About Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Banshee Reeks is operated as a nature preserve by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. It is supported by the Friends of Banshee Reeks, a volunteer, nonprofit organization.
The preserve strives to protect the natural habitats and wildlife populations of Banshee Reeks, to conduct and coordinate ecological, historical and other scientific research, and to provide the public with an opportunity to enjoy and learn from this unique reserved area.
This property is also kept intrinsically dark and will be managed as a "Dark Sky Facility" for the benefit of both the environment and visitors.
The Piedmont
As part of the Piedmont ecosystem, Banshee Reeks protects many different types of habitats, including:
Residents of the area include: beaver, black bear, deer, foxes, bats, numerous species of birds, insects and plants.
- River bottom lands (riparian zones)
- Successional fields and forests
- Ponds
- Mixed hardwood forests of oak/hickory
- Hedge rows & tree lines
- Meadows
- Wetlands
Facilities
The Banshee Reeks property includes numerous buildings both historic and contemporary. The Manor House contains the facility staff offices and is the temporary home of the Visitor Center and Educational Center. Also located on the property is an 1830's log cabin and bank barn.
The preserve consuists of 695-acres of forests, successional fields, ponds and streams. The Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, flows for over 2-miles along the southern border of the poroperty. Year-round programs and nature walks are offered to the public by members of wildlife organizations, school teachers, conservancies and facility staff. A primitive camping area (Leave No Trace) is available for organized groups; e.g., Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. As a new facility in the county, the preserve is still evolving. Future projects being planned are:
- Additional nature trails, including one for the physically challenged
- A visitor center
- An education/nature center
Policies
Take only pictures...leave only footprints...
To protect this special place and ensure that everyone will fully enjoy the sights and sounds of Banshee Reeks, visitors are asked to follow these guidelines:
(Please see the On-going section of our Events Page for Hours of Operation and Contact Information if you need to contact the preserve).
- All animals and plants are protected. Please do not intrude on or molest the wildlife
- Walk only on marked trails
- Pets must be leashed at all times
- Bicycles or motorcycles are not permitted on any of the trails
- Please help us keep this a trash-free area. Banshee Reeks is a TRASH-FREE PRESERVE
- Primitive camping (Leave No Trace) is by permit only
