The event will begin with a 60 minute presentation on the diverse flora of Stratford by Helen Hamilton, master gardener and author. This will be followed by a guided hike through the Stratford Landscape by Harry Puffenbarger, local master naturalist. During the hike you will be guided through the forest and discover the plants and flowers featured during the presentation. Preregistration before Thursday, May 31 is strongly encouraged. Trekkers are reminded to wear appropriate shoes and outerwear as well as bring…

Dr. Robert Weems, retired United States Geological Survey paleontologist and internationally renowned expert on the Miocene epoch will be presenting a rare opportunity to learn more about these Earth transformations as they are recorded in the cliffs. Visitors will be allowed special access to restricted beach areas. Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 8 at 5:00 p.m. Contact Jon Bachman at jbachman@stratfordhall.org or call 804-493-1972 for more information and/or registration.  

The kayak trips are guided, and instructors will offer safety education before, during, and after the event. Participants are advised to dress with suitable shoes, backpack with water and energy snacks, and waterproof camera (optional). Beginner and experienced paddlers over the age of twelve are welcome. This is a weather-dependent event. Preregistration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, June 21. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

View the spectacular prehistoric cliffs and search for birds and wildlife along the shore from your kayak. This is a weather-dependent event. The kayak trips are guided, and instructors will offer safety education before, during, and after the event. Beginner and experienced paddlers over the age of twelve are welcome. Preregistration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, August 23. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

Meet in the historic duPont Library to learn and identify different species of squirrels in eastern Virginia. Understand how squirrels communicate using vocal and visual signals, and then put your knowledge to the test. Take a guided hike across Stratford Hall and experience the numerous squirrels who call the grounds home. For more information and to register, contact Jon Bachman, 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org. ($, Free for children under 13 & Friends of Stratford)  

This event features wines from Virginia wineries and oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. There will be free admission to the Great House, Treakle’s train barrel rides, and Westmoreland County Miniature Farm Animals. There will be car shows on both Saturday (Mustang Car Clubs) and Sunday (Memory Lane Car Club). Live music will be provided each day by a line-up of local bands and solo musicians. Transportation will be provided from the parking lots by Bay Transit and…

If you love to “get out in the woods” and would like to learn more about the role of trees and squirrels in the grand scheme of our environment. This event will be led by Harry Puffenbarger, a Virginia Master Naturalist, and Bradley Lamphere of Project Squirrel. These naturalists will deepen your appreciation of some of the most important parts of our environment. Plan to bring your camera, a notepad, and your curiosity. Registration closes Wednesday, September 26.

The theatre group The Rude Mechanicals will be performing this rollicking 18th-century play is a romantic comedy by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, produced and published in 1775. The Rivals is an example of a comedy of manners and a witty, cerebral form of dramatic comedy that depicts and often satirizes the manners and affectations of a contemporary society. No pre-registration. There will be seating for 100. Seats will be first come, first serve. For more information Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or Jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

Owning a telescope is not a requirement — but if you have one, club members will help you learn how to use it. We can provide expert advice and instruction on telescopes, accessories, books, and star charts, as well as how to observe the night sky. Need help getting started in astronomy? The first step is learning the sky. To get started, you don’t need an expensive telescope, you just need a few simple printed resources and a willingness to…

The color of the changing leaves along our trails, cliffs, and fields are truly breathtaking. This event starts off with light refreshments in the duPont Library followed by a short introduction to the trek by Mr. Harry Puffenbarger, Master Naturalist. Concluding this, attendees will be lead on a guided nature hike along the trails of Stratford Hall. Please dress for the weather. Registration closes Wednesday, November 14.

Based on his recent discoveries, United States Geological Survey (USGS) paleontologist Bryan Landacre will provide participants with an in-depth discussion of the vegetation and climate that existed in the Stratford region 1.5 million years ago. USGS emeritus geologist Robert Weems will follow with a discussion of the Ice Age animals that we now know lived within this landscape. Pre-registration encouraged but not required. To register, contact Jon Bachman at JBachman@StratfordHall.org or 804-493-1972.

A space and place for academic and independent writers, to focus in a contemplative setting that inspires productivity and community. Writers will arrive on Sunday, and depart Saturday morning, unless you chose the mini retreat, in which case you would depart Wednesday afternoon. An opening dinner will be provided on Sunday, but all other meals are the guests’ responsibility. While you do not have to be an academic professional to apply, the 4-7 day retreats are designed in concert with…

This special event features a lecture, workshop, and guided hike hosted by the Fredericksburg chapter of the Virginia Blue Bird Society. During this event participants will learn about the important role blue birds play in our ecosystem, learn how to construct their own bluebird house for their property, and hike along Stratford’s property to view bluebird houses. For more information or to register for this event contact Jon Bachman at JBachman@StratfordHall.org or 804-493-1972.