July Watermelon Guided Hike All Ages July is National Watermelon Month and the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing treat after some time on a trail! Hike 1-2 easy miles in the shade of mature woods with an experienced Master Naturalist trail guide before enjoying this sweet summer fruit. Sticky fingers encouraged! Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 9:30-11:00am 7/12 Free 467736-01 All Ages Explore the secret life of bats through an interactive presentation and then hit the trail to identify which superheroes are flying around the pond. Instructors will have sonar detectors to “listen” for bats and determine active species. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Expect to hike 5-miles over uneven terrain in low light. Meet at the Education Complex. F 8:00-9:30pm 7/17 $5 467711-01 Bat Night Butterfly Walk All Ages Join a Master Naturalist and butterfly expert for a family friendly guided walk aimed at spotting and identifying Loudoun’s native butterflies. Expect a leisurely walk on uneven natural surfaces for up to 2 miles. Registration is through Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at: loudounwildlife.org/events/. Tu 9:30-11:30am 7/28 Free 467712-01 August Popsicle Guided Hike All Ages Cold popsicles pair perfectly with a hot summer hike! Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a walk in the woods led by an experienced Master Naturalist trail guide. Stop for a refreshing popsicle at Lookout Rock during a 2-mile hike along the State Scenic River, Goose Creek. Children and families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 9:30-11:00am 8/9 Free 467737-01 Sunset Stroll & S’mores All Ages Swing out to Leesburg’s own designated Virginia State Treasure for s’mores and a sunset stroll on National S’more Day! Slow down for a bit with a Virginia Master Naturalist and enjoy the breathtaking views of a scenic Summer sunset before snuggling up to a campfire. Advanced registration required per participant; Space is limited! Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 7:00-9:00pm 8/9 $8 467705-01 Bluebird Box Detectives: Exploring Backyard Birds All Ages Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a hands-on program featuring the remarkable Eastern Bluebird. Learn how and why volunteers monitor bluebird boxes including an up-close look at real bluebird boxes on the trail at Banshee Reeks. After meeting these special animal ambassadors, you’re sure to have a new appreciation for your neighbor bluebirds! Participants should expect to walk up to ½ mile along uneven natural trail surfaces with a slight incline. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 8:00-9:00am 6/14 Free 467771-01 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Free Fishing Days All Ages It’s time to experience the fun of fishing! In collaboration with VA-DWR, we are offering free fishing days at our Springhouse Pond with available catch including bluegill, catfish, trout and small-mouth bass. No fishing license is required, plus we have free worms and loaner poles/tackle available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-serve basis. More info about this state-wide program can be found at: dwr.virginia.gov/ fishing/free-fishing-days/ No registration required, just show up. F-Su 8:30am-7:30pm 6/5-6/7 Free 467720-01
SENIOR Painting with Plants: Botanical Dye Workshop Ages 55+ Unleash your creativity during a visit to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on National Senior Citizen’s Day! Participants will explore how plants can be used to create beautiful natural dyes through a hands- on indoor workshop. You’ll experiment with botanical dye techniques and craft your own hand-dyed tea towel to take home as a unique reminder of the day. Participants will walk on a gravel path, so please wear proper walking shoes. Registration is available online or in person. Membership at one of the Loudoun County senior centers is required. Fee includes the program, supplies, lunch and transportation. F 10:00am-2:00pm 8/21 $20 444624-01 MULTIAGE Beginner Birding Ages 10+ 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. Sa 8:00-9:30am 6/6 $8 467786-01 Rainbow Hike All Ages Wear your most colorful clothes to welcome the month of June on trails colored with flowers & pollinators! Celebrate Pride Month and proudly sport your brightest rainbows to walk 1-2 miles along nature surface trails with an experienced Master Naturalist hiking guide. Participants will try to find every color of nature’s rainbow using color swatches provided. Hiking starts from the visitor center. Sa 9:30-11:00am 6/6 Free 467704-01 June Pollinator Guided Hike All Ages June is National Pollinator Month and a great time to visit Leesburg’s largest nature preserve to see how many butterflies, bees, beetles, and birds you can count! Hike 1-2 pollinator-friendly miles through different ecosystems with an experienced Master Naturalist trail guide. Adventurers of all ages encouraged to attend! Meet at the Visitor Center. Sa 9:30-11:00am 6/27 Free 467735-01 All Ages Experience nature after dark 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. M 8:30-10:00pm 6/29 $10 467715-01 W 8:30-10:00pm 7/29 $10 467715-02 F 7:30-9:00pm 8/28 $10 467715-03 Full Moon Hike & Campfire Branching Out: Tree Ecology & ID Hike Ages 8+ Discover the fascinating world of trees in this introduction to dendrology and tree ecology. Through guided observation and hands- on exploration, participants will learn from a certified Master Naturalist how to identify common trees and understand the important roles they play in the forest ecosystem. Expect to hike 1-2 miles over varied terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. Sa 10:00-11:30am 7/4 $8 467741-01
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