Getting Outside & About: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

A little known gem south of Leesburg, the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, offers 695 acres of forests, fields, ponds and streams for weary urban dwellers to wander amongst. Operated by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and supported by the Friends of Banshee Reeks, the area serves to protect natural habitats and wildlife populations; provides a place to conduct and coordinate ecological, historical and other scientific research; and gives the public an opportunity to enjoy and learn from this distinctive area. Below, find highlights of what Banshee Reeks has to offer, and information on some of its most common residents:

Banshee Reeks is part of the Piedmont ecosystem, which includes several different types of habitats including river bottom/riparian zones, successional fields and forests, ponds, mixed hardwood forests of oak and hickory, hedgerows and tree lines, meadows and wetlands.

Animals common to the preserve include numerous species of birds and insects, foxes, bats, beavers, deer and black bears.

Hundreds of species of native plants thrive at Banshee Reeks, including herbs, flowers, trees and other woody plants. Check the preserve’s Web site for detailed information on all its intriguing flora.

Goose Creek flows for more than 2 miles along Banshee Reeks’ southern border.

Sponsored nature walks take place most weekends at the preserve, and visitors are welcome to take advantage of the many scenic walking trails, a primitive camping site and other programs, most of which cost nothing.

Banshee Reeks is a “leave no trace” nature preserve, meaning visitors should seek to minimize their impact on the area and follow the mantra, “take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

Banshee Reeks is located at located at 21085 The Woods Road in Leesburg. Additional information, including directions, a calendar of events, tips for visitors and volunteer opportunities, visit www.bansheereeks.org.