Join A.E.R.O. at these upcoming community events! Stop by our events to learn about local wildlife, our rescue efforts, and ways you can get involved. We’ll also have our Wildlife Intake Van on site for tours and information.
Wildlife Release · Family-Friendly
Opossum Release
at Leopold’s Preserve
Watch rehabilitated opossums return to the wild!
Join us as AERO releases rehabilitated opossums back into the wild at Leopold’s Preserve! This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the rewarding end of the rehabilitation journey — and learn all about Virginia’s only native marsupial. AERO educators will be on hand to teach the audience about opossums and the work they do to rehabilitate local wildlife. A perfect family-friendly outing you won’t want to miss.
Northern Virginia Wildlife Coexistence Coalition · Inaugural Event
Protecting Wildlife & Pollinators:
Safer Mosquito Control Solutions
A community education event hosted by the newly formed Northern Virginia Wildlife Coexistence Coalition
We are proud to introduce the Northern Virginia Wildlife Coexistence Coalition — a newly formed group bringing together wildlife advocacy organizations, wildlife rescue groups, and companion animal organizations. Our shared mission is to educate the public about the everyday threats that human choices pose to the animals we share our communities with, and to champion practical, peaceful solutions that let wildlife and people thrive side by side.
This inaugural event focuses on one of the most common — and most preventable — threats to backyard wildlife: mosquito spraying. Did you know that typical backyard fogging kills only 10–30% of adult mosquitoes while harming 100% of the pollinators we love and stripping away the insects that birds depend on to raise their young? There is a better way, and we’re here to show you.
Liz Train will present “Beyond the Spray: Protecting Wildlife and Biodiversity with Safer Mosquito Control Solutions” — covering the regulatory landscape, environmental impact, and Integrated Pest Management strategies. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on workshop where attendees will build their own mosquito larvae trap: a targeted, wildlife-safe alternative that stops mosquitoes before they ever take flight.
The hands-on portion of the event features the Mosquito Jill Larvae Trap workshop. Unlike broad-spectrum “carpet-bomb” sprays, these ovitraps deliver a surgical strike — targeting mosquitoes at the larval stage before they ever become flying adults. You’ll leave with a complete Stand-alone Silicone Trap Kit (KSASL-001) and the knowledge to significantly reduce mosquito populations in your yard while keeping your garden safe for the wildlife that depends on it. Additional kits and supplies will be available for purchase at the event.
🐝 Safe for children, pets, birds & butterflies — traps use Bti, a naturally occurring soil bacterium
What’s Included in Your Kit
- Quart Mason Jar (Wide Mouth) with Stainless Steel Rim
- Tin Grid Insert & Silicone Cover
- Organic starter material + Mosquito Dunk® (Bti)
- Downloadable placement & luring instructions
- Maintenance Tracker (Excel) with auto-refresh dates
About the Coalition
The Northern Virginia Wildlife Coexistence Coalition unites wildlife advocacy groups, wildlife rescue organizations, and companion animal organizations with one shared belief: the challenges our animals face day to day are largely human-created — and largely preventable. More information about the coalition and its upcoming initiatives is coming soon.
Presenter
Liz Train
Co-coordinator of Fairfax County’s Wildlife Sanctuary Program, certified Virginia Master Naturalist and Extension Master Gardener. Active steward with the Fairfax County Park Authority, FCPS, and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Hands-On Workshop
Mosquito Jill Larvae Trap
Led by Jill Spohn — master naturalist, birder, wildlife transporter, and AERO board member. Jill founded Mosquito Jill to make wildlife-friendly, non-toxic mosquito management tools accessible to every backyard steward committed to environmental stewardship.
Annual Fundraiser
AERO Animal Rescue’s
Annual Cocktail Party
Great Music · Great Drinks · For a Great Cause
Join AERO Animal Rescue for an elegant evening benefiting the animals in our care. Enjoy cocktails, great music, and the company of fellow wildlife and animal advocates — all while supporting our rescue and education mission across Northern Virginia.
This is our signature annual event and a wonderful opportunity to connect with the AERO community, learn about our programs, and make a meaningful difference for the animals who need us most.
More events will be posted as they are scheduled — check back soon