2025 Spring Activity Guide

Banshee Bluebell Hike Ages 5+ Bring the whole family to enjoy Virginia’s most stunning spring ephemeral along Banshee’s Bluebell Trail. We’ll hike the 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 2:00-4:00pm 4/12 $5 367744-01 Ages 8+ Learn to identify and appreciate local tree species 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 1:00-2:30pm 5/3 $5 367741-01 Branching Out Tree Hike Plant & Play Together Days All Ages Get down and dirty while growing your knowledge! This informal volunteer opportunity lets parents work along-side kids in order to learn about native plants and help nurture local flora in the Banshee Reeks Native Plant Demonstration Garden. Learn by doing as we explore new ways to restore and replenish our beloved preserve. Play area with mud kitchen and garden toys make it a fun experience for all! Sa 10:00am-12:00pm 4/26 Free 367743-01 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm 5/24 Free 367743-02 Ages 10+ Enjoy learning about our native wildflowers and spring ephemerals from a Virginia Master Naturalist. Expect to hike 2.5 miles over varied terrain with moderate inclines. Meet at the Visitor Center. Su 1:30-3:00pm 4/27 Free 367746-01 Wildflower ID Hike GUIDED HIKES - 1000 HOURS OUTSIDE 1000 Hours Outside is a global movement designed for any child (or adult) and any environment. Banshee Reeks hosts monthly themed hikes -rain or shine- to help you join the 1000 Hours Outside challenge. Let’s go! March Tracks In The Mud Hike All Ages “Mud Season” in late March is the perfect time to learn about local animal tracks from a Master Naturalist! We’ll set out on an easy 1-2 mile walk in search of hopping, bounding, waddling, and zig-zagging track makers. Hikers will learn beginner tips and tricks to identify animal tracks and leave with your own pocket guide of prints. Su 9:30-11:00am 3/23 Free 367737-01 April Wildflower Count Hike All Ages It 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! From famous Virginia Bluebells to Dutchman’s Breeches, Trillium and Trout Lilies, Spring Beauties and Bloodroot – how many will we count? Sa 9:30-11:00am 4/12 Free 367737-02 All Ages There is nothing quite like slowly 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 gorgeous Goose Creek for wildlife and wildflower viewing. After the spring saunter, participants are welcome to sit and sit their fresh lemonade on the picnic tables around the Visitor Center. Su 9:30-11:00am 5/18 Free 367737-03 May Fresh Lemonade Hike

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 3/8 Free 967714-01 Sa 8:00-10:00am 4/12 Free 967714-02 Sa 8:00-10:00am 5/10 Free 967714-03 All Ages Lend your hands to care for our lands! Join us on the third Saturday of every month and help with multiple projects around the preserve. Possible volunteer tasks include invasive plant removal, gardening, painting, trail maintenance, and more. Please dress to work outdoors (closed-toe shoes, long pants, sunscreen, etc.) Minors under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. Email BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov for details. Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 3/15 Free 967780-1 Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 4/19 Free 967780-2 Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 5/17 Free 967780-3 Volunteer Work Days 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 at the Demonstration Garden. Sa 9:00am-3:00pm 3/29 Free 367730-01 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 scavenger hunt card and give-away at the Visitor Center. Sa-Su 9:00am-5:00pm 4/19-4/27 Free 367732-01 EVENTS Soil Saturday Earth Explorers Family Adventure Star Wars Adventure Trail All Ages Calling all Jedis! May the “Fourth” be with you as you navigate an adventure trail using your Star Wars knowledge. Costumes and light sabers encouraged. Start at the Visitor Center and return with the secret code to claim your prize (and save the galaxy!) Sa, Su 9:00am-5:00pm 5/3-5/4 Free 367733-01

CLAUDE MOORE PARK

Visitor Center: 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling, VA 20164 Athletic Fields: 46150 Loudoun Park Lane 571-258-3700 • loudoun.gov/ClaudeMoorePark Park Hours: Daily 7:00am-Sunset Visitor Center/Discovery Room: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm faceook.com/ClaudeMoorePark SCOUT PROGRAMS Activities are available for all scout levels and multiple scouting organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and American Heritage Girls. These programs can fulfill requirements for many adventures, journeys, badges, etc. An adult must accompany scouts. Leaders and chaperones are free. Minimum fees apply. Call 571- 258-3700 for information, prices, and reservations.

ONGOING MONTHLY Birding Banshee

Ages 12+ Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Varied habitats including