Welcome to the Unity with Nature Resources Page
The Unity with Nature Committee provides a deeply reflective forum for the expression of our spiritual connection with the natural world. We act locally on behalf of Goose Creek Monthly Meeting on projects rising from and supported by the collective spirit of the committee, and we encourage Friends and others to educate themselves and take action concerning the care and restoration of the natural world locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
2026 Programs & Activities
Goose Creek Hiking Club
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Saturday, October 10
21085 The Woods Rd. Leesburg, VA 20176
Banshee Reeks, is a 725-acre nature preserve in the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia. The Preserve consists of rolling fields, hardwood forests, wetlands, and riverine habitat. Banshee Reeks strives to protect the rich natural environment of the varied plant and animal populations within its borders. This is a unique Preserve due to its size and variety of both plants and animals.
In the early part of the 19th century, the owner of the farm now known as “Banshee Reeks” was said to be of Irish/Scottish descent. In the Gaelic language, “banshee” is a female spirit and “reeks” refers to hills and dales. According to the story, one night the farmer went into the town of Leesburg to attend to personal business and also paid a visit to the local saloon. While traveling back to the farm, the wind howled and the animals of the night made much noise. Upon arriving home, the farmer was in such a state of mind that he claimed that he heard a banshee on the reeks. The phrase was altered over the years and the area became known as “Banshee Reeks”.
We will conduct a Medium level 3-4 mile hike over various trails traversing rolling hills. We will leave at 9:00a.m., from the Banshee Reeks Parking Lot. For more information on Banshee Reeks you can view their website: www.bansheereeksnp.org/
The group will have lunch for those who would like to join at the Leesburg Public House. 962 Edwards Ferry Road,NE Leesburg, VA. (This is in the old Walmart Shopping center at the corner of Rt 15 bypass and Edwards Ferry Road.)
Please contact Fred Bishopp at FredBishopp@gmail.com or 703 517-2619 cell phone.
Unity with Nature Meditations
Online 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30 – 8:30 pm
There are many kinds of meditation practice. These meditations are offered in the form of yoga nidra, a practice rooted in ancient yogic traditions. Participants are not asked to do specific or complex yoga postures. By simply resting comfortably and following the voice of the facilitator, yoga nidra is a practice which fosters calm awareness and wholeness while in a state of deep relaxation. Each meditation session is about 30 minutes long. The themes are nonsectarian, inclusive of any, all, or no religious affiliations and spiritual practices. No experience with yoga or training in meditation techniques is necessary.
The guiding theme of these meditations is to nurture within each of us our kinship with each other and all that we share in this life: the care of our planet, the bond of our human family, the deep and restorative nature of loving kindness and compassionate witness in the service of peace.
Anyone interested in exploring this contemplative practice can email skylarkviniyoga@gmail.com to be put on the contact list to receive the Zoom link each month a few days before each session. If you have questions, please feel free to get in touch with facilitator Liz Huntington by email or a phone call: 570 955 8927.
Resources
Go Green at Home: Tools, Incentives, & Programs
(Prepared by Lisa Orr, Goose Creek Unity with Nature Committee.)
Fact Sheets:
Ranked Actions by Climate impact
Savings from Efficient Energy Conservation
Total Possible Energy Savings from Effective Energy Conservation and Efficiency Actions
Loudoun County Virginia Data Center Capital of the World: “A Strategy for a Changing Paradigm”
(By Ashburn Supervisor Mike Turner, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors July 4, 2024)
Links