Ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. What are animals doing during dawn and dusk? Who is awake and active? Come join us for an educational program to learn about what a crepuscular animal is and when it is most active! We will learn about the local animals through a hands-on program which we will follow with a short hike/walk to try and see what signs of life we might be able to discover. This program will culminate with a stop by a campfire overlooking the Franklin Park Pond with some smores and hot chocolate!

You and your child will join Ms. Kathi and other families in the great outdoors this spring! Using the Tinkergarten curriculum, your child will develop language, strategies, and habits that build strong bodies, minds, and hearts while enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer. This class shall be held outside so you and your child should come prepared for all weather conditions. This class does require parent or guardian participation.

There's never been a story time like this! We explore nature stories and wildlife topics each month through interactive hands-on play and crafts. Storytime takes place outdoors in the children's play area on the 4th Tuesday each month. After story time, join us for an optional walk in the woods related to the seasonal stories we share. In the event of rain- meet in the Education Complex.

(Ages 0-6) Join us for experiential learning and hands-on fun outdoors! Every first Thursday of the month we will explore a different nature theme. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Program fee is per preschool-age participant; parents/guardians are free. Meet in the Education Complex.

It’s spooky season at Banshee Reeks! Learn how Loudoun’s largest nature preserve got its haunted name and walk in the woods to listen for eerie wildlife noises. Expect to hike 1-2 easy miles as darkness falls, then stay after for a spooky story campfire, depending on weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Relax and recharge by connecting with the natural world under the direction of a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. 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. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Explore the secret life of bats through an interactive presentation and then venture outdoors to try to spot our flying friends. Instructors will have a sonar detector to identify what bat species are flying around. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Education Complex.

Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Varied habitats including streams, woodlands, and fields makes Banshee a birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. REGISTER WITH LWC. Advanced registration required at https://loudounwildlife.org/events/

Experience wildlife after hours during this magical evening adventure! Join a Virginia Master Naturalist on a hike through moonlit woodlands while using bionic ears to amplify the sounds of night. Stay after for a campfire, depending on weather. This program involves a silent night hike and is best suited for ages 10 and up. Rain date is the day after. Contact [email protected] for private group information.

Show your love for wild animals by learning what you can do to protect and preserve endangered wildlife. Stop by the Visitor Center to make your own animal craft and become a wildlife ambassador. This program is designed for all ages. Register to reserve your craft supplies.

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!

What better way to celebrate National Take a Hike Day than by exploring Banshee Reeks – the County’s ONLY nature preserve! With nearly 20 miles of trails that span 695 acres, there’s plenty of room to roam. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a free souvenir and a trail map to choose from several color-coded trails.

Nature journaling is a great way to connect children to the natural world! We’ll create an easy DIY brown bag nature journal to use on our trail together. Hike 1-2 easy miles with an experienced trail guide and master naturalist. After the hike, all are encouraged to sit and journal their discoveries to learn and remember! Children encouraged to attend.

1000 HOURS OUTSIDE GUIDED HIKE SERIES
1000 Hours Outside is a global movement designed for any child (or adult) and any environment. Banshee Reeks will host monthly themed hikes to help you join the 1000 Hours Outside challenge. Let’s go!