The Clifton Institute

Education. We teach people about The natural history, ecology and evolution of native plants and animals. During 2023, 1,300 pre-k-12 students from 22 schools attended 36 field trips. 1,501 adults attended public education programs. From learning how to identify lichens to practicing collecting native seeds, every program is different. The unifying themes are: enjoyment of nature; curiosity about The natural world; and taking care of native plants and animals.

Research. Clifton Institute staff, interns, and collaborators do ecological research to better understand The causes of decline in native plants and animals and to identify land management practices to support declining species. In 2023, we continued our research on american kestrels and box turtles. We launched a greenstone woodlands study to compare The effects of prescribed fire and excluding deer to restore The diversity of wildflowers, grasses, and sedges in The understories of dry oak forests.

Restoration. We work to restore native plant communities on The Clifton Institute's 900 acres, and we advise private land owners and government agencies on how to restore The lands they manage. During 2023, our native seed pilot project continued testing and germinating 18 different plant species to give farmers a chance to try growing these plants on a small scale. In partnership with Virginia state university, we recruited seven Virginia farmers for The project. Our landowner outreach program conducted 46 property visits, providing advice on over 3,000 acres.