Arbor Day Liberty Tree Planting & Picnic

Name: Arbor Day Liberty Tree Planting & Picnic
Start: 2026-04-24T16:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-24T19:00:00-04:00
Location: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

Schedule

Fri Apr 24 2026 at 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve | Leesburg, VA

Join us for a special Arbor Day event honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary with the planting of a commemorative Liberty Tree - the first of its kind in the state of Virginia! 🌳
Stay afterward for a family-friendly picnic on the lawn with plenty of fun for all ages!
This event is part of the VA250 statewide celebration.
No registration required.
EVENT INFORMATION:
What is a Liberty Tree?
The Liberty Tree was a powerful symbol of colonial resistance in the American Revolution, originating as a specific elm tree in Boston used by the Sons of Liberty for protests against British rule, most famously against the Stamp Act. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom. In an attempt to stymie these colonists, the British destroyed Boston's Liberty Tree. Suddenly, patriots throughout the 13 colonies began to designate new Liberty Trees. Today, planting a dedicated Liberty Tree promotes the value and benefits of trees to current and future generations while informing, educating and inspiring youth with stories of their connection to historic “legacy” trees.
What is Arbor Day?
Arbor Day (from the Latin "arbor", meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The idea for Arbor Day originally came from J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska as he and fellow pioneers traveled the treeless plains in the 1800s. Today, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future; the simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that a tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, a habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty - all better for tomorrow.
Why 2026 Matters?
We celebrate Arbor Day this year with an emphasis on America's 250th birthday. We plant trees as living tributes to American history and symbols of future hope, connecting community service initiatives while honoring local legacies that align with national efforts to promote environmental health and civic duty.
Why Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve?
Banshee is Loudoun County's only dedicated nature preserve, the largest property owned by the county government at 695 acres, and known for its diverse habitats or forests, wetlands, and meadows with over 15 miles of hiking trails open to the public. Banshee Reeks is included in the Loudoun County Heritage Register and is also a designated Virginia Treasure, identified as one of Virginia's most important ecological, cultural, scenic, and recreational assets. Historic Goose Creek, a designated State Scenic River, flows alongside Banshee Reeks' southern border, adding deeper natural, ecological, and historical significance to the land. Banshee Reeks is also a key partner within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, collaborating on projects like the Living Legacy Tree Planting to commemorate Civil War history, connecting the preserve's rich history and natural beauty with the larger regional narrative of American heritage. Furthermore, Banshee includes historic structures like the 1841 stone house that is the current Visitor Center, is an integral part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail (VBWT), and is host to the Banshee Reeks Chapter of Master Naturalists, the first chartered chapter in Virginia.