It’s that time of year again. In fact, the only time of year when the gates to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, open to the public.

During the Autumn Conservation Festival visitors can tour the sprawling campus in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, meet some of SCBI’s world-renowned scientists and get a peek at some of the endangered animals that call SCBI home. The festival is full of country fun—live music, draft horse wagon rides and cavalry maneuvers.

SCBI runs one of the world’s most extensive programs on conservation biology research and focuses on topics such as ecology monitoring, animal reproduction, nutrition, and genetic diversity. Facilities at SCBI include a global mapping laboratory, a veterinary clinic, and several field stations and ecology-monitoring areas.

A $30 car pass, which covers up to six people, is required for admission and can be purchased on the Zoo’s website or at the Front Royal/Warren County Visitor’s Center, located at 414 East Main Street in Front Royal, Virginia.

Media car passes for Saturday, October 2, may be obtained by contacting or Jen Zoon at (202) 633-3055.

Media must RSVP by Tuesday, September 28.