Banshee Reeks, located in Leesburg, Virginia, was established as a nature preserve in 1999. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and it's members played an important role in establishing and keeping Banshee as a passive preserve, home to wildlife and a refuge for all. We continue to advocate for Banshee as issues arise.

Today, Banshee Reeks is operated by the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The Friends of Banshee Reeks, started by our own Joe Coleman, supports the preseve through a great group of volunteers who take on projects to improve facilities and maintain the trails as well as man the information desk in the visitor center.

Loudoun's Arbor Day celebration is held here each April and many of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy field trips, programs and workshops are held at Banshee Reeks throughout the year and we maintain a great bluebird nestbox trail that serves as home for bluebirds, tree swallows and bats each year.

There is also a Virginia Master Naturalist chapter based out of Banshee Reeks which provides environmental education opportunities for adults who are then certified as master naturalists.

The preserve is 695-acres with a variety of walking trails that are great for birding or just observing nature. Primitive camping is provided by permit to organized groups. Bird watching, butterfly and dragonfly identification, wildflower walks and general nature walks in the park are some of the activities that Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy provides at Banshee but it's also a wonderful place to go on your own to enjoy the quiet. Nature photographers will find a plethora of wildlife and plant subjects in every season.

You can read through our field trip reports from walks at Banshee Reeks on our Blog.

Banshee provides great diversity of habitats ranging from wetlands and ponds to mixed hardwood forests of oak and hickory to wonderful meadows laden with milkweed, goldenrod and thistle, to hedgerows and tree lines.

Banshee is maintained as a "Dark Sky Facility" for the benefit of both wildlife and visitors. Pets must be leashed at all times for the same reasons.

Residents of Banshee Reeks include: beaver, black bear, deer, foxes, bats, frogs, turtles, wonderful variety of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects, numerous species of birds, and no doubt many more animals.

Banshee Reeks Bird list (PDF)

Hours:
Banshee Reeks is open to the public daily, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Organized groups can obtain a permit from the preserve manager.

Facilities:
Banshee hosts a wonderful visitor center with volunteers on-hand to answer questions, tell you about latest sightings, provide trail maps and lend field guides for reference. There is a restroom inside the visitor center and a port-o-jon outside.

Driving directions:
http://www.bansheereeks.org/Directions.htm