Events at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA 20175
*** Updated January 1, 2012 ***
Introduction

Enjoy the beauty of Banshee Reeks, a 725-acre nature preserve in the heart of Loudoun County! The preserve consists of successional fields, hardwood forests, wetlands and riverine habitat. Banshee Reeks strives to protect the rich natural environment of varied plant and animal populations within its borders. This is a unique place in the center of Loudoun County due to its size and habitat variation. Goose Creek, a State Scenic River that encompasses abundant and diverse wildlife and associated habitats, runs over 2 miles along the border of Banshee Reeks.

Hike the trails any weekend. Over 20 miles of trails through various preserve habitats provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching. Bring the family! Trail Maps are available at the Visitor Center Kiosk. Please stay on the trails.

The preserve is now open to the public every weekend. Please see the On-going section (bottom of link table at left) for specifics.

For more information on the Friends of Banshee Reeks please email us at friendsofbansheereeks@yahoo.com or call 703-669-0316.

Please use the Navigation Bar on your left

 

HOURS, ON-GOING PROGRAMS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

HOURS OF OPERATION

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Director has created the following schedule:

BRNP is to be CLOSED EVERY Monday in order to compensate for Staff working 2 weekends.

Visit our Site Map (link on left) for more exciting info about the preserve.

TRAILS ARE OPEN
Enjoy many of the miles of trails at Loudoun County's only nature preserve. Banshee Reeks is now open every weekend. Bring the family.
No registration required.

EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Generally every month the LWC offers a program caled 'Birding Banshee' to explore with an experienced 'birder' the very numerous species of birds present on the preserve.

Another LWC monthly program is called 'Sunday in the Preserve', a program guided by a naturalist skilled in identification of many forms of life besides birds - but including
them - and discussion of Banshee habitat.

Please see the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Website (copy bold address www.loudounwildlife.org to your browser) for specific dates and other programs that might be planned for Banshee Reeks.

Trail Maps showing the network and indicating which trails are open and closed are available in the Visitor Center, and you may download a copy by going back to our Site Map for the link.

VOLUNTEER DAYS
The 3rd Saturday of each month beginning at 9:00AM, is Volunteer Day at Banshee Reeks. This is a great way to become more familiar with the nature preserve and meet people who share a common interest in nature, history and the environment. Activities vary month to month and are indoor and outdoor. No registration is required, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteer Day is held regardless of weather conditions. Come to the Visitor/Education Center ready to have fun!

Please call for Winter schedule.

VISITOR INFORMATION VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION
There is always something new at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve! The Visitor Information Volunteer Association (VIVA) program allows the preserve to be open to the public on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month. BRNP is staffed by volunteers, VIVA members. If you have an interest in this program and would like to be a member of VIVA and help keep Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve open to the public, please call: Ron Circé @ 703-669-0316.

DULLES GATEWAY DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING - All Ages
As part of a series, agility classes are held at Banshee Reeks. The program consists of
6-week sessions. Call 703-273-7619 for Winter dates, times and additional information.
Pay instructor.

GUIDED WALKABOUTS
Special guided walkabouts can be provided to Scout groups, school classes and community organizations. These special walkabouts are tailored to your specific group. Scout groups can earn Activity Pins, Try-its or Merit Badges. School groups can observe aspects of the natural world that they have been studying in the classroom. These walkabouts can be used to introduce your group to some of the special ecological characteristics and wildlife habitats of the preserve. Learn more about ecology, natural science and Loudoun County wildlife. Fee is $2/person with a minimum charge of $15. Call 703-669-0316 for more information.

CAMPING AT BANSHEE REEKS
Camping is allowed by special permit for Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups only. All camping is LNT (Leave No Trace) and primitive. Campers must hike-in. There are no toilets or water available. Cooking is done on stoves only. Fees are $2/person/night with a minimum of $15/night. Please call 703-689-0316 for permit application and camping policies.

Note: A Web Site dedicated to the Leave No Trace (LNT) ethic is located at
Leave No Trace.Org (You will leave our Website).

PLAN YOUR NEXT RETREAT, TRAINING OR SEMINAR AT BANSHEE!
The new Education Annex at Banshee Reeks is the perfect setting for your next retreat, seminar, meeting or training intervention. It can accommodate up to 40 attendees with plenty of parking. Amenities include a digital projector, kitchenette, restroom and picnic tables - all within the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Loudoun's only nature preserve. Call 703-669-0316 for rental reservations.