Walker Nature Education Center
A LOOK INSIDE • Environmental Films 3 • Trout Released 3 • Calendar of Events 4 • Native Spotlight 7
Nature Notes By Sharon Gurtz
September • Eastern Red-backed Salamander eggs hatch. • Fall mushrooms appear. • Monarch butterflies are migrating. • Fall colors appear on Sumac and Black Gum trees.
October • Songbird migration peaks. • Marbled Salamanders breed. • Snakes seek winter dens. • Chipmunks and squirrels gather nuts for winter.
November • Deer rut peaks. • Raccoon and Red Fox grow winter coats. • Juncos and sparrows arrive from the north. • Migratory waterfowl begin to appear.
BRANCHING OUT A Wolf in Spider’s Clothing By Ken Rosenthal Let us begin with a disclaimer: I had to work at liking spiders. A naturalist can have favorites and not-so-favorites, but flinching from a creature a fraction of your size does not instill confidence. Vocational responsibility dictated that I learn to appreciate spiders. Small jumping spiders were my jumping-on point, a visual predator with large eyes that you can see watching you, yet with fangs too small to bite through skin. I eventually graduated to handling a gentle tarantula for which I developed a modicum of affection. Yet on this journey of arachnid discovery, I have found wolf spiders the hardest to appreciate. While all spiders can produce silk, not all spiders spin webs. Wolf spiders are in this group, actively hunting for prey or waiting in ambush. They scurry across the ground, over walls and under rocks with a speed that can send a chill up your spine. Throw in a large, hairy body and you may understand my lack of affection. What won
me over were their methods of hunting and maternal care.
My, What Big Eyes You Have Wolf spiders are visual predators, using eight eyes to find food. These eyes are arranged in three rows: four small eyes on the bottom, two small eyes on top and two large eyes in the middle row. These large eyes are indicative of an active hunting style, where visual acuity is important in locating food. As they are nocturnal hunters who prefer hunting at night, wolf spiders’ eyes are very reflective. This reflection produces eyeshine, which is helpful in finding them at night. To spot them, hold a flashlight next to your eyes while scanning a field or wooded area. Watch for green flashes, which look like little, glinting diamonds. This flash is the light from your flashlight reflected back from the eyes of spiders. Parents and Parachutes Wolf spiders are unique among spiders in the way they care for their eggs. Females carry their eggs in a sac by surrounding the eggs in silk. This sac is held close to the abdomen by their spinnerets (the silk-producing organs).
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Fall 11 Volume Thirteen
Walker Nature Education Center 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking and restroom facilities dawn to dusk.
FEATURES 72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion, demonstration gardens, educational signage, a campfire ring, two streams, a pond, the entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and an interpretive green building, known as Nature House.
NATURE HOUSE HOURS
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sundays 1 - 4 p.m. Closed Sept. 5 for Labor Day Closed Nov. 24 - 25 for Thanksgiving
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
703-476-9689 naturecenter@reston.org Branching Out is a quarterly publication of the Walker Nature Education Center (WNEC), owned and operated by Reston Association. The mission of the WNEC 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.
A Wolf in Spider’s Clothing continued from page 1 Though it may look awkward, the spider is still able to hunt efficiently. However, the mothering does not stop here. After the eggs hatch, the mother will carry the small immature wolf spiders, or spiderlings, on her abdomen for another two weeks. When it is time to strike out on their own, the spiderlings take to the skies by a process called ballooning. A spiderling crawls to a high point where it rises up on its legs and holds its abdomen high. It produces strands of silk that eventually form a parachute behind it. When the wind catches this parachute, it lifts the small spiderling into the air. These rides can last for several feet or many miles. There are many stories of spiders being found miles out to sea as a result of this ballooning.
But, Does It Bite? No matter how interesting a tale I weave of any spider’s life, I will eventually be asked if they bite. Wolf spiders can bite, and like all spiders they do have venom. This venom is not medically serious like the venom of their distant cousin, the black widow. A wolf spider bite can swell and be mildly painful. These bites are typically defensive, and an unmolested wolf spider has little reason to bite. Moreover, their role as a predator of insects provides a tremendous benefit to all of us. Wolf spiders may never win a beauty contest. Their appearance is a mixture of black, brown and gray, colors more appropriate for concealment than display. Most people will not be able to get past the eight legs and hairy body. However, their life history makes them fascinating. I am hopeful that awareness of the intricate life they lead should earn them, if not appreciation, at least grudging acknowledgement that they are more than just an ugly face.
A Gentle Reminder: A cup and a piece of paper are all you need to remove a spider from your home and give it a second chance.
Get Nuts
for Clean Water
This fall, you can help to restore native forests and protect streams throughout the Potomac River region, one acorn at a time. When those acorns fall from the trees in your yard or you see them in an open space, don’t rake them away with the yard waste. Consider getting involved in this fun activity that can be enjoyed by all and help with reforestation. Citizens throughout the Potomac River watershed are invited to take part in a native seed collection effort. Collected seeds are donated to state tree nurseries, where they are nurtured and transplanted for use in stream and riverside reforestation.
HOW TO HELP: • Collect acorns in your yard or other open areas. • Please do not collect at the nature center or any natural area in Reston. • Separate the acorns by species and place into breathable bags (no plastic bags). • Label each bag with the kind of acorns that are inside. • Store in a cool dry place then drop them off at the nature center.
WHEN: Seed drop offs are from Sept. 1- Oct. 31. WHERE: Information and collection bags can be picked up at the Walker Nature Education Center. Please deposit bagged and identified acorns in the container on the side porch at Nature House. Contact: Sharon Gurtz, nature@reston.org , 703-435-6514.
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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Growing Native is coordinated by Potomac Conservancy on behalf of the Potomac Watershed Partnership. For additional information about the program, detailed instructions (including desirable seeds), and seed identification materials, visit www.growingnative.org.
Trout Released in Redbud Run By Ken Rosenthal Last school year, the nature center participated in the Trout in the Classroom program, organized by the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited (VCTU). Brook Trout eggs were provided to schools and other educational centers to raise them from eggs to fry. The Brook Trout is the state fish of Virginia. Though its population has seen decline in recent years, the goal of the program is not restocking trout. According to the VCTU, “While the immediate goal of Trout in the Classroom is to increase student knowledge of water quality and coldwater conservation, its long-term goal is to reconnect an increasingly urbanized population of youth to the system of streams, rivers and watersheds that sustain them.”
counting how many were in the tank and seeing how big they were growing. Then one day, they were gone.
Happily, on June 13, our 14 fingerling sized trout were released into Redbud Run, just west of Berryville. Each release site is approved by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Brook Trout require cold, clean water to survive. Transported in a cooler on a bright summer day, we spent the better part of an hour gradually adjusting the temperature of the water in the cooler to match the water in the stream. When released, the fish immediately darted upstream into a large pool. Our part was a small piece of a much larger effort. In Northern Virginia classrooms, 390 trout were raised and then released in Redbud Run. Ninety-five of those came from Reston. To learn more about the program, visit www. troutintheclassroom.org.
Please & Thank You The ongoing support of the community is essential to the nature center. Many people choose to support the center through volunteer work, others through cash or in-kind donations. Here are some ways that you can help, like your friends and neighbors below.
PLEASE Tax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Write “Nature Center” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a letter of receipt for tax purposes. If you can donate one of the following items in new or like new condition, please contact kshaw@reston.org or call 703-435-6510. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: binoculars, freezer, black oil sunflower seeds for feeders and any of the out of print Crinkleroot books or copies of Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide.
Many nature center visitors enjoyed watching the trout develop in the large, chilled tank in Nature House. Young children especially liked
ENVIRONMENTAL
Film Nights
Walker Nature Education Center • 7 - 9 p.m. • Adults Suggested $5 donation • Brought to you in partnership with Sustanable Reston.
FRESH • Friday, Sept. 9
FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture system into an industrial model and offer new alternatives for a healthier and more sustainable future. After the film, join members of Sustainable Reston’s Local Foods Working Group for a discussion about healthy eating in Reston and what you can do to support a sustainable diet. Reservations required by Sept. 6.
Energy Crossroads • Friday, Oct. 14
This award-winning documentary exposes problems associated with high energy consumption. It also offers concrete solutions for those who want to educate themselves and be part of the solutions. The film features passionate individuals, entrepreneurs, experts and scientists at the forefront of their field bringing legitimacy and expertise to the core message. After the film, participate in an energy discussion with special guest Tom Whipple (Association for the Study of Peak Oil). Reservations required by Oct. 11.
Dirt! The Movie • Friday, Nov. 11
Dirt! The Movie is an insightful and timely film that tells the story of the glorious and unappreciated material beneath our feet. Inspired by William Bryant Logan’s acclaimed book, Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth, this award winning film takes a humorous and substantial look into the history and current state of the living organic matter that we come from and will later return to. After the film, participate in a discussion about the lessons of the film and its call to action. Special guests include Dan Schwartz (Soil Scientist, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District) and Judy Zatsick (Fairfax County Master Gardeners, Green Spring Garden Park). Reservations required by Nov. 8.
Butterfly Count Volunteers. Photo by Mona Kuljurgis: Reston Patch.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS:
Friends of Reston, Ray & Mary Lynne Leonhard, Northern Virginia Stream Restoration Bank and all of the 359 iPad2 Raffle ticket buyers.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS:
Ken Andrews, Carolyn Badila, David & Joanne Bauer, Sue Beffel, Michael Blanpied, Diane Blust, Bill Brown, Nancy Callahan, Anne Cannizaro, Barbara Carnes, Don Coram, Nancy Davis, Freya De Cola, Karen & Rick Elliott, Pam Findley, Maryann Fox, Karla Gonzales, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Nancy Herwig, Patrick Joy, Jennie Koffman, Helaine Krob, Beth Lannon, Kristy & Terry Liercke, Catherine Linberg, Mary Ann McFarland, Kurt McJilton, Mona Miller, Polly Noble, Casey Noll, Karen and J. Olive, George Paine, Barbara Paolucci, Sheryl Pollock, Meg Rayford, Reston Garden Club, Rebecca Strode, Victoria Tran, Jenny Vick, Flo Winsko
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CALEN
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SCAVENGER HUNT Saturday, Sept. 10 • 11 a.m. - Noon
$4/person RA members $6/person non-members All ages Nature’s treasures are hidden everywhere. Go on a scavenger hunt to find them all. Look high in the trees and low on the ground as you follow a trail of clues. Who knows where the clues will lead you? Collect a prize at the end. Reservations required by Sept. 7.
SEPTEMBER BIRD WALK: UPPER GLADE STREAM VALLEY Sunday, Sept. 11• 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Free Adults (16 and older) Park at Glade Pool, 11550 Glade Drive. Leaders: Jay and Carol Hadlock
WINGS AND THINGS Monday, Sept. 12 • 10 - 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months Birds are not the only animals with wings. Learn about what animals have wings and how they use them. Sing songs, make a craft and take a short hike to see winged animals. Reservations required by Sept. 9.
A “GRAND” CAMPFIRE Friday, Sept. 16 • 5:30 - 7 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members WNEC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road. Senior Adults, 55 years and older. Hello grandparents. Bring your grandchildren out for a fun evening around the campfire. Cook a hot dog on a stick and roast marshmallow treats. Sing classic campfire songs and share stories of the past. Enjoy a special time with your “grand” ones. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577 to register. Reservations required by Sept. 13.
SPLASHY SPIDERS Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 3 to 5 Spiders come in many colors. Learn about a variety of spiders and how their color helps them. Make a colorful spider craft and take a short hike in search of spiders. Reservations required by Sept. 17.
Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org for reservations and information. Advanced reservations are required for all fee-based programs. Programs may be canceled in the event of severe weather, weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Education Center 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted. GONE BATTY Friday, Sept. 30 • 7 - 8:30 p.m.
$6/person RA members $9/person non-members Ages 5 or older See one of the most fascinating creatures of the night up close. Join a bat specialist from Bat World Nova to learn more about these amazing animals. After the presentation, take a night hike with a bat detector to find the wild bats of Reston. Reservations required by Sept. 27.
OCTOBER FALL FOR THE BIRDS Sunday, Oct. 2 • 2 - 3 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members All ages Come and see what birds are strutting their stuff at the nature center. Fall is the perfect time to learn about common feeder birds and make a feeder for your yard. Learn how to enjoy birds all winter and how you can help scientists at the same time. Reservations required by Sept. 28.
FAREWELL TO INSECTS Monday, Oct. 3 • 10 - 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months As winter approaches, it gets too cold for insects. Say goodbye to these six-legged creatures before they are gone for the winter. Sing songs, make an insect craft and take a short hike to see if any insects are still around. Reservations required by Sept. 30.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING Thursday, Oct. 6 • 7 - 8 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members Adults Dealing with all of the fall leaves in the yard can be tough. Have you ever thought about composting them? Meet with a Fairfax County Master Gardener and learn how to recycle them the natural way right on your own property. Plants will love the rich organic soil that composting efforts
provide. Participants will also learn how kitchen waste and other yard debris can be composted right in the backyard. Brought to you in partnership with the Reston Community Center. Reservations required by Oct. 3.
AUTUMN CAMPFIRE Friday, Oct. 7 • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members WNEC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road. All ages As autumn temperatures and leaves drop, gather around a warm campfire. Tap your toes, clap your hands and sing along to some campfire favorites. Roast marshmallows and enjoy a tasty treat. Reservations required by Oct. 4.
GONE SOUTH Saturday, Oct. 8 • 11 a.m. - Noon
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 3 to 5 Many birds migrate to warmer places during winter. Learn which birds stay here in winter and which head south until spring. Make a craft to feed the birds that are staying and take a short hike to see who is still around. Reservations required by Oct. 5.
OCTOBER BIRD WALK: BRIGHT POND Sunday, Oct. 9 • 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Free Adults (16 and older) Park at the end of the cul-de-sac on Bright Pond Lane. Leader: Andy Rabin
RAIN BARREL MAKING WORKSHOP Saturday, Oct. 15 • 10 a.m. - Noon
$50 per barrel (Limit 2 per household.) Adults Rain barrels are a great way to help capture and control storm water from rooftops, to prevent erosion, to improve water quality and to conserve water. This workshop is a quick and inexpensive way to bring home a rain barrel for immediate use. Participants must register and submit payment at www.arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel.php. In partnership with the Reston Community Center. Reservations required by Oct. 12.
NDAR of Events
ORGANIC GARDENING Wednesday, Oct. 19 • 7 - 8 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members Adults This lecture discusses the principles of organic gardening. Organic gardening uses landscape design and the environment to improve and maximize the health and the development of plants and soil without the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers. Organic gardening is the mainstay of sustainable gardening. Brought to you in partnership with the Reston Community Center. Reservations required by Oct. 16.
FALL STREAM CLEANUP Saturday, Oct. 22 • 9 a.m. - Noon
Free Various sites along Snakeden Branch. All ages Rain or shine To sign up, contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or e-mail habrock@reston.org.
HOW TO MAKE A SOLAR OVEN Sunday, Oct. 23 • 1 - 4 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members All ages (not recommended for children under 10) Solar ovens use sunlight as an energy source to slow cook or warm foods outdoors without the aid of electricity or other fuel source. They are primarily used in regions where there is no fuel available or a serious threat of a fire already exists. Solar ovens are also used to sterilize water and can be useful on camping trips. Participants will learn how to build a solar oven and will receive a simple recipe to prepare. Supplies will be provided. Brought to you in partnership with the Reston Community Center. Leader: Diane Blust. Reservations required by Oct. 20
NOVEMBER WINE TASTING AT NATURE HOUSE Friday, Nov. 4 • 4 - 6 p.m. $7/person RA members $10/person non-members Senior Adults, 55 years and older
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting in our beautiful park. Sample red and white wines along with a variety of cheese and crackers. The evening includes a tour of the nature center’s gardens and ADA accessible trail. Watch for birds doing their own “tasting” at feeders. Look at wild grape vines and late blooming flowers. Contact Ashleigh@ reston.org or call 703-435-6530 to register. Reservations required by Nov. 1.
ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING Saturday, Nov. 5 •10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Or Wednesday, Nov. 9 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$5/person RA members $8/person non-members Adults This workshop will teach about why it is a good idea to reduce the use of harsh, sometimes toxic, cleansers in the home. Learn how to make safe and environmentally-friendly household cleansers, which is quick and easy to do and very economical. Participants are encouraged to purchase Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan and bring it to the workshop. Brought to you in partnership with the Reston Community Center. Leader: Diane Blust. Reservations required by Nov. 2
FALL FOR GEOCACHING Saturday, Nov. 12 • 11 a.m. - Noon
$4/person RA members $6/person non-members All ages For one day only- come out and try our special nature geocaching trail. We will have several new caches set up with clues to the final cache. What’s inside? Come find out. Please bring your own GPS unit. If you do not have one, let us know when you make your reservation. We will try to have some units available on loan. Reservations required by Nov. 9.
LEAF MAGIC Monday, Nov. 14 • 10 - 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months The woods look very different in the fall. Discover which trees have lost their leaves and which are still holding onto them. Search for fall colors and make a craft from fallen leaves. Listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet as you walk along the trails. Reservations required by Nov. 10
THANKSGIVING CRAFTERS Friday, Nov. 18 • 7 - 8:30 p.m.
$15/centerpiece RA members $20/centerpiece non-members All ages Start your holiday season with this festive workshop. Make a beautiful centerpiece with native plant materials and some simple napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table. We’ll enjoy music, spiced cider and seasonal treats as we work. All supplies included. Reservations required by Nov. 15.
NOVEMBER BIRD WALK: BUTTERMILK CREEK AND LAKE FAIRFAX Sunday, Nov. 20 • 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Free Adults (16 years and older) Park at Uplands Pool, 11032 Ring Road. Leader: Kevin Munroe
TURKEY TIME Sunday, Nov. 20 • 2 - 3 p.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 5 to 12 Come celebrate turkeys in a whole new way. Compete in turkey races and do your best turkey call. Make turkey decorations for your Thanksgiving table. Gobble up the fun at this seasonal program! Reservations required by Nov. 17.
ANTLERS AND ACORNS Monday, Nov. 21• 10 - 11 a.m.
$5/child RA members $8/child non-members Ages 3 to 5 Learn why November is an important time of year for deer. Make a craft, touch real antlers and go on a short hike to see what is left in the forest for the deer to eat. Reservations required by Nov. 18.
Summer Bird Count Results
Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird. For the second year in a row, a Great Egret was spotted during the count. The Great Egret (pictured here) is listed as rare for Reston. The day ended at Nature House where volunteers enjoyed a light lunch and swapped bird watching stories.
By Abby Stocking
Thank you to all who participated this year. The next bird count will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012.
Crab Sp r
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pi
de
Gar de
In all, 60 species and over 1,430 individual birds were counted. The species seen in the highest numbers were the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Common
i de r
Since 1997, RA staff and volunteers have gathered to count the number of species and individual birds that can be found in Reston during the breeding season. The count helps to gauge how our community is doing in terms of providing habitat for wildlife. This year’s count was held on June 4, 2011. Ten volunteers divided into four groups to tally up the birds found throughout different Reston habitats.
Spectacular Spiders
Spiders have eight legs and two body sections. Nearly all spiders have eight eyes. Spiders have no bones, just a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton that gives their bodies shape and protection. It’s their own coat of armor. They also have special body parts, called spinnerets, which make silk. Spiders use the silk to make egg cases, webs or lines to dangle from. Spider silk is one of the strongest natural fibers found on earth. It has also been used to make laboratory equipment that help scientists to see small things.
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Orb-weaver spiders spin the classic shape that most people think of Wo when they picture a spider’s web. But lf S pid er not all spiders make webs. Some spiders live underground and others live under rocks or logs.
Over years of watching people come to the nature center, I’ve noticed that some animals are less popular than others. Often, people aren’t too keen on spiders. Maybe it is because they can look a little scary but there are lots of wonderful things about spiders.
By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking
All spiders are predators, which means they must hunt for their food. Some use webs to trap insects. Others lie in wait for insects, then pounce on them when they get near. Spiders help to reduce the number of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes. Even their venom has been used in medical research. Spiders are an important part of the web of life because they can also become food for certain types of insects, birds and mammals. If you take the time to observe and study spiders, you will find that they don’t only look cool, but they also provide many benefits. I think it’s time we give spiders the respect they deserve. Spider photos by Sheryl Pollock.
Kid’s Corner
SPIDER MAZE
NEW Native Spotlight SPICEBUSH
(Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a deciduous shrub that can grow 6-12 feet tall under optimal conditions. It is a member of the laurel family related to Sassafras. Spicebush is a fast-growing shrub, useful in moist, shady places. A small amount of sun yields a bush with better form and more berries. There are no serious diseases or insect problems with this plant. It makes a nice addition to the landscape and is a wonderful alternative to the invasive exotic Bush Honeysuckles or Japanese Barberry.
Do you like Color?
In early spring, fragrant yellow-green flowers are present along the stems before the leaves appear. Leaves turn bright yellow in the fall, and red berries grow on the female plant as long as there is at least one male plant in the area.
Help the spider get through its web to the insect trapped in the center.
SUPPLIES: Cardboard egg carton Black paint or markers Two black chenille stems
Eight small google eyes String Tape Pencil
DIRECTIONS: 1. Take an empty egg carton and cut out one section. 2. Paint or color the piece of egg carton with black paint or a marker. 3. Cut each chenille stem into two equal sized pieces, so that you have four shorter pieces. 4. Poke one stem through the bottom of the egg carton so that it sticks out on both sides. (You can use a pencil to help make the holes.) 5. Poke the remaining three pieces of pipe cleaner through the egg carton. It should now look like it has eight legs. 6. Glue eight google eyes onto the front of the egg carton. 7. Poke a hole through the top of the egg carton. Tie string through the hole and tape it in place. Hang your new spider somewhere you can enjoy.
SPIDER CRAFT
Wildlife Smorgasbord
Spicebush is a wonderful plant for wildlife. The aromatic leaves are a favorite larval food of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly and the Promethean Silkmoth. The brilliant red fruit is enjoyed by the American Robin, Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird and Great Crested Flycatcher. Mammals such as Raccoon and Virginia Opossum may also consume the berries. As an added benefit - this plant is seldom damaged by deer.
You can help conserve nature in Reston by removing invasive exotic plants in your yard and replacing them with native plants.
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www.reston.org Walker Nature Education Center 11450 Glade Drive Reston, Virginia 20191
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID RESTON, VA PERMIT NO. 21
Halloween House & Trick or Treat Trail Walker Nature Education Center • Oct. 28 - 29, 2011
You’re invited to the best family friendly Halloween event this side of Transylvania—RAIN OR SHINE. CHOOSE FROM ONE OF FOUR EVENT TIMES:
Friday, Oct. 28, 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:30-8:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:30-8:45 p.m. Gate opens 15 minutes prior to the event start time. Please park along Glade Drive or at the Glade Pool.
TICKETS: Advance tickets go on sale October 1st.
$10/person (adults and children)
Note: A service fee per ticket will be applied to online sales. You may also purchase tickets at the Walker Nature Education Center’s Nature House. Hours: Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 9-5, Saturday, 10-1, Sunday, 1-4. Closed on Tuesdays.
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS: http://halloweenhousefri1.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousefri2.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousesat1.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousesat2.eventbrite.com
Same day tickets will be sold at the gate only if they are still available. This is a sell-out event. This is NOT a horror show or haunted house. Meet a creative cast of characters, including live animals, along our stroller friendly trick or treat nature trail and inside our Nature House turned Halloween House for this very special evening. Enjoy jack-o-lanterns, carnival style games, sound and light effects, and creatures of the night. All adults and children must have a ticket to enter the event, except for children under 18 months of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ticket price includes a goodie bag. Additional concessions will be on sale. Participants are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes and enjoy the activities at their own self-guided pace.
8 For more information, call 703-476-9689, and press 5 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.
Branching Out
Fall
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