taking every safety precaution as virus restrictions are lifted or altered.

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On Wednesday, March 17th, Willowsford Kitchen collaborates with Old Ox Brewery for St. Paddy’s Boxes & Beer. Bring a little Irish cheer home with Chef Emily’s fully loaded meat and cheese box paired with Old Ox Brewery’s beer flight to-go. Sláinte!

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First Friday Happy Hour Friday, May 7th

One of our most popular, signature events of the year is Spring EGGstravaganza scheduled to take place Saturday, March 27th. Join us for a day of fun involving Easter eggs, fresh-made cider donuts, and more! The kiddos won’t want to miss this one.

Longing for a date night, not too far from home?

Join us Friday, April 23rd for Spring Acoustic Fireside at The Lodge. Accompanied by a live musician in an intimate setting, couples and friends gather around a cozy fire and enjoy dinner, drinks, and dessert together.

Beginning this May, we are rolling out First Friday

WillowsfordLife

Spring EGGstravaganza

Spring Acoustic Fireside

Mother’s Day Brunch

Movie Under the Stars

Saturday, March 27th

Sunday, May 9th

Friday, April 23rd

Friday, May 14th

Happy Hour. Kick off your weekend with an hour of complimentary cocktails and outdoor enjoyment on Friday, May 7th. If you can’t make it this time, that’s alright as First Friday Happy Hour will take place each month through October.

setting for Movie Under the Stars on Friday, May 14th. Snuggle up with snacks and a show. This family-friendly tradition has become a hit with parents and grandparents alike. Stay tuned to find out what movie will be playing on the big screen.

Who is the most important woman in your life?

Mom! Celebrate your favorite lady at Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 9th. Sycamore House Courtyard is the perfect backdrop for sunshine, smiles, and local eats. Register early, this event sells out quickly.

Hope to see you at these events and more. Be sure to keep up with the Lifestyle Team through the Willowsford Weeklys and Willowsford Life Facebook group! * All events are tentative due to COVID-19

Lastly, Tenant House Amphitheater is a magical

Spring2021

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In the Kitchen

make dinner one night a week.

I would spend the entire week pouring over cookbooks dreaming about what to make next.

Q: Tell us about your experience in the culinary arts?

New in Town

QA

A: I attended L’Academie de

with & Chef Emily

Interview by Kacie Ward, HOA Communications Coordinator

C

hef Emily Worth joined Willowsford Kitchen earlier this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled. As a classically trained chef with a wealth of experience working in farm-to table restaurants and running highly successful culinary programs, she is excited to marry her love of teaching with the local, seasonal ingredients that Willowsford has to offer!

Stay tuned to the Willowsford Weeklys to discover the many

Spring2021

culinary offerings Chef Emily has in store for you this season.

Q: What is your first memory of your love for cooking?

A: When I was very young, I

used to pull myself onto the counters by the cabinet handles and rummage through our food supplies. I can’t imagine my mom was too thrilled about that!

But she recognized my interests early and encouraged me to

Cuisine in their professional program and then worked in two different farm-to-table restaurants. While I loved the concept of those restaurants, it wasn’t until I was asked to come back to L’Academie de Cuisine in their recreational school that I felt like I had found my calling in the culinary world. While there, I taught classes and managed a staff of about twenty chef-instructors teaching all aspects of cooking to home cooks. I loved teaching and sharing the excitement of cooking with all different types of cooks. It was just as fun to find the right class for the 60-something year old woman that had never cooked a day in her life as it was for the young working-professional foodie that took every imaginable class they

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In the Kitchen

could in their spare time. Since 2016 I have been running my own boutique catering company while raising two energetic children. I love the flexibility this business brings to my life and it sure has taught me a lot about another aspect of the culinary world.

Q: What is your favorite ingredient to work with?

A: I don’t like to play favorites

and I always crave what the current season is growing. Watery foods like watermelon and tomatoes are exactly what I want to eat when it’s too hot to move, but they don’t

sound that appealing in the middle of the winter. When it’s cold and I’m hunkering down, I crave hearty root vegetables and winter squashes. If I had to pick just one thing, it would be salt! The difference between good food and GREAT food might just be a sprinkle of salt.

Q: What would you want to have as your last meal?

A: A warm baguette with salt-

ed French butter. Why complicate perfection?

Q: What brought you to

Willowsford Kitchen?

A: I worked with Willowsford’s

longtime Culinary Director, Chef Bonnie Moore, at L’Academie de Cuisine. When she moved to New Hampshire, she contacted me asking if I would be interested in coming in to develop the culinary program in her absence. I’m looking forward to unique challenges of finding creative and safe culinary activities during the current pandemic, while also planning for the future when restrictions start lifting. Chef Bonnie will be hard to replace, but I might just have a few new ideas up my sleeve!

Fresh Lemonade From the Willowsford Kitchen Archives

A tall glass of lemonade is sure to put you in sunny, spring spirits! Add lavender and it becomes a pretty, pastel sipper that is both delicious and refreshing. Makes about 1 quart.

Ingredients 3 cups water 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste Instructions Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Cool.

Combine the sugar mixture with the lemon juice. Chill.

Serve in a tall glass over ice.

Lavender Lemonade: Add 1/2 teaspoon lavender blossoms to the water and sugar mixture in step 1. Steep (off the heat) for 5 minutes before straining. Garnish each glass with a lavender spring.

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WillowsfordLife

Family Feature

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WillowsfordLife

Family Feature

Meet the Kessler Family Life in The Grange

Interview by Kacie Ward, HOA Communications Coordinator

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e caught up with the Kessler family to learn all about their life in The Grange. Perry, Kristen, Adam, and Ethan have called Willowsford home for nearly seven years! Read on to learn more about their involvement in the community!

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourselves!

A: Kristen – Perry is an Assurance Partner and

Government Contracting Expert at Dixon Hughes Goodman. He’s also an avid youth sports coach, having coached both boys in every sport they’ve played. I am an HR Leader at Capital One and an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.

We have two boys, Adam (10) and Ethan (7) and a goldendoodle puppy, Lucy.

Q:

How did you two meet?

A: Perry – I grew up in the small town of Meriden,

KS and graduated from Kansas University while Kristen grew up in Fairfax County and attended Virginia Tech. We met while studying abroad in Northern Italy during undergrad. The program was sponsored by KU but there were students from all over the country. We actually met on the first day of the program during a ropes course team building activity. We were on the same team and quickly realized that we were both very competitive. Later we discovered we had a lot more in common, including having the same birthday! We became fast friends and traveled all over Europe together. I joke that the only chance I had to get a girl like Kristen was to be in a small Italian town with only a few other classmates. Without nearly as much competition, and with Europe as my backdrop, I was able to turn the odds in my favor!

Spring2021

Q: What does WillowsfordLife mean to you?

A: Kristen – WillowsfordLife means so many

things to us—friendship, peace of mind, knowing that our kids can run freely because there is always someone looking out for them. It means block parties, supporting one another in times of need, and impromptu gatherings with great friends. Finally, it means having all this in a beautiful setting where being close to nature is as easy as lacing up your shoes and going for a run on the trails.

Q: If you had to pick a favorite space in your house, what would it be?

A: Perry – Our favorite space is the covered deck

which was finished just before the pandemic hit.

We are so grateful that this space was done just in time for us to be home for an entire year. We have spent countless hours cuddled up in front of the fire watching movies together. We have shared meals together, played many rounds of poker, Uno, and so many other games.

Q: What is your favorite neighborhood memory thus far?

A: Kristen – All our favorite memories involve our kids playing with their friends from our cul-de-

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

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Family Feature

sac whether it’s a game of red rover during a summer rainstorm, an impromptu water fight, jumping into the pool in the summer, sledding down mountains of snow, or any other of a hundred memories.

Q: Congratulations on the establishment of Wil-

lowsford Together Community Club! Can you tell us more about it?

A: Kristen – Willowsford Together Community Club

some kind of game going. There is even a running score on the chalkboard in our kitchen. What might look like a friendly game of tennis, poker (or anything else) usually turns into a savage take-down and is immediately followed by at least one re-match.

Q: What is your favorite Willowsford amenity?

A: Ethan – Definitely the pool!

was created for residents of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities to learn from one another and build meaningful connections. We value better understanding our differences, meeting new people, and building community. Residents can learn about our events and get involved by visiting the Willowsford Together page on Facebook or through updates posted in the Willowsford Weekly. Please join us!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in springtime?

Photo Location

A: Ethan – Play outside with friends! Street hockey,

Can you spot this Willowsford amenity? Photos were taken at Sycamore House in The Grange.

Features include a demonstration kitchen, fitness studio, gathering rooms, courtyard with formal gardens, and performance stage. Plus, nearby Tenant House offers an amphitheater and rolling hills perfect for an afternoon picnic.

football, and flashlight tag are our favorites.

Q: What makes your family special?

A: Adam – We’re super competitive and always have 18

WillowsfordLife

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Board Room

Communications From the Board of Directors

T

hese are all the ways we communicate! There’s always something new and exciting happening in Willowsford and we want to keep you in the know. Please reach out to HOA@willowsford.com if you have any questions or feedback.

Coming soon! Association staff are currently developing a Welcome to Willowsford E-Brochure as well as a virtual version of Willowsford 101.

Both will debut later this year and be available on demand for new residents to view. Stay tuned!

Board of Directors Mike Russiello, President Lisa Bradford, Vice-President Harry Pugh, Treasurer Frank Blackstone, Secretary William Atwill, Director

Channel

Description

Frequency

Where to Find

Link

Willowsford Weekly

E-blast with announcements, events, activities, community club updates, fitness schedule, local notices, etc.

Weekly

Subscribe and view past messages on WillowsfordLife.com (Notify Me).

Willowsford Weekly is also posted on Facebook.

https://www.willowsfordlife.com/ list.aspx

Stand Alone E-Blast

E-blast for specific topics that As needed warrant additional attention beyond the Willowsford Weekly.

N/A

N/A

Website Alerts

Time sensitive or important information, closures, etc. posted on the website home screen.

Residents can sign up to receive alerts via text and/or email.

As needed

Subscribe via WillowsfordLife.com (Notify Me).

https://www.willowsfordlife.com/ list.aspx

Willowsford Life Facebook Group

Posts regarding events, activities, updates, etc. Please note: This is the only Facebook group managed by Association staff.

Questions/comments are primarily responded to via email.

3 or more posts per week

Search "Willowsford Life" on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/willowsfordlife/

WillowsfordSeasonal content including Life Publication articles and photos submitted by residents, staff, volunteers, and more.

4 issues per year

Hard copy delivered to each home. Electronic copy posted online, in the Willowsford Weekly, and on Facebook.

https://www.willowsfordlife. com/326/WillowsfordLife-Publication

Willowsford Orientation for new residents 101 - In Person including a meet and greet, Q&A session, etc.

3-4 events per year

Register through CivicRec portal (currently suspended due to COVID)

https://secure.rec1.com/VA/ willowsford-homeowners-association-va/catalog

Board Meeting Agenda & Open Session Package

6 per year; the Board of Directors generally meets every other month.

Posted on WillowsfordLife.com (Document Center) and link included in the Willowsford Weekly.

https://www.willowsfordlife.com/ DocumentCenter

As needed; 4-6 per year

Posted on WillowsfordLife.com (Document Center) and link included in the Willowsford Weekly.

https://www.willowsfordlife.com/ DocumentCenter

Each Board Meeting the Agenda is available approx. 10 days prior to the meeting and the Open Session Package is available approx. 3-4 days prior to the meeting.

Resident Board Communications and updates Update from the Board of Directors.

Annual Meeting & Election Notice

Spring2021

Official notice and information 1 per year regarding the Annual Meeting and access to online ballot (if an election is taking place).

Posted on Willowsfordhttps://www.willowsfordlife.com/ Life.com (Document DocumentCenter Center) and e-mailed to all registered homeowners at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled meeting.

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Design Review Committee

DRC Dates

H

ere are upcoming DRC dates to keep in mind. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to DRC@willowsfordlife.com.

Note that DRC dates are officially advertised through the Willowsford Weekly emails and on the Community Calendar online. Dates listed herein are subject to change.

March 10th – Application Deadline 16th – Pre-Review 24th – DRC Meeting April 14th – Application Deadline 20th – Pre-Review 28th – DRC Meting May 12th – Application Deadline 18th – Pre-Review 26th – DRC Meeting

Design Review Committee Charles “Max” Harwell Chairperson Scott McIntosh William “Dallas” Hubbard Bill “Skip” Powers Paul Jeannin

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Covenants Sub-Committee Scott McIntosh Chairperson Charles “Max” Harwell William “Dallas” Hubbard Bill “Skip” Powers Karyn Moreland

WillowsfordLife

Did you know?

Design Review Committee Meetings are open to all residents, even without an application. Resident forum is held at the beginning of each DRC Meeting for any general commentary or questions. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom; simply type your name into the chat section to speak during resident forum.

Spring2021

23

Design Review Committee

Paul’s Picks DRC Seasonal Favorites

by Paul Jeannin, DRC Member

M

any of you know me as a member of the DRC and reviewer of your Exterior Modification Application. Hopefully as you drive through the community you are impressed by the quality of the outdoor projects our residents have implemented. As a Landscape Architect I’m always on the look-out for new plants and improved varieties. Like many of you, I enjoy gardening and incorporating these species into my own yard. Here are three of my seasonal favorites!

The Blue Mistflower receives excellent reviews. It is a native perennial and has an appearance similar with annual ageratum. It starts blooming with blue flowers (which are enjoyed by butterflies) mid-summer and continues into fall. It typically grows one to three feet tall in full sun to partial shade and requires plenty of moisture to perform its best. It can be an aggressive spreader but is an excellent addition to an open meadow area or as a border along a woodland. Because of its deer resistance, hardiness, and long-lasting blooms it is well worth considering!

mer, they turn into fuzzy seed pods. However, the bluish-green leaves are very attractive even when the plant is not flowering.

They do need plenty of moisture in the summer months and will begin to go dormant in hot, dry weather. They have no serious pest or disease issues. The Wood Poppy is a beautiful addition to any border or perennial garden.

Marginal Fern Dryopteris marginalis

Wood Poppy Stylophorum diphyllum

Blue Mistflower Conoclinium coelestinum

Another excellent plant to consider is the Wood Poppy. They are an attractive native wildflower that can reach about two feet in height in partial to full shade.

They produce bright yellow flowers from early spring through the summer and is an attraction for bees. As the flowers fade in sum-

24

Every garden needs evergreen interest and so why not consider the Marginal Fern? These ferns are semi-evergreen and grow to be about two feet in height and width. They grow easily in a wide variety of shady conditions and only require average moisture.

They do not produce a flower but the foliage is glossy green through much of the winter, only dying back in early spring before new growth emerges. They are low maintenance, deer resistant and would make an excellent accent to your perennial garden.

WillowsfordLife

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Operations Department

Grass Roots

Brush Hogging & Buffer Strips

by Matt Murphy, Operations Manager

his year the Association made a change the Community Charter and causes confusion for to our overall brush hog schedule. To keep neighbors and our landscape vendors. the “wilds of Willowsford” beautiful and natural we recently moved to brush hogging once The Operations Team is looking forward to a annually in November, instead of twice per year in beautiful, green spring and hope that the changJune and November. The June brush hog typically es implemented help enhance the community and knocked down vegetation but it never fully recovadd to your enjoyment of Willowsford. ered to its full beauty by November. By switching to once a year the natural beauty of the open space will remain through the summer into Maintenance Task Service Date early fall. This will also provide nesting aniPool & Splash Park Prep February – May mals and insects the ability to use this habitat Koi Pond Start Up March until they no longer need it thus helping the natural lifecycles of the wildlife in our commuSpring Cleaning March – April nity. This is in line with the Conservancy’s viSignal 88 Community Patrols March – September sion as they will also brush hog at a reduced Fertilizer & Weed Control March – October frequency.

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Our landscape vendors mow regularly maintained areas approximately every 7-10 days during the spring and early summer, although sometimes this can be delayed due to weather. Overly wet conditions cause ruts in the ground and uneven cutting so at times you may see a longer stretch between mowing sessions. Buffer strips are generally a single pass of a lawn mower that is cut between homeowner property lines and open space.

These areas are done every other mow and are subject to the same weather-related delays. Please do not mow past your property line into open space. This is a violation of

Spring2021

Mowing & Edging

April – November

HOA Pond Management

April – November

Annual Flower Installation

May (spring) & October (fall)

Pool Operations

May – September

Irrigation & Water

May – October

Aeration & Overseeding

September-October

Common Area Turf Repair

September – October

Leaf Removal

October – December

HOA Bush Hogging

November

Street Tree Replacement

November – December

Trash Policing of Common Areas Year-Round

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Did you know?

Conservancy trails offer ways to appreciate the grasslands yearround but it’s also possible to bring elements of their charm home by incorporating native plants into your planting beds.

Not only are they food for birds and pollinators, but native plants are also better adapted to hot and dry conditions and Northern Virginia’s heavy soils.

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WillowsfordLife

Willowsford Conservancy

Meadows

More Than Wildflowers

by Taryn McFarland, Land Stewardship Manager

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field of wildflowers spotted with the vibrant, orange wings of the Monarch butterfly is the highlight to any summertime walk.

By the time September and October roll through the grassy Conservancy fields, bright yellow tickseed sunflowers and soft lavender milkweeds attract these butterflies in droves. When considering a beautiful meadow walk, certainly this is the picture most people conjure to mind.

By November, the green meadows have undergone a dramatic change. Yet, they are still beautiful!

The green grasses have faded into a muted gold.

The purple of summertime asters has turned into a fluffy bouquet of soft, white seeds “blooming” at the ends of their browning stems. Grassland birds are swooping down, bustling about the standing vegetation to collect the crimson fruit of the winterberry bush in a Christmas-time feast.

The meadow’s winter value and beauty often go overlooked. Grasslands provide food and shelter

for wildlife throughout the year. And depending on the type of meadow, how winter meadows support wildlife can vary.

Although wildflowers are popular for their colorful summertime blooms and pollinator benefits, grasslands that include Virginia eastern red cedar trees offer additional shelter and food for overwintering songbirds. Even different types of grasses provide different benefits to insects, mammals, reptiles, and birds of different types and sizes.

The Conservancy takes a comprehensive approach across the four villages to assure a variety of grassland types persist. Our management towards these goals sometimes results in obvious changes through a hands-on approach to reshape the habitat. Other times, more subtle practices achieve gradual results. Our Bushhogging Policy, posted on the Conservancy website, outlines the different approaches and how they are applied throughout the community.

Check out the Conservancy’s website for ‘Home Habitat’ resources and education programs on embracing the beautiful abundance of Virginia’s native plants in your own yard.

Community Design Standards Embrace Conservation

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illowsford Conservancy welcomes the opportunity to work with the HOA in reviewing the Community Design Standards to help expand consideration and inclusion of native habitat and wildlife conservation goals. We hope these opportunities and ideas can inspire homeowners and the entire community to participate in local conservation efforts and nurture, protect and enjoy nature at our doorsteps.

Beginning in April, new native plant and home habitat resources on the Conservancy’s website, along with ongoing education programs, will directly support homeowner efforts to create and maintain more sustainable home landscapes. Visit us at www.willowsfordconservancy.org/nature/conservation. Read our weekly “Buzz” e-newsletter. Or contact us at info@willowsfordconservancy.org.

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Willowsford Conservancy

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anuary may be the time to set wellness goals, and September is the month of freshly purchased school supplies. For a farmer, the season of new beginnings will always be spring. It is impossible to mark an exact date. It’s that string of days where greenhouse siding is rolled up, where sunlight brims and plants are taller by the end of the day.

Spring is the time when plans become ‘To-Do’ lists, when we trade anticipation for the first real harvests of the season.

This spring, we are excited to share that we have permanently moved our produce as well as delicious artisan treats from the previous farm market to “Farm Stand Online”. Farm Stand Online allows us to share more local food more conveniently. By moving to our online order system, we can now harvest and set aside exactly what you need in advance. From beets to bread, carrots to cookies, we’ve brought the best eats in Northern Virginia to our website—for you!

Giving Spring a Green Light From the Farm

by Ashley Swensen, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Are you signed up for email alerts when our

“Foggy Morning Spider Web”

by Sarah McCarty

Nature Lens Photo Contest Fall 2020 Winners

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hank you to all the residents who participated in the Nature Lens Conservancy photo contest during the fall. We received many inspiring pictures from throughout the four villages.

Congratulations to all the winners!

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“Heron”

by Gian Lomaglio

WillowsfordLife

online store accepts orders? Head to https:// www.harvie.farm/farm-stand/willowsford-farm to make sure you don’t miss the best flavors of spring, summer, and fall.

You may wonder what the differences are between Farm Stand Online and our Farm Share subscriptions (CSA). Since Farm Shares are pre-paid and a full season commitment, our CSA shareholders get “first pick” of our harvest. Many crops are available in abundance, but some of our more popular and limited items, like spring strawberries and fresh farm eggs, may be available only to CSA subscribers. This is definitely a huge benefit to taking the leap and enjoying a full season of locally grown veggie boxes as a CSA member.

If you’re new to eating seasonally and local, our Starter Size CSA veggie box might be the right start for you. At just $20 each week, Starter Size shares fit well into the meal plans of most families. The veggie boxes deliver a weekly taste of everything that’s in season and still allow flexibility for your favorite items from the online grocery store. Eating

meals with seasonal veggies each week helps you get used to the rhythm of the crop calendar, find new favorites, and include local produce.

If you had a Starter share in 2020 and found yourself adding extra veggies each week, you may be ready to move up to the Personal Size share! We know that once you’ve started to depend on the freshness and flavor of Certified Organic produce straight from your neighborhood Farm, you won’t ever want to go back.

Many of our members have grown to love local food so much, they subscribe to veggie boxes, AND to our Customizable Pastured Meat CSA shares.

Beginning this year, our meat shares are just like our veggies: tailored to your preferences. You can edit your order each week to perfectly fit your plans.

You get the same quality, service, and convenience for your proteins that you’ve come to expect for your veggies. When you subscribe to both options, you’re truly eating like a farmer. Reserve your veggies, meats, and more today at https://www.harvie.farm/signup/willowsford-farm.

“Trails at Willowsford”

“Leaves on the Trail”

by Shailender Kolipaka

by Faith Gerber

“Bull Run Overlook Trail”

by Amanda Rollins

“Sunset Sky at Poplar Pond”

by Greg Licamele

Spring2021

31

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Just for Kids

The Art Gallery Sly as a Fox

34

Addison Carley, Age 7

Bella Bianucci, Age 4

Carson Landry, Age 6

Charlize Chien, Age 10

Deanna Mendez, Age 8

Goldwin Phan, Age 11

Grayson Chang, Age 4

Jules, Age 8

Lana Nguyen, Age 6

Oliver Chien, Age 7

Shelby Mendez, Age 6

Jossllyn Ku Phan, Age 4

WillowsfordLife

Just for Kids

Next Issue Want to be featured in the summer issue of WillowsfordLife? The American flag is a symbol of our Nation, flown with pride and honor. In the spirit of Independence Day, let’s get patriotic! Kids—use your creativity to design your own unique flag. Kindly drop off artwork at Sycamore House or The Lodge by May 1st. All submissions become property of Willowsford HOA and may be published in a future issue.

Name & Age: ___________________________________________________________________________ (may be published) Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ (used for verification purposes only)

Spring2021

35

Willowsford

Homeowners Association, Inc. 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148