Walker Nature Center
BRANCHING OUT
A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • The Good Side of Darkness 7 • Nature Camps 8
Nature Notes By Pam Findley
JUNE • • • • •
Bats are born. Northern Red-backed Salamanders lay eggs. Spotted Wintergreen and Common Milkweed bloom. Great Spangled Fritillary and Viceroy butterflies take flight. June 21 – Summer Solstice – First day of summer
JULY • • • • •
Cardinal Flower, Wild Bergamot and Mountain Mint bloom. Praying mantises and katydids are common. Fireflies and bats are active in the night sky. Eastern Ratsnakes lay eggs. July 12 – Venus, Mars and the Crescent Moon are visible.
AUGUST
• Southern Flying Squirrels are born. • Asters, sunflowers and goldenrods bloom. • Eastern Box Turtles and Snapping Turtles hatch. • Fall bird migration begins. • August 12, 13 – Perseids Meteor Shower
Monarchs in Peril By Susan Sims
The Monarch butterfly is aptly named as an example of nature’s royal pageantry - an orange and black symphonic flame, signaling the arrival of sunny, summer days in Virginia. Their grace, vibrancy and fortitude have inspired stories among Native American traditions, in religious texts and in Mexican folklore. They are symbols of dreaming, creation and the promise of rebirth. The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is possibly the most identifiable butterfly in North America and an ambassador for pollinators everywhere. Its bright colors and large size make it hard to miss, sailing on the breeze. Even with its importance to many cultures and its association with pollination, its numbers are dwindling. The Monarch’s decline has motivated organizations, nonprofits, federal agencies and individuals to identify ways to help the species, and those in Reston can do their part, too.
Numbers in Decline
According to the Xerces Society, populations of Monarchs that live in the eastern United States and overwinter in the oyamel forests of central Mexico have declined 80% since the 1990s. Western populations that overwinter in California have declined 99%. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the biggest issues facing the butterflies in the U.S. and in Mexico. Often, this loss is a result of human activity such as development, monoculture farming, and roadside mowing. The spread of invasive plants also reduces butterfly habitat. Coupled with pesticide usage, which does not discriminate among insects, the Monarch’s reign is in peril. Following a scientific assessment of the butterfly’s status beginning in 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced in December of 2020 that “listing the Monarch as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act is warranted but precluded by higher priority listing actions.” FWS has assigned a listing priority of eight to the Monarch, indicating that threats are “moderate and imminent”.
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Summer | 21 | Volume Twenty Three
WALKER NATURE CENTER
Monarchs in Peril continued from page 1
11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191
Journey of Generations
Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails, restrooms and free parking.
Monarchs observed in Reston have a fascinating annual life cycle that begins in the Sierra Madre mountains of central Mexico. Each March, these butterflies begin breeding, then migrate to northern Mexico and the southern United States, laying their eggs on milkweed plants as they go. Milkweeds are part of the Asclepias genus and are the only plants that monarch caterpillars will eat. After eating their fill of milkweed leaves, the caterpillars pupate in one of the most beautiful chrysalises—lime green, trimmed with a shiny, gold band. In 10-14 days, adult butterflies emerge to continue their journey north, laying eggs and repeating the cycle four or five times. The great-great grandchildren of the monarchs that left Reston in the fall return to us the next year.
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.
Fall migrating Monarchs differ from previous generations. While former generations focused on migrating north and laying eggs along the way, fall migrants rely on a feast of nectar rich plants to fuel them on their long journey south to Mexico. They have a longer life span of eight or nine months - long enough to complete the 3,000 mile journey to Mexico as a single generation. Monarchs have no road maps or GPS to guide them. Instead, an intrinsic compass and the sun’s guiding rays point them home. It’s a tremendous journey for a small insect, weighing a mere half a gram.
How to Help 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 CLOSURE May 31 Memorial Day July 5 Independence Day Observed
The Monarch’s obligate relationship to milkweed makes it very clear - if there is no milkweed, there is no Monarch. So please plant milkweed in sunny areas for hungry caterpillars. There are eight milkweeds native to Fairfax County. They all have sticky, white sap, hence the name. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows tall with pink to purple blooms and distinctive, horn shaped pods. Butterfly Weed (Asceplias tuberosa) is a shorter, garden beauty with orange blossoms, and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a great choice for wet areas. Adult Monarchs prefer to nectar from yellow, orange, red and purple flowers native to our region - coneflower, goldenrod, blazing stars and Joe Pye Weed are good food sources. You can create a Monarch Waystation and register it online at monarchwatch.org. There are over 20 Monarch Waystations in Reston, including six on Reston Association property. Remember to keep your waystation pesticide free.
www.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter @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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You can also help by joining a citizen science project and educating others about the importance of habitat restoration and stewardship. If you spot a Monarch, report your sighting to journeynorth.org. This data helps scientists tracking butterfly numbers and locations. The Reston Association State of the Environment Report (RASER) outlines ways RA has committed to helping Monarchs and other pollinators, including being one of the first places in Virginia to sign the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a program of the National Wildlife Federation. RA has committed to increasing habitat through the development of waystations, avoiding mowing where milkweed occurs, removing invasive plants, and engaging in committed scientific observation. Additionally, the Walker Nature Center offers native plant sales and educational programming. You can sign up for the upcoming butterfly count, plant milkweed and encourage others to stop pesticide use. Together, we can support Monarch generations for our future generations to enjoy.
Photo by: Sheryl Pollock
Wildlife Counts and Classes
Adults. FREE. Join us for these annual wildlife counts through Reston’s natural areas. Virtual classes held on Zoom are great for beginners and those wanting to brush up on their identification skills. On count days, meet at the Nature Center to divide into groups, then caravan to sites around Reston.
Summer Bird Count
Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while collecting data on our feathered friends. Register by June 2. 206201205 Sat 6:45 am – 12:00 pm
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Virtual 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 5. 306201205 7/8 Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Butterfly Count
Meet fellow butterfly lovers, learn identification tips and have fun while collecting data 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 7. 306201205 7/10 Sat 9:45 am – 1:00 pm
Virtual 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 26. 306201205 7/29 Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dragonfly Count Meet local dragonfly lovers, learn identification tips and have fun while collecting data on our fast-flying friends. Guest Leader: Don Coram. Register by July 28. 306201205 7/31 Sat 9:45 am – 1:00 pm
FAIRY FESTIVAL Registration by July 21 is required for adults and children over ages 18 months of age. Stroll along a woodland trail, decorated with fairy houses and vote for your favorite. Search for hidden fairies and colorful mushrooms. Read about fairies on the story trail and take home a goodie bag. Children and adults are encouraged to wear fairy costumes.
306011306 7/24 Sat. 10:00 am – 12:15 pm (staggered arrivals) All Ages $10/RA Member, $15/Non-member Optional-Make a homemade fairy house to enter our contest for a chance to win a prize.
Please and Thank You By Katie Shaw We are heartened to see COVID cases in Fairfax County decline and participation in our in-person programs increase. Although scaled back, it is so much better than last spring when cancellations and quarantines were the only things in sight. Even though our largest event of the year--Spring Festival-- could not happen again, we had tons of fun with you at the alternatives-- Spring Show Day and Boat Rental Day on Lake Audubon. We also look forward to bringing back nature camps this summer. It’s been wonderful to see volunteer-led programs like the Bird Walks in action as well as on-going citizen science projects such as Bluebird Bird Box Monitoring and Caterpillars Count. Earth Month was filled with activity from Reston’s 27th Arbor Day celebration to sprucing up the Nature Center grounds on Earth Day, and working on the Reston Garden Club Wildflower Trail Project in honor of its 50th anniversary (postponed from 2020). We remain committed to the safety of all of our patrons and staff, and will continue to adhere to the Governor’s Orders as well as Virginia Forward guidelines and CDC recommendations as they apply to public venues. You can expect capacity reductions to continue as long as distancing requirements are in place, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation with face mask requirements-even if you are fully vaccinated. Please join the wait list for any program that appears full, and we will try to add sessions. We will also continue to offer some virtual programs.
Thanks to our donors:
Friends of Reston for providing distancing, sanitation and PPE for COVID safety; Reston Community Center for sponsoring the entertainment at Spring Show Day; Reston Garden Club for plants added to the Wildflower Trail and the pond; Wetland Studies and Solutions for the fish for Kids Trout Fishing Day.
Thanks to our volunteers:
Giuliana Abarca; Mariam Abdel Okhowa; Kevin Alegre; Jalaleddin, Ezzenddin & Fatima Ali-Karagol; Sebastien Babilotte; Ajanta, Etienne & Kyoko Bauer; Nick Bauer; Joanne Bauer; Sue Beffel; Matt Bender; Sue Bidwell; Adam Bisogno; Theodor Blocksom; Christina Bocharnykov; Julie & Charlie Bond; AJ & Steve Bowen; Grady, Owen & Sean Brooks; Jennifer Burns; Greg Butcher; Dan Cunningham; Caleigh Caudill; Fabiana Cesa; Sara Christel; Caitlin Connelly; Don Coram; Isabelle D’Achille; Laurie Dodd; Jody Douglas; Robin Duska; Logan & Michael Esposito;June Ferrara; Sara Fulkerson; Linda Fuller; Martha Garcia; Kelly Geer; Alaina & Daniela Gibson; Colleen Hill; Dirk Der Kinderen; Diana Kalaly; Jeffrey & Michelle Kogan; Aneek Mandal; Sharon McHugh; Ilene and Jim McNeal; John Milbow; Alex Montoya; Annika Morrill; Ines Nedelcovic; NoVa Labs Maker School; Bill O’Brien; Jane Oswalt; George Paine; Ellen Perrins; Eli & Matt Pettengill; Sara Piper; Mary Portelly; Madelyn & Tom Rubino; Alexander & Eric Schell; Katelyn & Noah Shea; Lisa Shey; Melissa Shields; Sabrina Shumway; Dylan Smith; Jackson Smith; Anna Soltys; Sumner & Teresa Spinicci; Surekha Sridhar; Elissa Steil; Anna, Aubrey & Wanda Stewart; Sara Stradioto; Cathy Tunis; Sebastian Velazquez; James & John Waters; Ben Wavra; Owen Williams; Anson Winsor; Sean & Shuangjun Xia; Benjamin Yudkovsky; Elane Zeitlin Online donations are gratefully received by our 501c3 supporting organization, Friends of Reston, at www.friendsofreston.org. Just add a “special instruction” that your donation is for the Nature Center.
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Register online with WebTrac www.restonwebtrac.org
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. We encourage you to join the wait list of any full program. We may be able to repeat it if there is enough interest.
JUNE
RADICAL REPTILES
Learn about the fascinating world of Reston’s coldblooded creatures. Meet a Box Turtle, make a reptile craft, and walk the trails to look for reptiles and their homes. Register by May 28. 206111001 6/1 Tue 10:00 am – 11:00 am OR Wed 6/2 10:00 am – 11:00 am Walker Nature Center Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member 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 1. 206011008 6/4 Fri 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd. Adults & Children 5+ $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member SUMMER BIRD COUNT
Join us for the annual Summer Bird Count through Reston’s natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping us collect data on our feathered friends. Register by June 2. 206201205 6/5 Sat 6:45 am – 12:00 pm Adults Free
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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 craft. Register by June 10. 206121008 6/12 Sat 10:30 am – 11:30 am Ages 3-5 $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member ENV. FILM- THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Follow two dreamers and their dog as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland outside of Los Angeles. Through perseverance, they uncover a blueprint for sustainable living. Register by June 15. 206201051 6/18 Fri 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Adults Free CAMPFIRE: CELEBRATE SUMMER
Join us around the campfire to celebrate the best parts of summer. Sing songs, share stories and enjoy one of the longest days of the year. Make a gourmet s’more to top off the fun. Register by June 22. 206011003 6/25 Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road All Ages $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member JUNE BIRD WALK: NATURE CENTER & SNAKEDEN STREAM VALLEY 206201002 6/27 Sun 7:30 am – 10:30 am
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 Thu 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 BUZZING BEES
Flowers are blooming, and bees are gathering nectar and pollen. Get your own antennae and stingers, and fly like a bee. Make a bee craft and taste a honey treat. Look for bees buzzing around flowers. Register by July 3. 306111001 7/12 Mon 10:00 am – 11:00 am Or Tue 7/13 10:00 am – 11:00 am WNC Fire Ring- On Soapstone Drive between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd. Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member CAMPFIRE- STARS, SONGS AND S’MORES
Join the fun around a crackling campfire. Discover the wonders of the night sky. Sing songs, make a s’more, and make the fire sparkle like the stars. Register by July 13. 306011003 7/16 Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd. All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
ENV. FILM- HONEYLAND
A woman uses ancient beekeeping traditions to cultivate honey in the mountains of North Macedonia. When a neighboring family tries to do the same, tensions grow as they disregard her wisdom and advice. Register by July 13. 306201051 7/16 Fri 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Adults Free KNEE DEEP IN A CREEK
Hot days are perfect for dipping your feet in cool water. Explore Snakeden Branch stream looking for frogs, minnows and other creatures. Wear your wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Nets and buckets provided. Register by July 14. 306121008 7/17 Sat 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Ages 3-5 $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member JULY BIRD WALK- TWIN BRANCHES NATURE TRAIL Sun 7/18 7:30 am – 10:30 am Park on Glade Drive near Twin Branches Road.
LAKE AUDUBON SUNSET PADDLE
NIGHTTIME NATURE
Canoe or kayak on Lake Audubon with a naturalist. Search for wildlife. Learn about lake history and how residents can help the local watershed. Relax and watch the sunset from the water. Boats and safety equipment provided. Register by July 27.
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. Walk through the woods and test your night vision. Register by August 8.
306011007 7/30 Fri 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Lake Audubon Boat Ramp Adults and Children 10+ $15/RA Member, $20/Non-member
AUGUST WHOSE HOOF?
What do horses, deer and unicorns have in common? They all have hooved feet! See some large “horseshoes” at the Pony Barn pavilion. Make a footprint craft, and use your imagination on a short “trot” through the woods. Register by July 31. 306111001 8/2 Mon 10:00 am – 11:00 am Or Tue 8/3 10:00 am – 11:00 am Pony Barn Pavilion, Triple Crown Rd. & Steeplechase Dr. Ages 18-35 months $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member
FAIRY FESTIVAL
Stroll along a woodland trail, decorated with fairy houses and vote for your favorite. Search for hidden fairies and colorful mushrooms. Read about fairies on the story trail and take home a goodie bag. Children and adults are encouraged to wear fairy costumes. Register by July 21.
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 3.
306011306 Sat All Ages
7/24 10:00 am – 12:15 pm $10/RA Member, $15/Non-member
CAMPFIRE- CELEBRATE SMOKEY BEAR
306011003 8/6 Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd. All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
306011008 8/11 Wed 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Adults and Children 5+ $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member 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 11. 306011007 8/14 Sat 10:30 am – 12:00 pm All Ages $5/RA Member, $7/Non-member AUGUST BIRD WALK- BUTTERMILK CREEK TRAIL Sun 8/15 7:30 am – 10:30 am Park at Uplands Pool, 11032 Ring Road NATURE’S SYMPHONY
Summer days and nights bring many sounds insects, birds, weather, and more. Learn about the chorus of sounds that surrounds us. Play a name-that-sound game. Go on a listening walk, and make a craft. 306121008 8/21 Sat 10:30 am – 11:30 am Ages 3-5 $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member
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Paper Plate Frogs Materials
• Paper plates • Green, red, white, and black paper • Red and green markers or paint • Scissors • Glue or tape
Instructions: 1. Fold the paper plate in half. 2. Color or paint the outside of the plate green. 3. When dry, color or paint the inside center red. 4. Make eyes by cutting 2 large green circles. Add 2 small, white circles then 2 smaller black circles for pupils. 5. Glue or tape the eyes to the top of the head. 6. Make a tongue with red paper and curl the end. 7. Make legs by using an accordion fold with two long strips of green paper. Add feet. 8. Glue or tape the legs to the bottom.
Sounds of Summer By Earl the Squirrel (with help from Kelly Michienzi)
Reston summers are filled with the sounds of many different creatures. This year, late spring and early summer will be extra noisy because of the emergence of the periodical cicadas. Cicadas are large flying insects that look scary but are harmless. One group of cicadas, called Brood X, have been living underground for 17 years. Young cicadas live 1 to 2 feet underground, and are called nymphs. They feed on sap from tree roots. When the soil warms to 64 degrees, they come out from the ground in huge numbers. They climb up plants and trees to shed their exoskeletons (hard outer coverings) and stretch their wings. The males make a very loud, buzzing noise to attract females. I am excited to see the cicadas because they make a tasty treat for squirrels. Other animals like birds, raccoons, foxes, reptiles, and bats also enjoy this crunchy snack. Female cicadas make small cuts in tree branches where they lay eggs. After about a month, the eggs hatch and baby cicadas return to the soil. Once the cicadas calm down, it will be easier to hear other critters. Crickets and katydids are other loud voices in the summer chorus. They rub their wings together to make sounds. Barred owls are loud, too. They hoot to communicate about predators, territories, and mating. Another animal that makes interesting sounds is the fox. Red foxes howl, bark, scream and squeal. Their screams can be quite startling but no need to worry. That is just how they talk sometimes.
Summer Sounds Word Search D S B U L L F R O G A T
V T B S J U Y D U D K N
N C P C U Y I O M J L O
R T O A D F O X Y W H Q
H Z U T E T W B Y P B I
K V C Q O R M E A W X V
K V R G W E W E M O A F
S C I K L E Y Y I O G S
P I C W K F W M Z D R U
W C K H L R V T D F E B
C A E A U O L J Z R E E
T D T T Q G T J W O N P
W A E N O U O F V G F F
J J O L Q L S C Y B R Y
V F O V N R G V V B O J
F H B K A T Y D I D G V
H K P I G T K P M F G F
D I T A I J Z Z D H W O
Find the following words in the puzzle. BULLFROG CICADA CRICKET FOX
GREENFROG KATYDID OWL TOAD
TREEFROG WOODFROG BEE
Quite a few frogs and toads make Reston their home, too. Frogs make sounds by pushing air through a sac under their mouths. The Nature Center’s pond is a great place to hear frogs singing and splashing—KERPLUNK! Listening to animal sounds is like hearing a story, song or a conversation. It’s just in a different language—the language of the animals. Enjoy the sounds of summer!
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Kids’ Corner
The Good Side of Darkness By Abby Stocking
Darkness is often viewed to be a negative thing. Children often fear the darkness of their rooms when objects seem to morph into monsters. Likewise, adults can feel a sense of dread when they are plunged into a dark world. In many stories and movies, the dark side represents the bad side. While there may be concerns about safety and the inability to see in dim light, darkness has a positive side, too. The cycle of light and dark we experience everyday creates a rhythm in our bodies that acts like a biological clock. This circadian rhythm tells our bodies to be awake and alert during the day and to rest at night. When we are overexposed to artificial light, especially in the evening, it throws our systems out of balance and makes us more prone to health issues. Weight gain, depression, stress, certain cancers and the onset of diabetes have been linked to circadian rhythm disruption. Decreasing exposure to artificial light at night can help improve our overall health. Humans are not the only creatures dependent on this cycle of light and dark- wildlife need it, too. Excessive artificial light disrupts the natural rhythms of animals. It can throw migrating birds off track, cause hatchling sea turtles to travel away from the ocean home they seek, and it can disrupt the nighttime breeding calls of frogs and toads, impacting their ability to reproduce successfully. Artificial lights drastically disrupt the reproduction of fireflies, which rely on light signals as a means of communication. Wildlife cannot switch off the lights in our human environments, so we must commit to preserving darkness on their behalf. In our increasingly illuminated world, remember that not all light is good, and not all darkness is bad. By cultivating an appreciation of the dark, we can renew our sense of wonder at the night while improving our planet’s health. Lights off saves energy and money, too.
Here are some things you can do to reduce the harmful impacts of artificial light.
· Install lighting only when and where it is needed.
· Install outdoor lights that are shielded, directing light downward.
· Install motion sensored lights.
· Encourage businesses to dim or turn off office lights when staff are not in the building. · Use warm white or yellow colored lightbulbs (color temperature of 3000K or less). Warm lights emit less blue light, which can impair vision and disrupt body cycles. · Turn off unnecessary lights during peak migration periods and close your drapes, 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. (March-May and August-October)
Nature Birthday
Party Kits For preschool and elementary aged children $75 Small Kit (for up to 8 people) $125 Regular Kit (for up to 16 people) Order a Nature Fun Birthday Kit for contactless pickup at the Nature Center. Each kit contains nature themed activities, craft supplies, goodie bags, party favors, and cute paper products (cups, plates, napkins)-- plus a card, gift and banner for the birthday child! Tons of fun and convenience packed in a reusable box.
Optional – Looking for a place for your party? Rent our pavilion or fire ring.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID RESTON, VA PERMIT NO. 21
www.reston.org Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive Reston, Virginia 20191
Come to CAMP at the
Walker Nature Center
11450 Glade Drive Register: Online at www.restonwebtrac.org
Walker’s Rangers
Young Naturalists
Ages: 6-9 by Sept. 30, 2021 Days: Monday-Friday, one-week sessions Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. OR 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Fee: RA members $115/session Non-members $140/session
Ages: 10-12 by Sept. 30, 2021 Days: Monday-Friday, one-week sessions Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fee: RA members $280/session Non-members $330/session Sign up for one or all sessions.
Session 1B: June 21-25 Pollinator Power Session 2A: June 28-July 2 Art in the Woods Session 4B: August 2-6 Scales and Slime
Session 2B: July 5-9 Session 4A: July 26-30 Session 5A: August 9-13
Stay tuned for Virtual Nature Tots- dates coming soon.
Now Hiring Nature Camp Counselors. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, have experience working with children and have current CPR/First Aid certification (classes offered by Reston Association). Apply at vscyberhosting.com/reston.
For more information, call 703-435-6518 or kMichienzi@reston.org.
Winter Summer | 21 | 18/19 VolumeVolume TwentyTwenty Three