2026 Spring Activity Guide

Wildflower Count Guided Hike All Ages April is spring wildflower season on the trails of Banshee Reeks! Join for an easy 1-2 mile walk with a Master Naturalist in the woods to catch the spring ephemerals before they disappear for the year! Be on the lookout for famous Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums, Trout Lilies, Spring Beauties and Bloodroot – how many will we count?! Sa 9:30-11:00am 4/4 Free 367734-01 Banshee Bluebell Guided Hike Ages 5+ Bring the whole family to enjoy Virginia’s most stunning spring ephemeral along Banshee’s Bluebell Trail. A Master Naturalist will guide the hike along a 2.5-mile loop to the Goose Creek flood plain to see this beautiful harbinger of the green landscape to come. Expect to hike varied terrain including some moderate inclines. Meet at the Visitor Center. Sa 3:30pm-5:00pm 4/4 $6 367744-01 Outdoor Skills 101: Intro To Camping & Backpacking Ages 8+ Learn essential camping and backpacking skills in a hands-on, beginner- friendly setting. Practice pitching a tent, choosing a campsite, filtering water, lighting a backpacking stove, storing food safely, and selecting the right clothing and gear. Test out our equipment or bring your own, ask questions, and gain confidence for your next outdoor adventure. Families and partners are encouraged! Meet at the Education Complex. Su 9:00-11:30am 4/12 $18 367771-01 Dark Sky Night 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 8:00-9:30pm 4/17 $12 367250-01 Earth Day Tree ID Hike Ages 8+ Celebrate Earth Day through an experiential outing in the woods! Learn to identify local tree species and explore different forest ecosystems with a Virginia Master Naturalist. Expect to hike 1-2 miles over varied terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. Sa 10:30am-12:00pm 4/25 $8 367741-01 Full Moon Hike Ages 10+ Experience wildlife after hours during this unique evening adventure! Join a Virginia Master Naturalist on a 1-mile hike through moonlit woodlands while using bionic ears to amplify the sounds of night. Stay after for a campfire and s’mores, depending on weather. Rain date is the day after. Trails do not accommodate strollers. For private group registration, contact BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov F 8:00-9:30pm 5/1 $10 367715-01 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 5/2 $15 367750-01 Sa 2:30-4:00pm 5/2 $15 367750-02 Fresh Lemonade Guided Hike All Ages There is nothing quite like sipping a cold glass of fresh lemonade after a spring stroll in the warm woods! Expect to hike an easy 1-2 miles with a Master Naturalist to Goose Creek State Scenic River for wildlife and wildflower viewing. After the spring saunter, participants are welcome to

sit and sip their fresh lemonade on the picnic tables around the Visitor’s Center. Families and inexperienced hikers are welcome. Su 3:30-5:00pm 5/17 Free 367736-01 SENIOR Nature Sketching Field Trip Ages 55+ Tap into your artistic side with instructions from a Virginia Master Naturalist. Learn beginner drawing techniques while practicing observational skills outdoors. Art supplies are provided during the class. Participants will walk over uneven, natural trail surfaces during the visit. Membership at one of the Loudoun County senior centers is required. Online or in person registration available. Lunch and bus transportation from Senior Center are included in the fee. Limit 16 participants. Senior Center of Leesburg F 10:00am-1:30pm 3/20 $15 327621-01 Ashburn Senior Center F 10:00am-1:30pm 4/10 $15 344621-01 Loudoun’s Hidden Gem: Natural History Ages 55+ Explore how the natural landscape has changed over time at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve - a 695-acre permanently protected property in the heart of Loudoun County. Hear about the unique site from a Virginia Master Naturalist and experience the Spring scenery on a hayride through the Preserve. Take home memories and a framed Souvenir Selfie. Participants will walk over uneven, natural trail surfaces during the visit. Please wear proper walking shoes. Lunch and bus transportation from Senior Center of Leesburg are included in the fee. F 10:15am-2:00pm 5/8 $20 327622-01 Ages 2-12 Step into the role of a wildlife rehabilitator! Kids can care for toy animals with realistic injuries to practice gentle handling, “treatments,” and problem-solving. A hands-on, imaginative way to learn how real wildlife helpers care for animals in need. Parent supervision required. Play exhibit is in the Visitor Center. No registration required. M-Su 9:00am-7:00pm 3/1-5/31 Free 367100-01 Soil Saturday All Ages Get ready to dig in and have fun in our garden! Join us for a hands-on adventure where you can climb soil piles, shovel dirt, and explore hidden treasures. Free play activities include worm hunting, creating mud art, and cooking in our mud kitchen. Come prepared to get messy and embrace the outdoors! Register in advance to ensure ample tools and supplies. Event takes place in the Demonstration Garden. Sa 10:00am-2:00pm 4/11 Free 367730-01 Liberty Tree Planting & Picnic All Ages Join us for a special Arbor Day event honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary with the planting of a commemorative Liberty Tree. Stay afterward for a family-friendly picnic on the lawn featuring complimentary snacks and beverages, face painting, lawn games, and plenty of fun for all ages! This event is part of the VA250 statewide celebration. No registration required. F 4:00-7:00pm 4/24 Free 367731-01 Earth Explorers Family Adventure All Ages Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family on a walk in the woods! Challenge your outdoor observation skills and appreciate the beauty of nature. Grab your Earth Day adventure map and souvenir at the Visitor Center. No registration required. M-Su 9:00am-7:00pm 4/18-4/30 Free 367732-01 EXHIBITS & EVENTS Wildlife Rescue Play Lab