2026 Fall Activity Guide

PARKS

BANSHEE REEKS NATURE PRESERVE

21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg 703-737-8894 loudoun.gov/BansheeReeks Open: Monday-Sunday April-September: 8:00am-8:00pm October-March: 8:00am-5:00pm

Closed: Fridays in October, December & February facebook.com/BansheeReeksNaturePreserve Instagram @ BansheeReeksNaturePreserve

Archaeology for Kids Ages 8-12 Designed for upper elementary students, this program includes a short history hike and world techniques to demonstrate what archaeology has revealed about the history of Banshee Reeks. Meet at the Education Complex. Sa 2:00-3:00pm 10/17 $10 167243-01 Girl Scout Junior Animal Habitat Patch Program Ages 8-12 Join a Virginia Master Naturalist to earn the Animal Habitat Badge. We will begin with a short indoor presentation, where scouts will learn about native wildlife present at Banshee Reeks. Then we’ll head outside to take a hike through a variety of animal habitats, including pond, forest, and meadow. The program will end with a discussion about wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Banshee Reeks will provide a fun patch. Troop leaders are responsible for obtaining the official Animal Habitat patch. Expect to hike 1.5-2 miles over uneven surfaces. Meet at the Education Complex. Su 12:30-2:00pm 10/25 $12 167773-01 Dark Sky Patch Program Ages 5+ Join a Virginia Master Naturalist to fulfill the requirements for the GSCNC/Dark Sky International Dark Sky Patch. Learn about the types, causes, and effects of light pollution, as well as simple things you can do to help mitigate the issue. Then head outside for a short hike to experience the beauty of the night sky while learning how to collect and report sky quality data. Expect to walk about one mile over uneven surfaces. Banshee Reeks will provide a fun patch. Troop leaders are responsible for obtaining the official Dark Sky patch. Meet at the Education Complex. Sa 5:00-6:30pm 11/7 $12 167320-01 Ages 13+ Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Varied habitats including streams, woodlands, and fields makes Banshee a birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. Advanced registration required at https:// loudounwildlife.org/events/ Sa 8:00-10:00am 9/12 Free 967714-09 Sa 8:00-10:00am 10/10 Free 967714-10 Sa 8:00-10:00am 11/14 Free 967714-11 TEEN & ADULT Birding Banshee

PRESCHOOL Wildschooling

Ages 2-6 Join us for experiential learning and hands-on fun outdoors! Every first Thursday of the month we will explore a different nature theme. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Program fee is per preschool-age participant; parents/guardians are free. Meet in the Education Complex. Th 9:30-10:30am 9/3 $5 167212-01 Th 9:30-10:30am 10/1 $5 167212-02 Th 9:30-10:30am 11/5 $5 167212-03 Storytime Gone Wild Ages Infant-6 There’s never been a storytime 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 under the trees every 4th Tuesday of the month. Tu 9:30-10:15am 9/22 Free 167211-01 Tu 9:30-10:15am 10/27 Free 167211-02 Tu 9:30-10:15am 11/24 Free 167211-03 Ages 6-11 This drop-off program invites youth to enjoy the day off from school while exploring local wildlife, hiking along trails, completing outdoor challenges, and creating art from nature. Bring your own nut-free picnic lunch and snacks. Meet at the Education Complex. M 9:00am-1:00pm 9/21 $40 167240-01 M 9:00am-1:00pm 10/12 $40 167240-02 Th 9:00am-1:00pm 10/29 $40 167240-03 Tu 9:00am-1:00pm 11/3 $40 167240-04 M 9:00am-1:00pm 11/9 $40 167240-05 Junior Ranger Class Ages 6-11 ELEMENTARY Nature Explorers 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 9/27 $12 167241-01