Ghost Hunting History Tour Ages 13+ Explore the history and mystery of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on a lantern-lit walk at dusk including behind the scenes spaces in the historic 1840’s stone house. 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 if there’s any paranormal activity happening at Loudoun’s only nature preserve. Meet at the Visitor Center - if you dare! F 7:45-9:00pm 9/25 $10 167509-01 Sa 7:00-8:15pm 10/24 $10 167509-02 Sa 5:45-7:00pm 11/14 $10 167509-03 Nature Sketching 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 takes place indoors during inclement weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 10:00am-12:00pm 10/11 $10 167703-01 Su 10:00am-12:00pm 11/8 $10 167703-02 Invasive Plant ID Walk Ages 13+ Join Natali Walker, Invasive Management Specialist with Blue Ridge PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) for an educational hike at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve to learn how to identify invasive plant species. This informative walk will empower you to identify invasive species so that you can combat them on your own property or as a volunteer. We will also learn why they are classified as invasive and talk about strategies for managing them. Registration required for this free program. Meet in front of the Visitor’s Center. Th 10:00-10:45am 10/8 Free 167742-01 Ages 55+ Explore the history and global folklore of fairies, including Irish banshees, on a visit to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve – Loudoun County’s hidden gem. After exploring the mythical origins and cultural influence of fairies, participants will handcraft a whimsical fairy door to display indoors or outdoors—just like the charming fairy doors now appearing in garden nooks, city sidewalks, and other surprising places. The program also includes a box lunch, an optional woodland stroll, and transportation to/from Ashburn Senior Center. In person or online registration is available. Membership at one of the Loudoun County senior centers is required. F 10:00am-2:00pm 9/18 $20 144627-01 SENIOR Folklore & Fairy Doors Autumn Art & Nature Outing Ages 55+ Welcome Fall with an outdoor walk and hand-crafted art at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Learn about the science behind the changing season then get creative by trying different techniques to make stamped or painted prints with leaves. You’ll craft your own set of novelty notecards while enjoying the unique scenery of Loudoun’s hidden gem. Lunch and s’mores by a campfire are included (weather permitting). Participants will walk on gravel and grass paths, so please wear proper walking shoes. Transportation to/from The Senior Center of Leesburg. Membership at one of the Loudoun County senior centers is required. Th 10:30am-2:00pm 10/15 $15 127604-01
Fall Colors Hayride & Campfire Ages 55+ Enjoy an outdoor Fall adventure at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve - Loudoun County’s hidden gem. Learn about local tree species and the science behind our region’s stunning Fall colors including a brief site tour on a tractor-pulled hayride. Afterwards there will be a campfire to sip hot cocoa and roast s’mores. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven, natural trail surfaces and climbing stairs to get on the hay wagon. Sturdy boots or walking shoes are required. Fee includes activities, lunch and transportation to/from the Senior Center at Cascades. Membership at one of the Loudoun County senior centers is required. W 10:00am-2:00pm 10/21 $15 145602-01 MULTIAGE Bat Night Ages 7+ Explore the secret life of bats through a revealing presentation and then venture outdoors to try to spot our flying friends. Instructors will have a sonar detector to identify what bat species are flying around. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Education Complex. Sa 7:00-8:30pm 9/5 $7 167711-01 Celebrating 60: Dark Sky Exploration Ages 10+ Join a Virginia Master Naturalist during International Dark Sky Week to celebrate the wonders of the night sky. 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 under a new moon while learning how to collect and report sky quality data. Expect to walk about one mile over uneven surfaces. Meet at the Education Complex. F 7:30-9:00pm 9/11 $12 167250-01 All Ages 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. Sa 7:30-9:00pm 9/26 $7 167715-01 M 7:00-8:30pm 10/26 $7 167715-02 Tu 5:00-6:30pm 11/24 $7 167715-03 Full Moon Hike Tree Identification Hike Ages 8+ Learn to identify and appreciate local tree species and what they can tell you about your surroundings from a Virginia Master Naturalist as you explore different habitats. Expect to hike 1-2 miles over varied terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. Sa 10:30am-12:00pm 10/3 $5 167741-01 Ages 5+ It’s spooky season at Banshee Reeks! Did you know that Banshee Reeks translates in Gaelic to “spirit” and “hills and dales”? Learn how Loudoun’s only nature preserve got its haunted name nearly 200 years ago. Expect to hike 1-2 easy miles in dusk light as we share the spirit story of the preserve. As darkness falls, you might even catch the shrill shriek of foxes and screams of barn owls! Stay for a spooky campfire, depending on weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Th 5:30-7:00pm 10/29 $7 167242-01 Family Spooky Hike & Campfire
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