2026 Fall Activity Guide

Birding for Beginners Ages 9+ Birding can be intimidating, so let us help get you started! Learn the basics of bird identification and what to look for in the field so that you can confidently call yourself a “birder”. Binoculars NOT required. Each participant will take home their own field notebook and local bird list. Class includes field time on the trails, rain or shine. Meet at the Education Complex. Su 8:00-9:30am 11/8 $5 167786-01 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Outdoor First Aid Basics Ages 13+ Learn to recognize and respond effectively to common outdoor injuries and emergencies in this hands-on introductory course designed for community members, youth leaders, volunteers, and hikers who frequently spend time outdoors. Participants will practice fundamental first aid techniques specifically tailored to wilderness and outdoor settings. Sa 9:30-11:00am 10/3 Free 167582-01 Family Archery Ages 8+ Let the arrows fly with friends and family! This introductory archery class provides instruction, practice, and skills-testing through fun archery games. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be registered to participate. All participants must be present at start of program for safety session. Contact BansheeReeks@ loudoun.gov for private group information. Sa 12:00-1:30pm 10/10 $15 167750-01 Sa 2:30-4:00pm 10/10 $15 167750-02 Ages 18+ As part of the State of Virginia Deer Management Assistance Program, Banshee Reeks accepts licensed and skilled hunters to participate via lottery in managed white-tail deer hunts. Only antlerless deer may be harvested. Hunts take place in October, December, and February. If selected in the lottery, hunters must also purchase a permit and attend an in-person orientation. Lottery registration is Oct 1-31 for December hunts and Dec 1-31 for February hunts. For more information or to register for the lottery, email BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov Managed Deer Hunts All Ages Lend your hands to care for our lands! Possible volunteer tasks include invasive plant removal, gardening, landscaping, trail maintenance, and more. Please dress to work outdoors (closed-toe shoes, long pants, sunscreen, etc.) Minors under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. Online waiver and registration at: bit.ly/BansheeVolunteering Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 9/19 Free 967780-09 Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 10/17 Free 967780-10 Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 11/21 Free 967780-11 EVENTS & EXHIBITS Little Explorers Camping Play Lab All Ages Gather ‘round the (pretend!) campfire and step into a world of indoor camping fun. Snooze in a tent with your own cozy sleeping bag, toast make-believe marshmallows, and explore the sights and sounds of the forest through hands-on activities in the Nature Center’s. Then head outdoors to see if you can spot woodland wildlife in their natural habitats. This seasonal exhibit runs throughout Fall. M-Su 9:00am-4:00pm 9/1-11/30 Free 167100-01 VOLUNTEERING Volunteer Workday

National Wildlife Day All Ages Show your love for wild animals by learning what you can do to protect endangered wildlife and promote conservation. Stop by the Visitor Center to make your own animal craft and become a wildlife ambassador. F 9:00am-4:00pm 9/4 Free 167731-01 Parks for Pollinators: Banshee BioBlitz All Ages Calling all citizen scientists! This Parks for Pollinators ‘BioBlitz’ is a collaborative race against the clock to discover as many pollinator species as possible at Banshee Reeks using iNaturalist. Join this guided training effort or participate on your own throughout the month of September. As part of a national effort, all Loudoun County parks are participating as BioBlitz project locations. Meet at the Visitor Center. Free event, registration requested. Sa 9:30-10:30am 9/12 Free 167794-01 Grandparents Day All Ages Celebrate the grandparents in your life by exploring Banshee Reeks in honor of National Grandparents Day. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a family scavenger hunt challenge and a special gift for all grandparents. Be sure to take a family photo overlooking the Preserve! Su 9:00am-4:00pm 9/13 Free 167732-01 Halloween in the Reeks Ages 10+ Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve has a spooky history with a little mystery. Come and see what spirits, scares and magical beasts come out to play for Halloween – if you dare! Brave souls can enter the haunted trail in timed groups, first come first served, between 7:00-9:30pm. Those who make it back receive a free treat bag. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Parents should use their discretion based on their child’s sensitivity to darkness, loud noises, jump scares, and frightening themes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Education Annex. Advanced registration required. Sa 7:00-9:30pm 10/17 Free 167787-01 National Hiking Day All Ages What better way to celebrate National Take a Hike Day than by exploring Banshee Reeks – the County’s ONLY nature preserve. With nearly 15 miles of trails across 695 acres, there’s plenty of room to roam. Dogs on leash are welcome to join! Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a free souvenir and a trail map to choose from several color- coded trails. #TakeAHike Tu 9:00am-4:00pm 11/17 Free 167734-01