WALKER NATURE CENTER
Woodland Homes as Habitat continued from page 1
11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191
When replacing or adding trees, opt for native species. They are adapted to Virginia’s climate and support other living things like caterpillars and birds. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has asked Northern Virginia to plant 600,000 trees by 2025. To meet this challenge, trees must be planted on private property, not just public lands.
Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails, restrooms and free parking.
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 Tuesdays Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday 1– 4 p.m.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Nov. 11 Nov. 25-26 Dec. 24-25 Jan. 1
Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas New Year’s Day
Tree Care from Top to Bottom
While trees may need to be pruned for safety or proper growth, never “top” a tree. Topping cuts through the main trunk and reduces major branches to stubs that cannot heal or sustain the health of the tree. Topped trees are weak, deformed, susceptible to disease, and have reduced lifespans. Also avoid “limbing up” trees higher than eight feet from the ground. Disreputable “woodchucks”, people who are out to make a quick buck with a chainsaw, may try to sell you on this type of irresponsible tree work.
When it comes to mulching, less is more. Sadly, "volcano mulching" is applied by many landscape companies and misinformed homeowners. This practice creates a deep, volcanoshaped mound of mulch around the base and trunk of a tree. It breeds bacteria, suffocates tree roots, and traps moisture against the bark, leading to decay. During drought, roots may reach into the mulch to acquire water instead of growing through the soil as they should. Proper tree mulching begins 3 to 6 inches away from the trunk. Allow the root flare, where the trunk meets the soil, to show. Mulch to the outer edge of the tree’s branches, known as the “drip line”. Only a thin layer is needed, about 1 to 2 inches. Think doughnut instead of Bundt cake! Avoid any product that contains dyes or synthetic materials. And remember, sometimes old mulch needs to be removed instead of just piling more on. A natural and low-cost alternative is to simply let the leaves stay where they fall under your trees.
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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If You Could, Wood You?
Humans have managed woodlands for millennia. The Native American Monacans of the Virginia Piedmont worked with the land to support life for animals and people. They cultivated native sunflowers, fruiting shrubs and nut trees. Today’s residents have multiple resources at their fingertips, and organizations like Plant NoVa Natives, the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Nature Center are here to help.
Tree-sources
RA Design Guidelines- Tree Removal https://bit.ly/RADesignGuidelines Plant NoVa Trees www.plantnovatrees.org RASER https://bit.ly/RASER2020 Tree Benefit Calculator www.treebenefits.com/calculator
