Branching Out Summer 2020 by Reston Association

Walker Nature Center

BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Eco-friendly Gardening 7 • Biodiversity 8

Nature Notes By Pam Findley

JUNE • • • • •

Toad tadpoles swim in ponds. White-tailed Deer fawns are born Fireflies and dragonflies are active. Spotted Wintergreen and Partridgeberry bloom. JUNE 20—Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year

JULY • • • •

Listen for Annual Cicadas, Snowy Tree Crickets and katydids. Red Admiral and Monarch butterflies are in flight. Indian Pipe, which lacks chlorophyll, grows in deep woods. Butterfly Weed, Orange Jewelweed and Cardinal Flower bloom.

AUGUST

• Sedum, asters and goldenrod bloom. • Fall webworms appear. • Swallows, martins and swifts begin to migrate south. • Hazelnuts mature. • Perseid meteor showers peak on August 12.

Nature Uplifts Us By Susan Sims

Backyard barbeques, beach vacations, birthday parties—are they on or off? As I write this, we’re still experiencing the impacts of COVID-19, and it’s difficult to predict where we’ll be this summer. Yet, summer will still come. Some things are guaranteed – the sky is blue, water is wet, and we’ve all figured out appropriate hand washing. While times of crisis have weighed heavily on us all, nature has been there to fill our hearts with joy and our lungs with fresh air. This unique time in history has shown just how elemental nature is to humankind. People around the country and the world took refuge in parks, open spaces and nearby nature in their yards and neighborhoods. While concerns about health and finances restrict much of our regular lives, nature is steadfast. Here at the Nature Center, we are grateful for the positive feedback from visitors to our trails, fans sharing nature photos from their walks and people embracing creative ways to continue environmental education and the pursuit of science.

Data Matters

During these times of social distancing, our volunteers have continued to engage with nature through solo citizen science. Working independently and staying at least six feet from others, bluebird box monitors have been checking 32 nest boxes on a weekly basis throughout Reston’s natural areas and at the Nature Center.

They check for active nests, count eggs and report when baby birds leave their nests. They make sure that measures stay in place to protect the birds from threats like snakes and ants. Data is reported to the Virginia Bluebird Society. Nest box programs have contributed to the comeback of this beautiful bird of happiness, a sight for sore eyes, especially in tough times like this. If we find ourselves under orders to remain distanced this summer, there are abundant ways to take part in citizen science. You can document plant and animal species using the iNaturalist app, taking photos even if they are through windows or just in your yard. It’s a great way to crowdsource information from around the world and make it available to researchers and scientists. Restonians are encouraged to add observations to the Reston Biodiversity Project in the app. Other projects include Caterpillars Count and stream monitoring for water quality.

Continued on page 2

Summer | 20 | Volume Twenty Two

WALKER NATURE CENTER

Nature Uplifts Us continued from page 1

11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Projects like this allow volunteers to get outdoors and observe nature while establishing a “virtual” connection with others working in the field.

Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails and free parking. Restrooms available as COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Contact Nature Center staff for opportunities or check out the Smithsonian website, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Northern Virginia Audubon Society. Citizen science offers benefits beyond scientific contribution. It’s a way to exercise, learn and connect during challenging times.

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

Due to COVID-19, Nature House is currently closed to walk-in visitors. Please check our website or Facebook page for updates. www.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter @restonnature

Recess for Wellness

While social distancing has been the norm, one positive thing is a spike in people’s enjoyment of the outdoors. Studies prove that time spent in nature contributes to good physical and mental wellbeing. It’s comforting to know that nature is available to help us maintain wellness when things are suddenly different. The Nature Center has been active with bicyclists, birders and walkers maintaining distance but sharing waves and smiles from afar. People all around Reston report substantial increases in trail and pathway use, starting in March and continuing into spring. Multimedia communications have become even more handy during these times, some would say critical. We’ve received more nature photos than ever. People have taken time to stop and literally smell the flowers, listen to the sounds of spring and feel the warmth of sun on their skin. Visitors and staff have found ways to ground themselves in nature when it seems things around us are shaking. While phone calls, gaming, social media and video conferences can keep us in touch with others, nature provides a genuine sensory symphony for those who step outside, sit on the porch or open a window. Nature teaches us about interconnectivity and patience. From the 534 species supported by a White Oak tree that can live hundreds of years to the amazing 3,000-mile Monarch journey to the Oyamel Forest, nature teaches us the meaning of “this too shall pass”.

@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.

Look to the Sky

If inspiration is what you seek, look no further than the sky. Summer provides wonderful opportunities for stargazing. During summer, three planets are widely visible—Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. No special equipment is needed to view these vibrant orbs. Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system, is in the east in the morning and in the west at night, shining brightest on the morning of July 10. Jupiter, the giant king of planets, is visible in the night sky beginning in mid-July and spotted by its location against a background of the constellation Sagittarius, also known as The Archer. Saturn will be brightest between early July and mid-August, giving off a yellowish-white glow, according to Earth Sky. Unlike stars, planets do not twinkle, which is helpful when attempting to identify them. Another fun opportunity will be watching the Perseid meteor showers beginning in July and culminating during the week of August 10. Perhaps you’ll find inspiration in the flickers and sparks of the meteors, channeling your own Leonardo DaVinci. Did you know that NASA also supports the Stardust@home project? It’s a chance for citizen scientists to evaluate space images for interstellar particles. Thanks to good planning and active conservation, whether we’re at home or at the Nature Center, we’re surrounded by nature. Take time to reach towards wellness and include nature as part of that process. You may even find time to give nature a helping hand by removing that English Ivy or Japanese Stiltgrass lurking in your yard. As we’re inching towards freedom, so are the weeds. The bluebirds, butterflies and native plants will thank you. Contact naturecenter@reston.org to learn about citizen science volunteer opportunities or to share pictures of your outdoor adventures around Reston.

Branching Out is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy ink. It is produced using 100 percent wind power. Please recycle.

Wildlife Counts and Classes

Adults. Counts are free. Classes are $5 or free for count participants. As we are able, volunteers will meet at the Nature Center to divide into groups, then caravan in personal vehicles to sites around Reston. Results will be shared electronically. Format may be changed to a virtual event with electronic reporting as necessary.

Summer Bird Count

Participate in this year’s bird count by working solo then submitting your sightings via eBird or email. We will not gather into groups. Email naturecenter@reston.org to sign up and receive instructions and assignments. 206201205 • 6/6 Sat All day

Butterfly Class: An Introduction

Discover the colorful and diverse lives of Reston’s “flying flowers.” Learn how to identify Reston’s common butterflies and get a basic introduction to their life history. Register by July 6. 306201205 • 7/9 Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Butterfly Count

Join us for the annual Butterfly Count through Reston’s natural areas. Meet fellow butterfly lovers, learn identification tips and have fun while collecting information on our fluttering friends. Data will be submitted to the North American Butterfly Association for their national Fourth of July Butterfly Count report. Register by July 8. 306201205 • 7/11 Sat 9:45 am –1:00 pm

Dragonfly Class: An Introduction

Discover the fast and fascinating lives of Reston’s “flying dragons.” Learn to identify Reston’s common dragonflies and get a basic introduction to their bizarre behavior and complex history. Guest Presenter: Don Coram. Register by July 27. 306201205 • 7/30 Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Dragonfly Count

Join us for the annual Dragonfly Count through Reston’s natural areas. Meet local dragonfly lovers, learn identification tips and have fun while collecting important information on our fast-flying friends. Guest Leader: Don Coram. Register by July 29. 306201205 • 8/1 Sat 9:45 am-1:00 pm

FAIRY FESTIVAL

Please and Thank You By Katie Shaw These simple words seem to have even more gravitas during difficult COVID-19 times. We are extra thankful for our health, for everyone who provides essential services, and all who conscientiously adapt to new norms to protect themselves and others. We have seen from a distance how much this beautiful park and all of Reston’s natural areas mean to the community’s wellness. Please know that our staff is committed to following state and federal guidelines for keeping each other safe once we are able to re-open our building and resume activities. We have also participated in many webinars, internet meetings and phone calls with other parks and recreation professionals to exchange ideas on best practices. You can expect things like the wearing of masks, increased hand sanitizer use/hand washing, reduced numbers of people at programs, smaller groups, altered seating arrangements, heightened cleaning/ disinfecting, and continued 6-foot distancing. Sincere thanks to the following volunteers who served at Nature House before our closure and for those who were able to continue solo volunteer service on citizen science projects during our time apart: Joanne Bauer, Julie & Charlie Bond, Anne Cannizzaro, Don Coram, Isabelle D’Achille, Freya De Cola, Marilyn Dicke, Jody Douglas, Robin Duska, June Ferrara, Linda Fuller, Martha Furniss, Martha Garcia, Janine Greenwood, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Diana Kalaly, Helaine & Noah Krob, Pat Lenz, Paulette Lincoln-Baker, Sharon McHugh, Jim and Ilene McNeal, Jon Michienzi, Terri Ostrowski, Barbara Paolucci, Ellen Perrins, Sara Piper, Sumukha Ravishankar, Jim Seret, Lisa Shey, Surekha Sridhar, Mireya Stirzaker, Brenda Van Doorn and Verna Webb

Subject to Covid-19 restriction changes.

All Ages • Sat. July 18 • 10:00 am – 11:30 am $10/member, $15/non-member • Register by July 15 Calling all fairies young and old! Experience the magic of gossamer wings, fairy wands and whimsical tales. Explore a woodland trail filled with fairy houses and help to build a fairy house from natural materials. Enjoy storytime with the Fairy Queen. Make a craft and find hidden fairies. Register by July 15. Children and adults are encouraged to wear fairy costumes. Bring a homemade fairy house to display for a chance to win a prize. Registration required for adults and children over 18 months of age.

Charitable donations are gratefully received by our 501c3 supporting organization, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 or donate online at www.friendsofreston.org. Add a note that your donation is for the Nature Center. You will receive a letter for tax purposes. We are also trying to reschedule the Nature Center 5K, our largest fundraiser of the year.

Advance registration, including payment, is required for all nature activities unless o days for approval. If you have questions, need assistance or prefer not to register onl

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.

JUNE

SUMMER BIRD COUNT

Working solo then submit your sightings via eBird or email. Email naturecenter@reston.org to sign up and receive instructions and assignments. 206201205 Sat Adults

6/6 All day Free

ONCE UPON A POND

Ponds are special places. Discover which animals live, hunt, swim, and drink there. Search our pond for dragonflies, frogs and more! Enjoy a poem, song and take-home craft. Register by June 17. 206121008 Sat Ages 3-5

6/20 10:30 am-11:30 am $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member

JUNE BIRD WALK- WALKER NATURE CENTER/ LOWER SNAKEDEN STREAM VALLEY 6/14 Sun 7:30 am-10:30 am Adults Free OWL PROWL

Meet a wildlife rehabilitator from Secret Garden Birds and Bees for an up-close look at live owls of Virginia. Then prowl the trails in search of the Nature Center’s resident owls. Register by June 16. 206011008 6/19 Fri 6:30 pm -8:00 pm Adults & Children 5+ $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member

WALKING STICK WORKSHOP

BUTTERFLY CLASS: AN INTRODUCTION

Summer is here, and it’s time to explore new territory. Make a walking stick for your next adventure. Choose the perfect stick, make a leather grip, and decorate it. All supplies included. Register by June 24.

Discover the colorful and diverse lives of Reston’s “flying flowers.” Learn how to identify Reston’s common butterflies and get a basic introduction to their life history. Register by July 6.

206131012 Sat Ages 5-12

6/27 11:00 am - 12:00 pm $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

JULY

FIREFLIES IN JULY

What makes those little bugs glow and why do they do it? Learn what they eat and where they live. How can you attract them to your yard? Stroll by Lake Newport and explore Brown’s Chapel Park to catch a glimpse of this bioluminescent phenomenon. Register by June 28. 306011008 7/1 Wed 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Brown’s Chapel Picnic Pavilion, 1575 Brown’s Chapel Rd. Adults and Children 5+ $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES

Butterflies like to visit flowers. Discover where butterflies lay their eggs and how they start their lives as caterpillars. Look for butterflies floating around flowers in the gardens and take home a craft. Register by July 3. 306111001 Mon 7/6 10:00 am-11:00 am Or Tue 7/7 10:00 am-11:00 am WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road. Ages 18-35 months $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member

306201205 Thu Adults

7/9 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Free for count participants

LAKE ANNE PADDLE

Canoe or kayak on Lake Anne with a naturalist. Search for wildlife that call the lake home. Learn some lake history and how residents can help the local watershed. We’ll look for waterfowl in the cove and enjoy a relaxing evening paddle. Boats and safety equipment provided. Register by July 7. 306011007 Fri Lake Anne Plaza Boat Docks Adults and Children 10+

7/10 6:30 pm -8:00 pm $15 RA Member, $20 Non-member

BUTTERFLY COUNT

7/11 9:45 am - 1:00 pm Free

therwise 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.

JULY BIRD WALK- TWIN BRANCHES NATURE TRAIL 7/19 Sun 7:30 am -10:30 am Park on Glade Drive near Twin Branches Road. Adults Free CAMPFIRE FUN

Join the fun around a crackling campfire. Tap your feet, sing silly songs and share stories. Make a s’more to round out this special night. Register by July 21. 306011003 7/24 Fri 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member ENVIRONMENTAL FILM- JUST EAT IT

Filmmakers and food lovers Jen and Grant dive into the issue of food waste from farm, through retail, and back to their fridge. They quit grocery shopping to survive on foods that would be thrown away. 106201051 Fri Adults

7/24 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm Free

KNEE DEEP IN A CREEK

Hot days are perfect for dipping your feet into the cool water. Explore Snakeden Branch stream looking for frogs, tadpoles, minnows and other creatures. Wear your wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Nets and buckets provided. Register by July 22. 306121008 Sat Ages 3-5

7/25 10:30 am -12:00 pm $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member

DRAGONFLY CLASS: AN INTRODUCTION

306201205 Thu Adults

7/30 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Free for count participants

AUGUST DRAGONFLY COUNT

8/1 9:45 am-1:00 pm Free

ANTS GO MARCHING

Why do ants always seem to be on the go? Follow a trail of ants and discover more about these curious insects. See if you’re as strong as an ant and make an ant craft. We won’t let them spoil our picnic! Register by July 31. 306111001 Mon 8/3 10:00 am -11:00 am Or Tue 8/4 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member SUMMER SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL Fri 8/7 See ad on page 7 CAMPFIRE- CELEBRATE SMOKEY BEAR

Celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday with some fun around the campfire. Learn how to build a fire and keep it safe. Make a campfire cone and sing Happy Birthday to our beloved friend. Register by August 4. 306121008               8/7 Fri 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member

WHAT WILL I WEAR?

How do you decide what to wear each day? Hear about a little bear trying to decide what to wear. Explore different types of animal “clothes”. Take a walk to look for animals. Make a craft to take home. Register by August 5. 306121008 8/8 Sat                      10:30 am -11:30 am Ages 3-5                        $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member NIGHTTIME NATURE

When other animals are calling it a day, some are just getting started. Discover the diverse world of nocturnal creatures. Listen for crickets and katydids and look for moths using a light trap. Take a short walk through the woods and test your night vision. Register by August 9. 306011008 8/12 Wed 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Adults and Children 5+ $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member AUGUST BIRD WALK- BUTTERMILK CREEK TRAIL 8/16 Sun 7:30 am-10:30 am Park at Uplands Pool, 11032 Ring Road Adults Free STREAM SLOSH

Dip into a cool stream to escape the heat. Use a net to search for fish and frogs and take a peek under rocks to look for insects. Wear wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Nets and buckets provided. Register by August 19. 306011007 Sat All Ages

8/22 10:30 am-12:00 pm $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member

Firefly Suncatcher Materials

Yellow/green tissue paper or cellophane Black construction paper or cardboard colored black Contact Paper or clear packing tape Glue or Glue Stick Scissors

Instructions: 1. Cut yellow and/or green tissue paper or cellophane into small squares. 2. Lay out a sheet of contact paper sticky side up or two overlapping strips of clear packing tape. Tape down the corners so it doesn’t move. 3. Decorate the contact paper/packing tape by pressing the colored squares onto it. 4. Cover your decorated piece with another piece of contact paper or strips of packing tape to seal it. 5. Smooth it out, then cut it into a teardrop shape for the body. 6. Cut a round head & two teardrop shaped wings out of black paper or cardboard. Glue them to the body. 7. Tape your dragonfly to a window and see your suncatcher glow!

Summer Night Lights By Earl the Squirrel (with help from Kelly Michienzi)

Don’t you love summer nights that magically light up as fireflies dance in the sky? There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Fireflies are beetles, just like ladybugs. They have hard wing cases with thin flying wings tucked underneath. Fireflies like to live near water because that’s where they find food like slugs, snails and insects. Did you know that when they are young, they live in the ground and are carnivores? When they grow up, they eat nectar, pollen or nothing at all! Young fireflies live as larvae for 1-2 years. But as soon as they are flying adults, they only live for about 21 days.

Guide the firefly through the maze

Fireflies have light organs under their abdomens that combine oxygen with a substance called luciferin. This combination makes light with almost no heat. Scientists call this bioluminescence. Did you know that even firefly eggs glow? Baby fireflies flash inside their eggs when they feel vibrations. After they hatch, they look like glow worms until they change into winged adults. Most of the flashes you see are made by male fireflies. Females hide in the grass or in bushes where they flash back to males. Each type of firefly has its own flash pattern to help males and females find each another. Unfortunately, light pollution can stop fireflies from flashing and make it hard for them to find their mates. Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change are also hurting fireflies.

How can you help?

• Turn off outdoor lights to reduce light pollution, especially in summer. • Keep fallen leaves in your yard. Fireflies can get thrown out with bagged leaves. • Add compost to the soil to keep it healthy. • Don’t use lawn chemicals and pesticides. • Plant shrubs, trees & native grasses. • Don’t cut your lawn too short.

Kids’ Corner

Eco-friendly Gardening By Abby Stocking

After several months of needing to stay at home, many people have turned to outdoor gardening projects as a way to rejuvenate themselves and breathe fresh air. Let’s keep that up. Let’s also make sure that we are gardening in a way that also rejuvenates our ecosystem and keeps our air, water and soil fresh. Here are some things you can do to make sure your containers, gardens, lawn and/or community landscaping are contributing to a healthy environment.

1. Minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers.

• Compost your kitchen waste and fall leaves to get the healthiest lawns and gardens. Consider setting up an indoor worm bin if your outdoor space is limited. • If you cannot make your own compost, try buying landscape products that are certified organic. Compost should feel lighter than regular soil and have a nice, earthy smell. If you purchase bagged compost, you may want to test it out before buying in bulk.

2. Plant native plants in your yard, neighborhood or community. They will add beauty to your surroundings and provide value to wildlife such as pollinators.

• For native plant recommendations to use in your setting, visit www.plantnovanatives.org. • After months of limited operations, consider supporting a local nursery that is a small business or see if there is a native plant sale happening near you.

Yoga Event-Contemplate Nature In partnership with Beloved Yoga

306201013 Sat. Adults

8/15 8:00 am -9:15 am $20/RA Member, $25/Non-member

De-stress during this peaceful morning session that blends indoor yoga with outdoor forest walking. Join a yoga instructor and a naturalist to cultivate a deeper relationship with the mind, body, and spirit as you connect with the beauty of the forest. No prior experience necessary. All levels welcome. Movements and breathing exercises will be done while seated in chairs, standing or outdoors. You may also bring a mat from home. Wear comfortable clothes. Register by August 12.

3. Minimize use of gas-powered two-cycle engines that emit toxic air pollution and may be contributing to hearing losses. • Use manual tools when possible or switch to electric equipment. • Use a mulching mower on lawns and fall leaves so that you have a natural source of compost and don’t waste time and money bagging or hauling leaves. • Hire a landscape company that uses quiet landscaping practices. Practicing these tips will help keep our gardens eco-friendly. If you’ve started to do some of these recommendations and want to learn about others, take the Reston Biophilic Pledge at https://bit.ly/2NQwXyX.

Summer Shorts Film Festival

Friday, August 7 • 7:00 - 9:00 pm • Adults #306201052 • Free, $5 suggested donation Temperatures are hot outside, so join us inside for some of the coolest short films that shed new light on environmental topics in concise, creative and quirky ways. Popcorn and drinks for sale. Co-presented by Friends of Reston.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID RESTON, VA PERMIT NO. 21

www.reston.org Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive Reston, Virginia 20191

Reston Biodiversity Project lovers, we know Shutterbugs and nature of nature photos you’ve been taking tons e’s your chance during COVID times. Her tizen science. So to contribute them to ci itted 27,912 far, 459 people have subm to document observations, helping us . 3,306 species in Reston · Download the iNaturalist app or visit www.inaturalist.org and create an account. · Under “Community”, join the Reston Biodiversity Project and the Walker Nature Center Pro ject. · Upload images from your phone or your PC. Don’t know what it is? iNaturalist will help you make an identification.

· Enter date, location and other fields as best as you can. You can even enter photos previo usly taken. Add your observation s to the appropriate project.

You can also help by viewing other people’s photos in our projects to make or confirm an ID. Each ID requires multiple confirmations to make it “Research Grade”. Could be your new hobby. iNaturalist is an initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. Connect with more than a million scientists and naturalists! By sharing your observations, you’ll help to create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.

Winter Volume Twenty Summer | 20 18/19 | Volume Twenty Two