2024 PRCS Spring Activity Guide

DIGGING THROUGH TIME - ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS (Ages 8-12) Designed for upper elementary students, this program includes a hands- on dig, a short history hike, and real-world techniques to demonstrate what archaeol- ogy has revealed about the history of Banshee Reeks. Meet at the Education Complex. 367241-01 $5 Sa 5/18 2:00pm-3:00pm FIELD TRIPS FOR PRESCHOOL, ELEMENTARY & HOMESCHOOL (All Ages) Have a group interested in nature, science, wildlife, or other outdoor adventures? Our specialized nature instructors provide experiential field trips that can be tailored to themed activities and SOLs. Email BansheeReeks@loudoun.gov for information, prices, and reservations.

out to the park! Join a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide to gain access to therapeutic practices that provide stress reduction, increased immune function, heart rate and blood pressure regulation, and increased mood. After a brief intro- duction to forest bathing on Zoom, participants will be guided on ways to open their senses and connect with their surroundings. Then participants will be invited to connect with the natural world through a series of sensory explorations (In your backyard, looking out your window, with a potted plant, or whatever works for you and your space). Consider inviting a friend or family member who lives far away to join you. 24-hr advanced registration required. 367511-01 $12 Su 3/3 9:00am–11:00am 367511-02 $12 M 4/22 11:00am–1:00pm NATURE SKETCHING (Ages 16 & up) Join us for an in-depth nature sketching course from a Virginia Master Naturalist. Learn drawing techniques including color blending, shading, and perspective while practicing your plein-air sketch skills on the trail. Each class is different, and participants are encouraged to attend multiple classes. All art supplies are included in the registration fee. Meet at the Visitor Center. 367703-01 $10 Su 3/10 10:00am-12:00pm 367703-02 $10 Su 4/14 10:00am-12:00pm 367703-03 $10 Su 519 10:00am-12:00pm ACTIVE ADULTS SEASONED HIKERS LEAGUE (Ages 50 & up) This monthly series invites active adults to join a Virginia Master Naturalist on a nature hike that blends outdoor exercise, social engagement, and hands-on learning. 267704-01 Free Sa 3/9 10:00am-12:00pm 267704-02 Free Sa 4/13 10:00am-12:00pm 267704-03 Free Sa 5/4 10:00am-12:00pm BACK IN TIME HISTORY HIKE (Ages 16 & up) Learn about the rich history of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve through a guided hike to historic landmarks and an up-close look at artifacts re- covered on-site. Requires walking 2+ miles over moderate terrain. 367705-01 Free Sa 5/11 1:00pm– 3:00pm

ADULT

GUIDED FOREST BATHING (Ages 16 & up) Relax and recharge by connecting with the natural world under the direction of a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Forest bathing research has demonstrated positive health effects including increased immune function, regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, lowered stress levels, and increased mood and mental clarity. Participants will be guided through a series of invitations to connect with nature through the senses. The walk will be nearly one mile and will end with a forest tea, an herbal blend of a locally foraged plant. Each session will have its own theme and unique wild foraged tea. Sessions are geared for mature participants. Meet at the Visitor Center. Section 04 is family focused, all ages are welcome! 367510-01 $18 Su 3/3 2:00pm–5:00pm 367510-02 $18 Th 3/21 3:00pm–6:00pm 367510-03 $18 Su 4/14 3:30pm–6:30pm 367510-04 $15 Su 5/5 8:30am–10:30am VIRTUAL GUIDED FOREST BATHING (Ages 16 & up) You can still enjoy the benefits of forest bathing if you can’t get

MULTIAGE

BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS (Ages 10 & up) 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 in- cludes field time on the trails, rain, or shine. Meet at the Education complex. 367786-01 $5 Sa 3/2 8:00am-10:00am 367786-02 $5 Sa 4/6 8:00am-10:00am 367786-03 $5 Sa 5/4 8:00am-10:00am VERNAL POOLS TALK (Ages 12 & up) Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral or seasonal pools, are an important yet often overlooked wetland. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Jenny Erickson for a look into the wildlife that utilizes these pools and what we can all do to help protect these sensitive wetlands. Using imagery and stories from the field, Jenny will unveil the secrets of vernal pools that are home to fairy shrimp and dragonfly larvae and serve as critical breeding grounds for several salamander and frog species. This program is co-sponsored with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. Meet at the Education Complex. 367748-01 Free Su 3/3 1:00pm-3:00pm BRANCHING OUT TREE HIKE (Ages 8 & up) 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 M Center. Instructor: Jake 367741-01 $5 Sa 3/23 1:00pm-2:30pm 367741-02 $5 Sa 5/25 1:00pm-2:30pm PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS (All Ages) Explore and observe the magic of local plants, then get your hands dirty

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General Registration Begins February 8

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