Banshee was established as a nature preserve in 1999. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and it's members played an important part in keeping Banshee as a passive park, home to wildlife and a refuge for all. Today, Banshee is operated by the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The Friends of Banshee Reeks supports the park through its fantastic volunteer corp who take on projects to improve facilities and maintain the trails.

There is also a Virginia Master Naturalist chapter based out of Banshee Reeks.

The preserve is 695-acres with a variety of walking trails. 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 LWC 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 subjects in every season.

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 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 Bird list (PDF)

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