2025 Fall Activity Guide Book Final

PARKS

exploring local wildlife, hiking along trails, completing outdoor challenges, and creating art from nature. Bring your own water bottle and nut-free lunch and snacks. Sunscreen and bug spray should be applied prior to start of class. Meet at the Education Complex. Th 9:00am-1:00pm 10/2 $40 167240-01 M 9:00am-1:00pm 10/20 $40 167240-02 M 9:00am-1:00pm 11/3 $40 167240-03 Tu 9:00am-1:00pm 11/4 $40 167240-04 Haunted Hike & Spooky Campfire Ages 5+ It’s spooky season at Banshee Reeks! Learn how Loudoun’s largest nature preserve got its haunted name and walk in the woods to listen for eerie wildlife noises. Expect to hike 1-2 easy miles as darkness falls, then stay after for a spooky story campfire, depending on weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Th 6:00-8:00pm 10/30 $7 167242-01 Ages 13+ Experience wildlife after hours during this magical evening adventure! Join a Virginia Master Naturalist on a hike through moonlit woodlands while using bionic ears to amplify the sounds of night. Stay after for a campfire, depending on weather. Rain date is the day after. Contact BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov for private group information. Su 7:30-9:00pm 9/7 $7 167715-01 M 7:00-8:30pm 10/6 $7 167715-02 W 5:00-6:30pm 11/5 $7 167715-03 Eco Explorers Teen Hike Ages 13-17 TEEN & ADULT Full Moon Hike Hit the trail for a fun, guided hike to explore local habitats and wildlife. You’ll even dissect an owl pellet to uncover what predators eat! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this adventure is all about nature, discovery, and new friends. Don’t forget bug spray and your sense of adventure. Meet at 742 Miller Drive for group travel. Su 9:00am-12:00pm 9/14 $15 149002-01 Ages 13+ Tap into your artistic side with instruction from a Virginia Master Naturalist. Learn drawing techniques including color blending, shading, and perspective while practicing deep noticing skills outdoors and on the trail. Each class is different, and participants are encouraged to attend multiple classes. All art supplies are included in the registration fee. Class meets indoors during inclement weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 10:00am-12:00pm 9/14 $10 167703-01 Su 10:00am-12:00pm 10/12 $10 167703-02 Su 10:00am-12:00pm 11/9 $10 167703-03 Nature Sketching Ghost Hunting History Tour Ages 13+ Explore the history and mystery of Banshee Reeks on a lantern-lit walk at dusk. Staff will share chilling historical accounts and tales of unexplained encounters, and you’ll have a chance to use real ghost hunting equipment to investigate for yourself: is there paranormal activity happening at Banshee Reeks? National Ghost Hunting Day is September 27! Sa 7:30-8:30pm 9/27 $10 167509-01 Sa 6:30-7:30pm 11/1 $10 167509-02 F 5:30-6:30pm 11/14 $10 167509-03

BANSHEE REEKS NATURE PRESERVE 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA 703-737-8894 • loudoun.gov/BansheeReeks Open: Monday-Sunday April-September: 8:00am-8:00pm October-March: 8:00am-5:00pm Closed all Fridays in October and Thanksgiving, 11/27 facebook.com/BansheeReeksNaturePreserve

PRESCHOOL Wildschooling

Ages 2-5 Join us for experiential learning and hands-on fun outdoors! Every first Thursday of the month we will explore a different nature theme. The program fee is per preschool-age participant; parents/guardians are free. Meet in the Education Complex. Th 9:30-10:30am 9/4 $5 167212-01 Th 9:30-10:30am 10/2 $5 167212-02 Th 9:30-10:30am 11/6 $5 167212-03 Storytime Gone Wild Ages 6 months-6 There’s never been a story time like this! Explore nature stories and wildlife topics with a Virginia Master Naturalist each month through interactive and hands-on play. Weather permitting, storytime takes place outdoors every 4th Tuesday of the month. After storytime, we’ll embark on an easy walk in the woods connected to the seasonal stories we share. In the event of rain, meet in the Education Complex. Tu 9:30am-10:30pm 9/23 Free 167211-01 Tu 9:30am-10:30pm 10/28 Free 167211-02 Tu 9:30am-10:30pm 11/25 Free 167211-03 Ages 6-10 Learn new outdoor skills from a Virginia Master Naturalist while exploring Banshee Reeks. You’ll set up a tent, find your way out of the woods, and identify wildlife tracks. Class will end with a lesson on how to build a campfire and optional s’mores. Youth can be dropped off at the Visitor Center. Advanced registration required. Su 1:00-3:00pm 9/21 $12 167241-01 Nature Explorers Ages 6-10 This drop-off program invites youth to enjoy the day off from school while ELEMENTARY Junior Ranger Class

Register at loudoun.gov/PRCSConnect

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