Shower
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By Susan Sims Pam Findley Goldenrods bloom. Red Fox families disperse. Black Gum tree leaves turn red. Eastern Box Turtle young hatch. equinox is September 22 – Fall Monarch butterflies migrate. Brown-eyed Susans are in bloom. Songbird migration is underway. Turn out lights to help them.
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Conjure up an image of a wetland and what comes to mind? Perhaps the buzzing of dragonflies or the feeling of squishy mud over your boots? Maybe you think of the Eastern Painted Turtle, the native Rose Mallow blooming white and pink, or a scooting Crayfish? Yes, all these things can be part of a wetland or swamp, yet the sum of wetlands are more wonderful than their individual parts. A wetland is an area and ecosystem flooded by water either seasonally or permanently. In a wetland, water covers the soil and determines how the soil develops and the types of plants and animals that live in or on the soil. There are four main types of wetlands - swamps, marshes, bogs and fens - and there are great variations among them. The wetlands of Reston are inland non-tidal floodplains or swamps, and include many vernal pools that hold water each spring. Reston is home to many unique wetland areas including Sunrise Valley Wetland Park - a 15+ acre wetland that’s home to a diverse bird population, amphibians and aquatic reptiles. Wetlands feature prominently near riparian areas along our streams in Reston, and our low land wooded areas. Wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act of 1972 because they are an important structural part of the natural cycle of water purification, but their benefits don’t end there.
• Dogwood leaves turn red while Tulip Tree leaves turn gold. October 21 & 22 – Orionids Meteor peaks. Redbud trees have long seed pods.
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The Giving Swamp Wetlands provide water regulation and improve water quality - that squishy soil serves an important purpose. Wetlands function as giant sponges that slowly release water from rain, snowmelt and floods. This slow release helps to reduce flooding, prevents erosion and limits the amount of sediment flowing into our streams and lakes. Erosion can threaten infrastructure, and large amounts of sediment overwhelm waterways killing fish and amphibians. Wetlands are of particular importance in urban and suburban environments like Reston where they filter and absorb runoff from impervious surfaces such as parking lots, buildings and sidewalks. Wetlands also provide important habitat. Over a third of all endangered species live in wetlands amphibians,includinginsectsandmigratorybirdspecies.
• Autumnal
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Lunar Eclipse Fall | 23 | Volume Twenty-three
• American Hollies have bright red berries. Snakes and turtles look for winter hibernation sites. Raccoon and Red Fox grow thick, winter coats. 8 – Total
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BRANCHINGOUTA LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Wildlife Count Results 7 • Halloween 8 Walker Nature Center Wild and Wonderful Wetlands
Another important factor is their contribution to outdoor recreation and natural resource supplies. Wetlands provide diverse food crops including shellfish, fish, blueberries, cranberries, rice, as well as timber resources, and ingredients for many medicines derived from wetland plants. They’re also excellent areas for individuals to get outdoors and be active while connecting to nature. Just remember to tread lightly and always use the trails. Be Part of the Whole
The Clean Water Act, officially the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 turns 50 this October. The act regulates municipal and industrial wastewater discharge and was expanded to provide protection against filling, draining and altering wetlands. It is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency, but that doesn’t mean residents aren’t needed to help. Remember, in a watershed, it all runs downhill. Stop pollutants from making their way into wetlands by refusing to use herbicides or pesticides. Opt for a mixture of resilient native plant species that encourage a diverse range of insects to create a balanced “mini-ecosytem” instead. Mow less and leave a buffer along any streams near your property to help slow stormwater water drainage and mitigate erosion. Be sure to practice proper waste disposal for all motor oil, antifreeze, paint and household hazardous materials. Various sources, including the EPA, estimate that one pint of oil can cause a one-acre oil slick so it’s crucial to dispose of hazardous materials properly. Refer to fairfaxcounty.gov/living/recycling to learn more. As always, you can volunteer and get your hands dirty too. Visit the Walker Nature Center or follow Volunteer Reston on social media for opportunities to clean Reston streams, plant new riparian buffers and educate others about the importance of wetlands. Together, we can all enjoy the benefits of these protected areas and be a greater sum of our parts.
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.
Wild and Wonderful Wetlands continued from page 1
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WALKER NATURE CENTER 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails, restrooms and free parking. CONTACT naturecenter@reston.org703-476-9689 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. NATURE HOUSE HOURS Mon. & Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed SaturdayTuesdays10a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday 1– 4 p.m. HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Sept. 5 Labor Day Oct. 10 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Day Nov. 26 Day After Thanksgiving @walkernaturecenter@restonnaturewww.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter
EPA Reference on Oil Contamination: https://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/KSMO_oil.pdf
Scientists and ecologists often refer to wetlands as “nurseries of life” and “supermarkets” because of the highly beneficial features of these ecosystems. They support rich food webs and host habitat specific plants and nurture valuable soil microbes as part of the greater interconnectivity that is a functional ecosystem. Not only vital to the ecological health of their habitat, they also have a positive impact on human health. Wetland areas are known to store carbon which helps to improve air quality. A study conducted in Congaree National Park estimated that without the swamp, the surrounding developments would need to invest in a $5 million dollar wastewater plant, so it’s safe to say that wetlands save money too.
SALE 3 Please and Thank You
Native Shrub & Tree
Fun and educational programs are available in achievement areas such as Forester, Naturalist, Wildlife, Eco-action, Earth Connections, Earth is Our Home, Earth and Sky, Water Everywhere, Senses, Animals and more.
Thanks to our volunteers: Calla Alexander; Tom Aurelio; Consuelo Bachelet; Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Rich Biela; Steve & Anne Bielmowicz; Dominique Carvonis; Julie & Charlie Bond; AJ & Steve Bowen; Bill Burton; Ian Carmack; Don Coram; Mike Corrigan; Favian Cuellar; Isabelle D’Achille; Marilyn Dicke; Simon Dockstader; Laurie Dodd; Dominion Energy; Jody Douglas; Robin Duska; Andrea Dutto; June Ferrara; Rebecca Finelli; Linda Fuller; Martha Furniss; Martha Garcia; Sharon Gurtz; Pete Huffer; Diana Kalaly; Jennie Koffman; Aimen Leja; Tracy Long; Sharon McHugh; Ilene & Jim McNeal; Farideh Mirmirani; Ines Nedelcovic; Adit Nehra; William O’Brien; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Ellen Perrins; Sara & Mike Piper; Candy Quinn; Jeasmitha Rajesh; Catalina Schaub; Jill & Kay Schmid; Jim Seret; Laurie Shuster; Lisa Shey; Anurag Sinha; Kelsey Sledzik; Eloise Trabka; Brenda van Doorn; Laurel Wanrow; Verna Webb
Fee: $6 per participant (minimum charge $60), RA members $8 per participant (minimum charge $80), Non-members Campfire Programs Campfire Fun programs are available upon request. Fee: $7 per participant (minimum charge $70), RA members $9 per participant (minimum charge $90), Non-members The Fire Ring can also be rented for self-use. Fee: $25/hr. for RA members and $35/hr. for Non-members You bring the wood and the water. Service Projects Community service projects such as planting and trail maintenance days can be arranged for your group. FREE. Activity Kits Activity kits are available on loan for Birds, Trees and Watershed requirements. Call 703-476-9689 and press 3 or email naturecenter@reston.org for details and reservations.
Beautiful gardens and healthy woodlands have vibrant shrub layers, understories and canopies. Pre-order some Nature Center favorites and enjoy the savings. Trees sold as saplings, approx. 2-5 feet tall. Place orders between August 19 and Friday, September 23, 5 p.m. Pickup on Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m – 1 p.m. Shop online at https://bit.ly/WNCPlantSale or contact naturecenter@reston.org for an order form. Attention Scout Leaders The Walker Nature Center can help your scouts to earn patches and badges. Education Programs
Thanks to our donors: Julie & Charlie Bond and the Reston Garden Club for the seasonal container gardens and delightful mantel creations; Friends of Reston for support of the Kids Fishing Derby and the Environmental Film Series
By Katie Shaw What a fun summer. We welcomed eight seasonal counselors who worked with campers at Nature Tots, Walker’s Rangers and Young Naturalists, including Joe Bottom, Lily Dunlap, Danielle Friedland, Caitlyn Kelley, Jon Lister, Ella Nobles, Lilah Skoy and Lauryn Webster. Their energy and enthusiasm was outstanding. We are grateful for all of the volunteers who helped monitor bluebird boxes and collect data at our wildlife counts from birds to butterflies to dragonflies. We were also able to expand our data collection for the Caterpillars Count citizen science project, and spruce up a section of the Glade Trail thanks to volunteers from Dominion Energy. Our Fairy Festival volunteers donned wings and entertained 154 participants at our 7th annual Fairy Festival in July. If you’re looking to get involved, we’d love to have your help at the Halloweeen House and Trick-or-Treat Trail event, which will celebrate its 25th year in October.
FURRY FRIENDS Learn all about the mammals that call Reston home. From flying squirrels and skunks to foxes and coyotes, there are so many interesting animals. Touch real fur and look at skulls. Follow animal tracks down the trail in search of furry friends. Make an adorable craft. Register by September 14. 306121008 9/17 Sat 10:30 am – 11:30 am Or Tue 9/20 10:00 am–11:00 am Ages 3-5 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member BIRD WALK- LOWER GLADE STREAM VALLEY Pre-registration by September 15 is required. 306201002 9/18 Sun 7:30 am – 10:30 am
FALL FOR FISHING Enjoy a morning of fishing at Lake Audubon. Learn about the fish and other animals that call the lake home. Fishing rods and bait are provided. No experience necessary. Register by September 23.
306011003 9/2 Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd. All Ages $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member
OCTOBER MUSHROOMS OF RESTON
306111001 9/13 Tue 10:00 am – 11:00 am Or Wed 9/14 10:00 am – 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member BATS OF RESTON See a presentation on Reston’s bats, then stroll to Lake Audubon to look for them. 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 13.
306011008 9/16 Fri 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Adults and Children 5+ $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
Kick off Labor Day weekend with some campfire fun. Learn about nocturnal animals that call Reston home. Sing songs, listen to a nature story, and make s’mores. Register by August 30.
Adults Free LAKE AUDUBON SUNSET PADDLE Canoe or kayak on Lake Audubon with a naturalist. Search for wildlife and learn about lake history. Relax and watch the sunset from the water. Boats and safety equipment provided. Register by September 19. 306011007 9/22 Thu 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Lake Audubon Boat Ramp, 2070 Twin Branches Rd. Adults and Children 10+ $15/RA Member, $20 Non-member BUILD A BIRD FEEDER Fall is the perfect time to learn about backyard birds, different food types and feeders. Make a bird feeder and go on a short bird walk. All supplies provided. Register by Sept. 21. 306011012 9/24 Sat 10:30 am – Noon All $15/feederAges RA members, $20/feeder Non-members
Join local mushroom aficionado and all round “fun-guy” Colin Mills for a presentation on the diversity of Reston’s fungi. Learn about their amazing life cycles, basic identification, and role in the ecosystem. Then, take a mushroom walk along the trails. Register by September 29. 406201008 10/2 Sun 1:30 pm–3:30 pm Adults $6/RA Member, $8/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 provided. Register by October 6. 406011012 10/9 Sun 2:00 pm–3:00 pm All Ages $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member GOING BATTY Learn why bats are important, what they eat and where you find them. Make a bat craft. Play a fun game about echolocation. Then, stroll through the forest to find hidden bats. Register by October 8.
SEPTEMBER NOCTURNAL NATURE CAMPFIRE
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306131008 9/26 Mon 10:00 am – 11:30 am
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. Register online with WebTrac www restonwebtrac.org
SCAMPERING SQUIRRELS
Lake Audubon Boat Ramp, 2070 Twin Branches Road Ages 6-12 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member
Acorns are falling from the trees, and squirrels are hiding them away for the winter. Make a squirrel craft and munch like a squirrel on a crunchy snack. Look for acorns along the trails and see what they grow into. Register by September 10.
Join the Fairfax County HomeWise team to learn about energy and water-efficiency home improvements and good habits. See demonstrations of weatherstripping, low-flow aerators, socket sealers, and LED lightbulbs. Pick up a free energy-efficiency kit for your home. Register by October 31.
Adults Free FUR, FEATHERS AND FINS
11/7 Mon 10:00 am – 11:00 am OR Tue 11/8 10:00 am – 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months$8/RA Member, $10/Non-member
406111001
406111001
BIRD WALK: BRIGHT POND Pre-registration by October 13 is required.
10/17 Mon 10:00 am–11:00 am OR Tue 10/18 10:00 am–11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $9/RA Member and $11/Non-member
406201006 11/3 Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
406121008
10/11 Tue 10:00 am – 11:00 am Or Sat 10/15 10:30 am – 11:30 am Ages 3-5 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member
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HALLOWEEN HOUSE & TRAIL See ad on back page. Fri & Sat 10/28 and 10/29 NOVEMBER GOBBLE, GOBBLE Turkeys can seem silly but are really fascinating creatures. Hear the sounds Wild Turkeys make and follow a trail of turkey footprints through the woods. Make a turkey craft and learn more about these feathered friends. Register by Nov. 4.
406131015 11/8 Tue 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Ages 6-12 $9/RA Member and $11/Non-member HOMEWISE DEMONSTRATION
STEAM WORKSHOP- CORNUCOPIA OF SCIENCE
As temperatures drop, people pull on warm clothes. Animals need ways to stay warm, too. Feel furs and feathers and discover what else keeps animals from getting cold. Make a feathery craft and look for animals along the trails. Register by November 9. 406121008 11/12 Sat 10:30 am – 11:30 am Or Tue 11/15 10:00 am – 11:00 am Ages 3-5 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member BIRD WALK- TWIN BRANCHES Pre-registration by November 10 is required. 406201002 11/13 Sun 7:30 am–10:30 am Adults Free THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES Make a beautiful centerpiece or arrangement with dried flowers and grasses, plus four simple napkin rings for your home at Thanksgiving ($1 per additional ring). All supplies provided. When making reservations, include the number of people in your party and how many arrangements you wish to make. Register by November 16. 406011012 11/19 Sat 10:30 am–12:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
All $25/arrangementAges RA Member, $30/arrangement 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 23. 406011008 11/26 Sat 11:00 am – 12:00 pm All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
406201002
10/16 Sun 7:30 am – 10:30 am Adult Free LI’L PUMPKINS HALLOWEEN PARTY
Turn the Thanksgiving table into a science experiment. Make popcorn right off the cob and shake up some homemade butter. Learn why some corn is colorful and meet a Corn Snake. Engineer a cranberry structure. Make stamps out of potatoes and create a festive masterpiece. Register by November 5 for this drop-off program.
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 14.
Mushroom Spore Prints
5. Chicken of the Woods (Look for orange “shelves” near the base of a Answertree.):#1bottomleft,#2topleft,#3topright, #4bottomright,#5topmiddle 6
2. Break off the stalk of the mushroom.
4. Remove the bowl and gently lift the mushroom. You should see a pattern of spores left on the paper that have fallen out of the cap.
1. Jack-o-Lantern (Look for a pumpkin-colored mushroom.)
3. Puffballs (Look for mushrooms in the shape of a ball.)
Using the clues, draw a line from the name to the matching photo.
4. Turkey Tail (Look for a fan-shape with stripes.)
1. Pick a fresh mushroom from around your home, not one that is dried out, old or mushy. (Ask an adult for help and be sure to wash your hands after you touch mushrooms.)
Marvelous Mushrooms
3. Place the mushroom cap, gills down, with one half over a black sheet of paper and the other half over a white sheet of paper. Cover it with a bowl, and let it sit for at least 2-6 hours.
2. Golden Spindles (Look for little yellow “fingers.”)
5. Option: Repeat with different types of mushrooms and different colors of paper. Use a magnifying glass to look at the spores. If you don’t see a spore print, try it again with a new mushroom. Different types of mushrooms have different spore colors, so this activity is fun to repeat with different types of mushrooms.
By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking I love taking walks around the Nature Center in the fall. I like to feel the cool breezes blow through my fur and see all the beautiful colors of the leaves. I also love looking for mushrooms. Sometimes, I find mushrooms in other seasons, but many of them like the cooler, damp weather of autumn. Mushrooms are a type of living thing called fungi, and they are really interesting. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to mushrooms. In fact, most of a mushroom’s “body” lies beneath the surface. It is made of long strings called mycelium. Mycelium grows under the ground or in logs, kind of like tree roots, absorbing food from dead plants and animals. That’s why mushrooms are called “decomposers”. They help recycle dead things into the soil. In the forest, large oak trees need healthy soil to grow and make acorns. Acorns are my favorite fall food. So, I always say, “Thank you” to What’smushrooms.itliketo be a mushroom? I’m glad you asked. Every living thing has a life cycle. Most plants form flowers that make seeds. The seeds grow into new plants. But mushrooms make something called spores that can grow into new mycelium. When we see mushroom caps above ground, they have grown up on stalks to release their spores. Mushrooms are only seen above ground for short amounts of time. Most of their life is spent in darkness.Thisfall, I hope you’ll join me in searching for mushrooms. Try the photo match game to help you identify some you may find. Happy exploring. Mushroom Photo Match
Summer Bird Count
Each July, Reston hosts its annual Butterfly Count. This year, twelve volunteers and staff counted 223 butterflies of 19 species. While numbers of large, showy butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (our state insect) were low, the overall individual and species counts were average when compared to the 28-year history. The most abundant species were the Cabbage White and the Sachem Skipper. Reston’s data is shared with the North American Butterfly Association for inclusion in its Fourth of July Butterfly Count Report.
By Katie Shaw Citizen science engages our community with the scientific and natural worlds. It’s a chance to explore Reston’s 1,300 acres of open space with others who share similar interests. We’re fortunate to have the help of many actual scientists and environmental professionals who call Reston home. But no prior experience is necessary. Our naturalist staff provides training and organizes reporting.
The Results Are In
The first Saturday in June heralds Reston’s Summer Bird Count. This year, twelve volunteers and staff counted 1,627 birds of 59 species. Abby Stocking, Reston Association’s Naturalist said, “That is about average for the species count and a little above average for individuals. Overall, these are where we want the count results to fall.” The most abundant birds were the Northern Cardinal (Virginia’s state bird) and the small, but feisty Carolina Wren. Six Barred Owls were sighted in north and south Reston, setting a new count record. A very vocal pair lives at the Nature Center and is heard most late afternoons and evenings behind Nature House. Mark your calendars for the Winter Bird Count on January 7 if you’d like to help.
Butterfly Count
Still to Come…Dragonfly Count
As this publication goes to print, we are gearing up for the annual Dragonfly Count. Did you know that 43 dragonfly and damselfly species have been recorded in Reston? Two of the most abundant species are the Blue Dasher and the Eastern Amberwing. You can contribute to Reston’s citizen science any time of the year by recording your observations in Reston’s Biodiversity Project in the iNaturalist app (www.iNaturalist.org). It’s easy to do with a cell phone or a computer, and it’s a fun place to see who your wild neighbors are.
Happily, everyone on the count got to see one of three Monarchs observed. The Monarch is eligible for the U.S. Endangered and Threatened Species List and was recently added to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List. New research using NABA count data suggests that while overwintering Monarch populations show serious declines, rebounds in the species’ summer breeding grounds could be playing a significant role in the species’ survival. (Crossley, Global Change Biology, 2022) So, keep up those conservation practices by planting milkweed and providing nectar sources.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, October 28 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm Saturday, October 29 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm Ages 3 to Adult Children must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times. FEE $15/RA $18/Non-membermember PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Registration begins October 3 at 9:00 a.m. at https://bit.ly/HalloweenHouseAndTrail for RA Members. Non-member registration begins October 4 at 9:00 a.m. No walk-ins. No refunds, unless canceled by Reston Association. You will select a time block when you register. This is NOT a horror show or a haunted house. Meet a creative cast of characters, including some real animals along our nature themed Trick-or-Treat Trail and inside our decked-out Halloween House. Enjoy hot apple cider, popcorn and games. Participants are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes. For more information, call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or email naturecenter@reston.org. To volunteer, contact habrock@reston.org. & Rent Space at the Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive, Reston Nature House Multipurpose Room Capacity 60 people standing, 44 people seated. Equipped with tables and chairs. Fully accessible with trails and pond for guests to enjoy. Pavilion 576 sq. ft. in a woodland setting. Equipped with 4 picnic tables, bench seating, bathroom access, electricity and water fountain. Fire Ring A great place for comradery and s’mores! 4 picnic tables, bench seating and small shelter. naturecenter@reston.orgContactor703-476-9689ext.3. Winter 18/19 Volume TwentyFall | 23 | Volume Twenty-three
