Walker Nature Center
BRANCHING OUT
A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Fall Migration 7 • Halloween 8
Nature Notes By Pam Findley
SEPTEMBER Nurture Your Ancient Brain • • • • •
Monarch butterflies are migrating. Asters and goldenrods bloom. Eastern Box Turtle eggs hatch. Partridgeberry has red berries on the forest floor. Autumnal equinox on September 22.
OCTOBER • • • • •
Mushrooms are plentiful. Deciduous leaves are at peak fall color. Praying mantises lay eggs. Black-throated Blue and other warblers migrate. October 31—“Blue” Moon (2nd full moon of the month).
NOVEMBER
• Chipmunks and squirrels gather nuts for winter. • American Holly berries are bright red. • Deer rut peaks. • Redbud trees have long seed pods. • November 30- Partial lunar eclipse.
By Katie Shaw
My what? Regardless of age, ancient brain systems are at work in our heads each day. The fields of neuroscience, psychology and anthropology inform us that the modern human brain has evolved in astonishing ways over the past 50,00-200,000 years, developing advanced powers of thought, language, innovation, logic, empathy and morality. Yet, regions of our brain that drive such abstract thoughts and new purposes share skull space with ancient brain equipment associated with day-to-day survival, sometimes firing on the same neurological paths. Our ancient brain processes date back millions of years and are shared by other creatures on the planet–yet another commonality between living things. While the trappings of a modern technological lifestyle dominate much of our thought processes these days, our ancient brain appears hardwired to seek and respond positively to contact with nature. Social psychologist Erich From coined the term “biophilia”, which was later the subject of a book by the same name written by E.O. Wilson, the father of sociobiology and biodiversity. Biophilia is the “innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life”.
During these stressful COVID-19 times, record numbers of Americans are heeding the calling of our ancient brains as trail use, animal adoption, bike sales, camping and gardening gain in popularity and serve as antidotes for too much screen time and social isolation. In this not so new millennium, biophilia is a concept being applied to architectural design, urban planning, child development and more. In 2018, with its master plan to preserve green spaces throughout the community and its commitment to environmental education and action, Reston became the 13th place in the world designated as a biophilic community by the Biophilic Cities Network (www.biophiliccities. org). Connecting people with nature where they live, work and play isn’t just a cornerstone of Reston’s original plan created by founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., but an essential element for sustaining our quality of life. Fortunately, many activities that nurture our ancient brains also promote a healthy ecosystem for other species, too. Reston Association’s Environmental Advisory Committee has a Biophilic Working Group, which encourages everyone to take the Biophilic Pledge at https://bit.ly/2NQwXyX.
Continued on page 2
Fall | 20 | Volume Twenty Two
WALKER NATURE CENTER
Nurture Your Ancient Brain continued from page 1
11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191
Consider it part of your health and wellness program that will also protect our natural resources for future generations. Here is a sampling of activities.
Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails and free parking. Restrooms available as COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Enjoy Time in Nature Frequently
FEATURES
72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion, demonstration gardens, educational signage, a fire ring, two streams, a pond, the entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and our education building, known as Nature House.
There are many proven benefits of spending time outdoors: better concentration, sharper thinking, creativity, improved mental health, and boosted immune function. Greenery and exercise reduce stress. With 55 miles of pathways and 12 miles of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to explore near-by nature in Reston. Check out the Reston Trail Map at www.reston.org/reston-trails or the Fairfax County Trail Buddy at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy.
Garden for Wildlife
Birds and butterflies bring us great joy, but they depend on native plants for food, shelter and reproduction. Develop your green thumb by turning your yard into a wildlife sanctuary. Learn about native plants at Plant NOVA Natives www.plantnovanatives.org and gardening for wildlife at National Wildlife Federation www.nwf.org/garden-for-wildlife or the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia www.audubonva.org/wildlife-sanctuary-program.
Become a Habitat Hero NATURE HOUSE HOURS
Due to COVID-19, Nature House is currently closed to walk-in visitors. Please check our website or Facebook page for updates.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Sept. 7 Oct. 12 Nov. 26-27
Labor Day Columbus Day Thanksgiving
www.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter
Volunteer as a Habitat Hero. Removing invasive plants on Reston’s open space and replacing them with native plants is great exercise for the mind and the body. Sign up for Reston Association’s environmental volunteer activities at https://www.reston.org/ volunteer-reston.
Help Pollinators
Pollinator species are in serious decline. According to the Xerces Society www.xerces.org, 85% of the world’s flowering plants and more than two-thirds the world’s food crops depend on animals such as butterflies, bees and birds for reproduction. Learn tips for maintaining a hummingbird feeder from The Hummingbird Society www.hummingbirdsociety.org/ feedinghummingbirds or a native bee house at https://pollinators.msu.edu/publications/buildingandmanaging-bee-hotels-for-wild-bees/.
@restonnature @walkernaturecenter Groups: Please call ahead to arrange your visit. Branching Out is a quarterly publication of the Walker Nature Center (WNC), owned and operated by Reston Association. The mission of the WNC is to foster an environmental stewardship ethic in the community. It is named after Reston’s first Open Space and Nature Center Director, Vernon J. Walker.
Branching Out is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy ink. It is produced using 100 percent wind power. Please recycle.
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Document Nature Observations
Writing or drawing in a nature journal is a wonderful way to forge a greater connection with nature. It provides an opportunity to slow down and observe the details you find. Get some creative ideas at www.wikihow.com/Make-a-NatureJournal. You can also share your findings and contribute to citizen science by using apps such as iNaturalist www.inaturalist.org. Look for the Reston Biodiversity Project and the Walker Nature Center Project.
Participate in a Nature Program
The Nature Center resumed modified in-person programs in July. Explore Reston’s natural areas with a naturalist or get creative at one of our workshops. Register at www.restonwebtrac.org. We’d love to spend time with you in our green spaces. We all reap the benefits of a healthy ecosystem and plenty of time immersed in it. Check out other ways to nurture nature in our community at www.reston.org/ nature-environmental-resources. Thank you to the Biophilic Pledge Working Group and Claudia Thompson-Deahl for providing content for this article.
Native Shrub
SALE Beautiful gardens and healthy woodlands have vibrant shrub layers. If you’ve had trouble finding native shrubs, pre-order some Nature Center favorites and enjoy the savings. Place orders by Friday, September 25, 5 p.m. Curbside pickup on Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Species will include deer-resistant species. Contact naturecenter@reston.org for a plant list and order form or click on the Quick Link at www.restonwebtrac.org to shop online.
Bird Backpacks-Contactless Check Out Free, fun and educational
Learn more about our feathered friends while you hike our trails. Each backpack is filled with cool stuff like binoculars, sound cards, field guides, games and a take-home Bird Sleuth Guide. Backpacks must be signed out by an adult and used on-site. All items are disinfected between check outs.
Funded by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Friends of Reston.
Email naturecenter@reston.org or call 703-476-9689 ext. 5 to reserve a two-hour time block.
Please and Thank You By Katie Shaw Our wonderful volunteers never cease to amaze us. As we entered Phase 3 of re-opening in Virginia, we are grateful that we have been able to continue our citizen science projects and bring back most of our nature education programs with modifications. Fortunately our mission is to connect people to Reston’s beautiful natural areas, so outdoor programming for small groups has been a natural fit. Behind many of the face masks are our volunteers at the ready to assist. We’re happy to report that our first programs and first re-imagined event, the Fairy Festival, were successful. We stand committed to following state and federal guidelines for keeping each other safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank all of our patrons for their cooperation in wearing masks, washing/sanitizing their hands, maintaining a 6-foot distance and following new rules such as waivers and foot traffic patterns. Since part of our safety strategy is to reduce the number of people at programs, you will see some programs offered more than once. We encourage you to join the wait list for any program that may appear full. If we have enough interest, we will try to repeat the program.
Thanks to our supporting organization
Friends of Reston (FOR) for providing the necessary PPE, social distancing equipment and sanitation supplies needed for our re-opening. We are working with FOR to convert the Nature Center 5K Run & Walk to a virtual event this fall.
Thanks to our volunteers: Joanne & David Bauer, Matt Bender, Mildred Benjamin, Julie & Charlie Bond, Bill & Delia Brown, Bill Burton, Greg Butcher, Emily Cassee, Ian Carmack, Don Coram, Isabelle D’Achille, Robin Duska, Gina Forster, Linda Fuller, Martha Garcia, Ed Hass, Diana Kalaly, Helaine & Noah Krob, Heidi & John Lankau, Elise Larsen, Tracy Long, Brooke McDonough, Jim & Ilene McNeal, Jon Michienzi, Farideh Mirmirani, Bill O’Brien, Cynthia O’Connell, Kristi Odom, Sara Piper, Sheryl Pollock, Candy Quinn, Sumukha Ravishankar, Judy Richardson, Beverly & Michael Rush, Kim Schauer, Lisa Shey, Susan Sims, Surekha Sridhar, Gururaj Srinivasan, Jenny Vick and Laurel Wanrow
Donations are gratefully received by our 501c3, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 or donate online at www.friendsofreston.org. Include a note that your donation is for the Nature Center.
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Register online with WebTrac www.restonwebtrac.org
Advance registration, including payment, is required for all nature activities unless other days for approval. If you have questions, need assistance or prefer not to register on
All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted. Refunds are available with two weeks’ notice or if we cancel for any reason. Activities may be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, severe weather, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
SEPTEMBER ENV. FILM- ANTHROPOCENE
An award-winning cinematic meditation on humanity’s massive reengineering of the planet, this film uses state of the art camera techniques around the globe as it follows the research of scientists, documenting a mesmerizing and disturbing view of our species breadth and impact. A non-accusatory wake up call. Co-presented by Friends of Reston. Register by Sept. 1.
SEPTEMBER BIRD WALK: STRATTON WOODS PARK
FERMENTATION — SAUERKRAUT WORKSHOP
New- You must register for bird walks. Limited space due to physical distancing. Register by September 10.
Learn about this ancient technique, then practice it by making a jar of sauerkraut to take home. Oktoberfest is the perfect time of year to discover this recipe. All supplies and extra workspace for distancing provided. Guest presenter: Katie Strong, Virginia Cooperative Extension. Register by September 18.
306201002 Sun Meet at 2431 Fox Mill Road Adult
9/13 7:30 am - 10:30 am Free
SCAMPERING SQUIRRELS
Acorns are falling from the trees and squirrels are hiding them away for a winter’s day. Listen to a story about a busy squirrel and make a squirrel 206201051 9/4 Fri 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm craft. Munch like a squirrel on a crunchy snack, then Adults Free look for acorns along the trails. Register by September 11. TURTLE TREK
Discover the types of turtles found in Reston. Meet a terrestrial and an aquatic turtle up close. Make a turtle craft and take an optional hike to turtle habitat at Lake Audubon. Register by Sept. 3. 206011008 9/6 Sun 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member CAMPFIRE- WEENIE ROAST
Enjoy an evening eating and singing around a crackling campfire. Roast a hot dog and enjoy campfire popcorn. Finish with a tasty s’more. Park on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road. Register by Sept. 8.
306111001 Mon 9/14 10:00 am - 11:00 am Or Tue 9/15 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member BATS OF RESTON
See a presentation on Reston’s bats, then take a stroll to Lake Audubon to look for bats. Scan the sky for this amazing, flying mammal and use a bat monitor to detect bat traffic. Learn the latest from the bat world and enjoy some evening wildlife. Register by September 15. 306011008 9/18 Fri 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm All Ages $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member
FASCINATING FOXES 306011003 9/11 Learn about the foxes that call Reston home. Touch fox Fri 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm fur and examine a fox skull. Learn to listen with fox WNC Fire Ring ears. Create a fox craft to take home. Tip toe like a fox All Ages $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member
down the trails in search of a meal. Register by Sept. 19. 306121008 9/22 Tue 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 3-5 $6/RA member, $8/Non-member
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306201012 9/23 Wed 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Adults $25/RA Member, $30/Non-member KIDS FISHING DERBY
Bring your fishing rod or borrow one of ours to compete in this fun morning of fishing. No experience necessary. We’ll provide bait, prizes and light refreshments. A fishing license is not required for kids. Adults are not permitted to fish during the kids’ fishing time. Register by September 23. 206101301 9/26 Sat 9:30 am - 11:30 am Lake Audubon Boat Ramp, 2070 Twin Branches Road Ages 3-15 $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
OCTOBER Env. Film: Science Fair
Winner of the audience award at Sundance, this film is a front seat to the victories, defeats, and motivations of an incredible group of young people who are not only on a quest to win the International Science Fair but also on a path to change their lives and the world through science. Co-presented by Friends of Reston. Register by Sept. 29. 206201051 10/2 Fri 7:00 - 8:30 pm Adults Free
wise noted. A WebTrac account is required for online registration. New accounts may take up to two business line, contact naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689 ext. 5. OCTOBER BIRD WALK: BRIGHT POND
FALLING FOR AUTUMN
WHAT A HOOT
What falls from the trees in autumn? Go for a New- You must register for bird walks. Limited space woodland walk to search for acorns and leaves. Play due to physical distancing. Register by October 1. 406201002 10/4 a leaf matching game and create a fall-themed craft. Sun 7:30 am - 10:30 am Learn what animals are doing during this season of Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac. change. Register by October 14. Adults Free 406121008 10/17 Sat 10:30 am - 11:30 am LI’L PUMPKINS HALLOWEEN PARTY
Join the Halloween bash that’s perfect for toddlers. Wear your costume on a walk along the trails. Meet a couple of fun characters and a real Corn Snake. Decorate a pumpkin and collect a goody bag to take home. No frights at this fest! Register by October 2. 406111001 Mon 10/5 10:00 am - 11:00 am OR Tue 10/6 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member FALL FAMILY NATURE CRAFTS
Bring your family to this sensory, seasonal workshop. Try your hand at corn husk crafts, leaf art and make your own potpourri of cinnamon, apple and pumpkin spices. All supplies and extra workspace for distancing provided. Register by October 8. 406011008 10/11 Sun 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm All Ages $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member RESTON’S ARBOR DAY
Reston is a Tree City USA, certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Join us as we plant native trees and shrubs. Learn about Reston’s trees, and show our appreciation for trees. Perfect for students, corporate groups and scouts. Contact Ha Brock at ha@reston.org or 703-435-7986 to sign up! 10/12 Mon 9:30 am - 12:00 pm All Ages Free
or Tue 10/20 Ages 3-5
10:00 am - 11:00 am $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
HALLOWEEN AT THE NATURE CENTER
See ad on back page. Fri & Sat
10/23 and 10/24
NOVEMBER
STEAM WORKSHOP- POWERFUL PLANTS
Each fall, trees steal the show as they change to brilliant colors before their leaves drop. Make some leaf art and do experiments to learn more about their color change. Discover how seeds “move”, and use household materials to build your own traveling seed. Turn corn husks into a new creation, and sample some treats that come from trees. Register by October 30. 406131012 11/2 Mon 10:00 - 11:30 am Ages 5-12 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member BUSY BEAVERS
Discover why beavers are extra busy in the fall. Learn why they like trees so much and how they build their homes. See a beaver fur, make a beaver puppet and take it on a tree walk along the trails. Register by November 2. 406121008 Thu or Sat 11/7 Ages 3-5
Hoot like an owl and listen to owl calls. Look at owl feathers up close and make an owl craft to take home. Take a short walk to look for owls hidden in the woods. Register by November 6. 406111001 11/9 Mon 10:00 am - 11:00 am OR Tue 11/10 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES
Make a beautiful centerpiece with native plant materials and four simple napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table ($1 per additional ring). All supplies and extra workspace for distancing provided. When making reservations, include the number of people in your party and how many centerpieces you wish to make. Register by November 11. 406011012 11/14 Sat 10:30 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm All Ages $25/centerpiece RA Member, $30/centerpiece Non-member TURKEY TRAIL
Let’s get moving after your big Thanksgiving meal. Sharpen your skills of logic as you follow clues from a “wild” turkey to see where they lead you. Discover more about these fascinating birds. Register by November 25. 406011008 11/28 Sat 11:00 am -12:00 pm All Ages $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member
11/5 10:00 am - 11:00 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
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Pinecone Owls Materials
Pinecone 2 acorn tops Hot glue or instant grab glue 2 small craft feathers or pieces of bark Small piece of bark for beak Paint (optional)
Instructions: 1. Paint the pinecone and acorn tops (optional). Set aside to dry. 2. Glue the acorn tops next to each other as eyes. 3. Glue one feather or one piece of bark on each side as the wings. 4. Add a small beak using a piece of bark or acorn top.
Whoooo Knows about Owls? By Earl the Squirrel (with help from Kelly Michienzi)
I share the trees with many forest friends. Raccoons, woodpeckers, opossums and flying squirrels live with me high in the treetops. But did you know there is a type of bird that can eat me? It’s true. They are called owls. I admit that I am scared of them, but they do have some amazing features. Owls are excellent hunters, even in the dark. Their excellent hearing and eyesight helps them to hunt mice, chipmunks, frogs and snakes. They can’t move their eyes around like you and me. So, they turn their entire head to look in different directions. Owls can turn their necks 270 degrees--that’s almost all the way around! They also use their powerful hearing for hunting. Owls can hear a mouse moving beneath two feet of snow! Under their feathers, their faces are shaped to funnel sounds towards their ears. In some owls, one ear is higher than the other. This helps them to tell which direction a sound is coming from. Owls swoop down on their dinner in silent flight. Their wings are very large compared to the rest of their body. They can easily glide through the air. Their fringed feathers are also designed to be very quiet. That’s how they sneak up on unsuspecting squirrels. Yikes! They use their sharp claws, called talons, to grab onto a meal. Owls swallow their prey whole or rip it up into large pieces with their sharp beaks. They cannot digest the bones, fur, teeth and feathers of their prey so a pellet forms which the owl coughs up and out. If you find an owl pellet on the ground, you can tell what the owl ate from looking at the bones inside of it.
R I H M Y O N E K B S A E A
E T T A L O N S A G E N T M
L D L T B G N Q E L W R K O
GLIDE TALONS OWL PELLET
O I A W N O E O B I N L N W
L G N E L W L S E D L W R L
L P R E L I F T H E M U G L
T E U N R N E O I U O O L E
OWL WORD SEARCH E L T W T G A L N Q U O A T
L L C S S S T T S E S F L O
MOUSE FLY NEST NOCTURNAL
T E O T M N H U O B E W L R
D T N K F H E T E N B O M Y
K M R N C L R N N E S T N E
D E E F N L S O O S B S U L
R S Q U I R R E L N Q R S U
WINGS FEATHER BEAK SQUIRREL
Animals that are active at night are called nocturnal. You may have heard a Barred Owl calling in Reston’s woods. It sounds like they are saying, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.” Other species that live in Virginia are the Barn Owl, Eastern Screech Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Next time you are outside in the evening, listen for owls. And please let me know where they are.
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Kids’ Corner
Get Ready for Fall Migration By Abby Stocking
This fall, many birds will be on the move again. In spring, they rushed up to northern breeding grounds thrilling birdwatchers with their brilliant colors and beautiful songs. In fall, migration is less concentrated as birds head for their more temperate southern homes. Peak fall migration is generally between August and October. Many of the birds have less vibrant colors and several are immature birds that are making their first migration. Migrating birds must travel long distances finding food along the way. Like humans traveling during these pandemic times, there are lots of uncertainties and hazards that birds may encounter. To help them on their way, here are some things you can do around your home to give our feathered friends some assistance on their journeys.
Black-throated Blue Wabler Photo By: Ed Hass
1. Provide water
• A bird bath or fountain can be one of the top things you can provide to give birds a helping hand. Be sure to change the water regularly and keep it clean.
2. Clean and fill your bird feeders
• Bird feeders provide food for some migratory birds. However, feeders with moldy seed or lots of bird droppings can pass contaminants to birds. Ideally, bird feeders should be cleaned every 2 weeks. Soak feeders in a dilute bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) or dilute white vinegar solution (3 to 1 ratio). Allow feeders to dry thoroughly before refilling. • Keep hummingbird feeders up through the fall. Some hummingbirds have been observed here in the winter. Clean and change the nectar solution every 3-5 days using 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
3. Make your windows visible to birds
• Every year, up to 1 billion birds die due to collisions with reflective surfaces. Leave screens on, apply bird saver treatments or hang decals. Learn more at https://pa.audubon.org/birds/windows.
4. Let your garden go • Instead of removing old flower heads, keep them through the winter. The seeds provide food to wildlife. The seed heads also provide some interesting textures to your garden.
5. Leave the leaves
• Fallen leaves provide ideal places for invertebrates to shelter over the winter. Many birds depend on these creatures for food. Do less raking in the fall and give the birds natural feeding grounds. (You’ll also help overwintering caterpillars.)
6. Keep your cats indoors
• Love your pet and wildlife by keeping your cat inside or in an enclosed outdoor space (like a “catio”). Your pet will stay healthier and so will bird populations.
TRAVELING NATURE TRUNKS On loan to homeschool parents, teachers and youth group leaders. Advance your children’s science and environmental education. Each trunk is a treasure chest filled with audio-visual materials, equipment for hands-on learning and activity guides, customized to Virginia SOLs. Contactless pickup. Items disinfected between loans.
Insect Trunk (Grades K-3)
Songbird Blues Trunk (Grades 2-4)
Tree Trunk (Grades K-3 or 4-6)
Free for RA Members and Reston schools/ groups, $25 for Non-members and non-Reston schools/groups
Watershed Trunk (Grades 3-6)
Contact 703-435-6518 or naturecenter@reston.org. Funding provided by Dominion Energy, Friends of Reston and The Sallie Mae Fund.
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Rent Space at the Walker Nature Center
11450 Glade Drive, Reston Nature House Fire Ring A great place for comradery and Multipurpose Room
Capacity 20 people. Equipped with tables and chairs. Fully accessible with trails and pondfor guests to enjoy. $40-$80/hr.
s’mores! 3 picnic tables, bench seating and small shelter. $20-$40/hr.
Pavilion
naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689 ext. 3.
576 sq. ft. in a woodland setting. Equipped with 4 picnic tables, bench seating and electricity. $30-$60/hr.
Contact
Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive Stay tuned to find out how the best family-friendly Halloween event this side of Transylvania will be re-imagined for safe fun in 2020. Details will be posted by the end of September at www.restonwebtrac.org and on the Walker Nature Center’s Facebook page. SAVE THE DATE: Friday, October 23, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Saturday, October 24, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm REGISTRATION $10/RA Member, $13/Non-member Registration opens on October 1 at 9:00 a.m. No refunds, unless canceled by Reston Association or COVID-19 related. No walk-ins. AGES 3 TO ADULT Children must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times. Children under 1 do not require a ticket and must be carried in a baby carrier. SOME THINGS TO EXPECT This is NOT a horror show or a haunted house. Meet a creative cast of characters, including some real animals. Price to includes a goodie bag. Participants are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes. Reduced capacity, staggered arrivals, designated time blocks, physical distancing, face coverings (not just Halloween masks), no refreshments, altered activities and fewer characters.
For more information, call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or email naturecenter@reston.org. To volunteer, please contact Ha Brock, Volunteer Reston Manager at ha@reston.org.
Winter Volume Twenty Fall | 20 18/19 | Volume Twenty Two