Branching out fall 2014 by Reston Association

Walker Nature Center

A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar of Events 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Get Nuts for Clean Water 7

BRANCHING OUT

Nature Notes

Migrating Dragons

SEPTEMBER

For many, the word migration conjures images of migrating geese in magnificent V’s flying southward in autumn, bound for exotic locales with more abundant food sources. While many bird species migrate, they are not the only groups of animals that fly south from Northern Virginia. Monarch butterfly migration is also well-known. Several other butterfly species also migrate, including Red Admiral and Painted Lady. Lesser known, and lesser understood, is the migration of dragonflies.

By Sharon Gurtz

• Goldenrods bloom. • Hummingbirds migrate to Central America. • Fall colors appear on Sumac and Black Gum trees. • Northern Water Snake and Copperhead young are born.

OCTOBER

• Mushrooms are plentiful. • Deciduous leaves are at peak fall color. • Black-throated Blue and other warblers are migrating. • Asters, Brown-eyed Susans and Goldenrods are blooming.

NOVEMBER

• Deer rut peaks. • Native Witchhazel blooms. • Migratory waterfowl begin to appear. • White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos arrive from the north.

By Ken Rosenthal

Of the 326 species of dragonflies in North America, only 16 are considered regular migrants. Of our local dragonfly species, Common Green Darner, Black Saddlebags, Wandering Glider and Spot-winged Glider are migratory. Migration adds another layer to the already interesting life cycle of these aerial predators.

Growing Up Dragon

Dragonflies begin life underwater, hatching from eggs into aquatic naiads (the immature form of dragonflies). They are fierce predators feeding on aquatic insects, fish and even tadpoles.

Dragonflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Naiads grow larger with each molt until a final molt into adulthood. Before the final molt the naiad crawls out of water, typically perching on a rock or vegetation, then shedding its exoskeleton one final time. The new adult dragonfly rests while its wings unfurl and its exoskeleton hardens. Adult dragonflies are amazing aerial predators. Their compound eyes, each composed of 28,000 ommatidia (simple eyes) provide a mosaic view, a very efficient method of motion detection. Dragonflies have two pairs of wings. They can move each wing pair independently of the other or, if needed, each wing independently. This trait allows them an impressive amount of maneuverability, which they use to catch their prey. In flight, dragonflies can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, make swift right-angle turns, and stop suddenly to hover. Any flying insect is fair game, and larger dragonflies will even consume smaller dragonflies.

Fall 14 Volume Sixteen

Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Migrating Dragons Continued from page 1

Generational Migration

Common Green Darners are Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking the best understood of our and restroom facilities dawn to dusk. migratory dragonflies. These large dragonflies (almost 3 inches FEATURES long) are strikingly colored with 72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion, a green thorax and a light blue demonstration gardens, educational signage, abdomen. Their migration is a campfire ring, two streams, a pond, the generational, so each adult entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and actually undertakes a one-way an interpretive green building, journey. In late March through May, known as Nature House. adults arrive in Reston having flown north after emerging from locations further south. These adults mate and lay eggs, dying soon after. The naiads from these eggs will develop over the summer, emerging in July and August. By September this new generation of Common Green Darners will gather in large migration swarms before heading south. After they complete their journey, the freshly-arrived adults will lay eggs and die. These eggs will produce the next generation to emerge and return north in March, starting the cycle anew.

NATURE HOUSE HOURS

Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday 1–4 p.m. Closed Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Day Closed Nov. 28 Day After Thanksgiving

FOR MORE INFORMATION

703-476-9689 • www.reston.org naturecenter@reston.org www.facebook.com/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.

As ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) dragonflies use the sun to warm up, orienting their bodies to maximize sun exposure on cool mornings. Fall migration will always have its share of cold mornings. The Common Green Darner has an answer to this that produces a visible color change. Dark-colored platelets in the blood rise to the surface in the abdomen, changing the typically light blue abdomen to a dark purple. This dark color allows the abdomen to absorb more heat from the sun. On warm days, the abdomen remains light blue because these platelets sink below the surface, so the dragonfly will not overheat. Our collective knowledge of dragonfly behavior and ecology still has many holes in it, and migration is a big one. Many other species are thought to be migratory, but there is currently not enough evidence to confirm this behavior. You can help by participating in citizen science activities like Reston’s annual Dragonfly Count. Other organizations like the Xerces Society also sponsor citizen science activities specifically designed to better understand dragonfly migration.

Please & Thank You By Katie Shaw

The on-going 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, 11450 Glade 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 excellent 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: blender, office folding machine, wide format laminator, handheld GPS units, and sunflower seeds or suet cakes for the birds.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Carolyn Badila, Charlie and Julie Bond, Marilyn & Steve Dicke, Local Energy Alliance Program, The Peterson Companies, Reston Garden Club, Virginia Urban Forest Council.

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Consuelo Bachelet; Anne Barbaro; Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Julie & Charlie Bond; Bill & Della Brown; Bill Burton; Anne Cannizaro; Ian Carmack; Jim & Florence Carson; Alan & Julia Cartwright; Don Coram; Freya De Cola; Marilyn Dicke; Dale Dunlop; Karen Elliott; June Ferrara; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Cynthia Hull; Jerry Hungerman; Jennie Kaufman; Helaine Krob; Mary La Creta; Heidi & John Lankau; Beth Lannon; Elise Larsen; Dorren & Steve Larson; Pat Lenz; Catherine Linberg; Raja Mazumder; Sharon McHugh; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Mona Miller; Farideh Mirmirani; Kevin Munroe; Radhika, Karan & Rajesh Murari; Megan Navarre; Julie Nash; Marilyn Newberg; Jennifer & Alex Nicki; Polly Noble; Casey Noll; Cynthia O’Connell; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Mireya Pasa; Ellen Perrins; Bryan Peters; Sheryl Pollock; Ambika Sankaran; Andrew Schaffer; Ray Smith; Brenda Van Doorn; Jenny Vick; Brian Yoder

NEW! Check out our online Amazon.com wish list. Under “Wish List”, select “Find a Wish List or Registry”, then type “Walker Nature Center” into the name field. You can purchase the item on the spot and have it shipped directly to us as a gift, so we will know who to thank.

September

FALL FOR THE BIRDS Sunday, September 7 ∙ 2–3 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members All ages

September is an exciting time to watch birds as different types pass through on their journey south. Examine preserved specimens and learn to identify the different parts of a bird. Then borrow binoculars and hike through the woods in search of our avian friends. Reservations required by September 4. DEER ME! Monday, September 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, September 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months

Fall is a great time of year to see deer. Read a story about deer, make an antler craft, and go in search of deer. Find out what deer like to eat, and why their antlers are so important. Reservations required by September 4. BACKYARD COMPOSTING Thursday, September 11 ∙ 7–8 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Adults

Learn how to recycle leaves the natural way. Plants will love the rich organic soil your composting efforts provide. Also learn how kitchen waste and other yard debris can be composted right in your own backyard. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by September 8. NOISY NATURE NIGHT Friday, September 12 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Senior Adults, 55 years and older

Grandparents bring your grandchildren out for a fun and exciting evening hike. Listen for crickets and katydids, treefrogs, owls, and other creatures. Learn what nocturnal adaptations these animals use to survive and communicate. Followed by refreshments at Nature House. Reservations required by September 9.

FALL CONTAINER PLANTING Wednesday, September 17 ∙ 2–3 p.m. $10/person RA members ∙ $14/person Non-members Senior Adults, 55 years and older

Do you want decorative planters that last into the colder months? Learn what plants can be used in a fall container garden. Also, discover creative items to use such as gourds or branches. Make a small container garden to take home. Reservations required by September 15. Contact Ashleigh at 703-435-6577 or Ashleigh@reston.org.

BIRD WALK: LOWER GLADE STREAM VALLEY Sunday, September 21 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. Free Glade Stream Valley, park on Glade Drive at Twin Branches Road Adults, Leaders: Joanne & David Bauer TERRIFIC TREEFROGS Monday, September 22 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Treefrogs are excellent climbers, making their homes high in trees away from ponds and other frogs. Learn which treefrogs live in Reston, how they climb and how they survive in trees. Make a froggy craft. Reservations required by September 18.

HOME FOOD PRESERVATION Tuesday, September 23 ∙ 5–7 p.m. $5/person RA or RCC members ∙ $7/person Non-members Adults

October

HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY Thursday, October 2 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Adults

Cold weather is on its way. Do you want to improve your home’s energy use to make it more efficient, comfortable and cost effective? Learn how from LEAP (Local Energy Alliance Program). LEAP is a non-profit leader that coordinates energy efficiency improvements of homes through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. Learn about the Re-energize Reston Challenge and how you can help your home and your community at the same time. Reservations required by September 29.

NUT KNOW-HOW: SEED IDENTIFICATION Saturday, October 4 ∙ 10:30–11:30 a.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Ages 7 and up

See page 7 for details.

This introductory class will cover food preservation methods, including canning, fermentation, drying/ dehydration and freezing. Learn about food preservation, safety precautions, kitchen set up, and jar and equipment prep as well as food and recipe selection. There will be a “dry” demo of the correct procedure for filling jars with food to be canned. Guest presenter: Katie Strong of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 20.

OCTOBER BIRD WALK: BROWN’S CHAPEL PARK Sunday, October 5 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. Free Brown’s Chapel - 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road Adults, Leader: Matt Bender

PLIGHT OF THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free Adults

As the weather grows cold, birds begin to migrate south, but birds are not the only animals with wings. Learn which animals have wings and how they use them. Enjoy a story about wings, make a craft, and take a short hike to find winged animals. Reservations required by October 2.

Once mighty giants of eastern forests, American Chestnuts stood up to 100 feet tall and numbered in the billions.

They were a vital part of forest ecology and an essential component of the economy. In the early 20th century, a fungal pathogen spread through the chestnut population and by 1950 killed an estimated four billion trees. Join Kathy Marmet of The American Chestnut Foundation as she recounts the 30 year effort to restore this species. There will also be a short hike to visit a surviving American Chestnut. Co-sponsored by the Reston Historic Trust. Reservations required by September 24.

THINGS WITH WINGS Monday, October 6 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, October 7 ∙ 10–11 a.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months

Photo by: Sheryl Pollock

of Events MUSHROOM HIKE Saturday, October 11 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Adults

Explore the forest with mushroom expert Mark Richman. Look for the fruiting bodies of these curious organisms that live 99% below ground. Learn about their life cycle, the types in our area and which are commonly foraged for. Search for Aborted Entolomas. Reservations required by October 8.

CHANGES BY DEGREES: ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE Mondays, October 13–November 17 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $30 RA members ∙ $40 Non-members Adults

This six-week, facilitated discussion course examines global climate change and the big picture of energy. Participants will receive a book of readings that form the basis of each discussion. You will be contacted when the materials arrive, and asked to pay your fee when you pick them up. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by September 29.

NOISY WOODPECKERS Thursday, October 16 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Woodpeckers need a strong head for all the pecking they do. Find out what else is extraordinary about them, including how different their feet are and how they use their tongue to get food. Make a woodpecker puppet to take home, and hike in search of woodpeckers. Reservations required by October 13.

SO YOU WANT TO KEEP HONEYBEES Saturday, October 25 ∙ 1–4 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members Reston Association Conference Center 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive Adults

Certified Master Beekeepers will present an overview covering the basics of beekeeping. Learn about honeybees, the equipment and time involved with keeping them as well as local rules and regulations. Reservations required by October 20.

November

PUPPET SHOW: EARL’S LUNCH Monday, November 3 ∙ 10–10:45 a.m. OR 11:15 a.m.–Noon $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Munch on a morning snack while you enjoy a creative show about what the animals at the nature center like to eat. Afterwards, create an animal puppet of your own to take home. Reservations required by October 30.

CAMPFIRE COOKERY Friday, November 7 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m. $7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-members WNC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road All ages

Enjoy dinner around a crackling campfire. Try different methods of campfire cookery, including stick and pouch techniques. We’ll also make campfire popcorn, and finish our evening with s’mores. All supplies provided. Reservations required by November 4.

LEAF MAGIC Monday, November 10 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, November 11 ∙ 10–11 a.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/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. Reservations required by November 6.

BIRD WALK: BRIGHT POND Sunday, November 16 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. Free Bright Pond - Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac Adults, Leader: Jenny Vick CHEEKY CHIPMUNKS Wednesday, November 19 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR 1:30–2:30 p.m. $7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Chipmunks spend their summer preparing for winter. Find out what they like to eat, where they store their food, and how long they stay underground during the cold winter months. Make a chipmunk puppet and then go looking to see if our chipmunk friends are still awake. Reservations required by November 14. THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES Friday, November 21 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $20/centerpiece RA members $25/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. Enjoy music, mulled cider and seasonal treats as we work. All supplies provided. When making reservations, include the number of people and how many centerpieces you wish to make. Reservations required by November 18. TURKEY TRAIL Saturday, November 29 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon $5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-members All ages

Let’s get moving after your big Thanksgiving meal. Sharpen your skills of logic as you follow the clues left from a “wild” turkey to see where they lead you. Discover more about these fascinating birds. Reservations required by November 24.

All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or email 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, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Mushroom Spore Prints

Directions:

1. Get a mushroom from the store or carefully collect one from around your home. Make sure the mushroom is not dried out, too old or mushy. (Be sure to ask an adult for help!) 2. Break off the stalk of the mushroom. 3. Place the mushroom cap on a white sheet of paper with the gills down. Cover it with a bowl, and let it sit for at least 2-6 hours. 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. 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.

MAGNIFICENT MUSHROOMS MUSHROOM PHOTO MATCH Using the clues, draw a line from the name to the By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

I’ve heard it said that if you see a circle of mushrooms that fairies might be nearby. While I’ve never seen a fairy in my woods, I still find mushrooms to be quite magical things. Mushrooms are fascinating things that play a big role in the forest.

Mushrooms are part of a group called fungi. They can be many different shapes and sizes, but they all start out as a tiny spore. Like plants spread seeds, mushrooms release spores that grow into new mushrooms. Did you know that fish aren’t the only living things with gills? Mushrooms have gills underneath their caps. That is where their spores are made.

matching photo.

Jack-o-Lantern Mushroom (Look for pumpkin-colored mushrooms.) Birds’ Nest Fungus (Look for the one shaped like a nest with tiny eggs inside.) Puffballs (Look for white mushrooms in the shape of a ball.) Turkey Tail Fungus (Look for a fan-shaped fungus with stripes.) Joseph O’Brien USDA Forest Service United States Bugwood.org

For food, mushrooms decompose, or break down, dead plants and animals. That means that mushrooms help turn dead things back into soil. By doing this, it’s like they put vitamins into the soil which plants can use to grow. Without mushrooms, we would probably not have the big oak trees that I like so much. Mushrooms are not just helpful to plants. Many animals like chipmunks, deer, turtles and slugs eat mushrooms. Humans also eat mushrooms, but you’ll want to get yours from the store. Wild mushrooms can be poisonous to people and make you very sick. Although most of the mushroom’s “body” is hidden underground in long strands called mycelium, fall is a great time of year to go on a mushroomspotting walk. I hope to see you strolling by on the nature center trails.

Robert L. Anderson USDA Forest Service United States Bugwood.org

Joseph O’Brien USDA Forest Service United States Bugwood.org

Kids’ Corner

Get Nuts for Clean Water 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 streamside and riverside reforestation. You can help to restore native forests and protect streams one acorn at a time. When you rake the leaves, don’t throw out the acorns. Get involved in this fun activity that can be enjoyed by all.

How to help: • • •

• •

Collect nuts in your yard or other open areas where they will be unable to grow. Please do not collect at the nature center or any natural area in Reston. Separate the nuts by species and place them into breathable bags (no plastic bags). Identification aids are available at the nature center and online at the link below. Label each bag with the kind of nuts that are inside. Store in a cool dry place then drop them off at the nature center.

Native Spotlight: ARROWWOOD VIBURNUM

Viburnum dentatum By Sharon Gurtz

Arrowwood Viburnum, or Southern Arrow-wood, is a native deciduous shrub of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). The plant gets its name from the Native Americans who used the straight stems for arrow shafts. This plant is winter- hardy, easily grown and attractive for landscape use with its showy, white flower clusters and dark berries. Arrowwood Viburnum is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded shape that grows 6 – 10’ tall and wide. It is the most adaptable of the viburnums, and can do well in sun or shade. Although able to grow in most soil conditions, it does best in loamy, neutral to acidic soils with adequate moisture. Its toothed leaves are the source of its Latin species name, dentatum. They are opposite along the branches, ovate and glossy dark-green up to 4” long. White flat-topped clusters of flowers bloom from May to June followed by blue-black, berry-like drupes in September through October.

Wildlife Shelter and Food

When: Seed drop offs are accepted October 4 – 22 only.

Where: Information and collection bags can

be picked up at the nature center. Please deposit bagged and identified acorns in the container on the side porch. For more information, see www.growingnative.org or attend the following new program on Growing Native Day.

Nut Know-how: Seed Identification Date: Time: Fee:

Saturday, October 4 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5/person RA members $7/person Non-members

Recommended for adults and children, ages 7 and up. Come for a primer on how to identify tree nuts. Get trained on the Growing Native Program and how you can contribute to this worthwhile citizen science project. Reservations required by October 1.

Photo by: The Dow Gardens Archive Organization: Dow Gardens Country: United States http://www.forestryimages.org

Dense foliage provides excellent cover for small mammals and nesting sites for birds. Many birds are attracted to this plant for cover or its berries including the Eastern Bluebird, Northern Flicker, Gray Catbird and American Robin. Pollination ecologists have recognized it for its special value to our native bees, especially bumble bees. It is also a choice nectar source for many butterflies, including the Red Admiral, Eastern Comma, and Question Mark, and serves as the larval host plant for Spring Azures and Hummingbird Moths.

This viburnum may be the deer resistant shrub you are looking for to form a barrier or border, or to replace non-native plants such as Winged Burning Bush and Flowering Pears.

New Species Identified on Count During July’s Dragonfly Count, leader Kevin Munroe and the volunteers observed several Great Spreadwings emerging from the wetlands at Autumnwood Park. The Great Spreadwing is one of the largest North American damselflies. This species had never been seen on a Reston count. While the wings of most damselflies are held parallel to their bodies at rest, spreadwings hold them at an upright angle.

Photo by: Sheryl Pollock Great Spreadwing

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

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

Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail 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, October 24, 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:30-8:45 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 6-7:15 p.m. or 7:30-8:45 p.m. Walker Nature Center 11450 Glade Drive, Reston VA 20191 Gate opens 15 minutes prior to the event start time. Please park along Glade Drive or at Glade Pool, and bring a flashlight. Meet a creative cast of characters, including live animals, along our stroller friendly, nature themed Trick-or-Treat 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. This is NOT a horror show or a haunted house. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ticket price includes a Trick-or-Treat bag. Additional concessions (ex. popcorn, cotton candy, apple cider) will be on sale. Participants are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes, and enjoy the activities at their own self-guided pace.

TICKETS Advance tickets only. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 1 at 9 a.m. Some or all event times will sell out on the first day of sales. Don’t delay your purchase! $10/person (Adults and children who are 18 months or older must have a ticket.) Buy your tickets online at www.eventbrite.com at the following links: http://halloweenhousefri1.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousefri2.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousesat1.eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousesat2.eventbrite.com Note: A service fee per ticket will be applied to online sales. You may also purchase tickets in person at the Walker Nature Center’s Nature House. Hours: Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 9-5, Saturday, 10-1, Sunday, 1-4. Closed on Tuesdays.

For more information, call 703-476-9689, and press 5 or email naturecenter@reston.org.

Fall 14 Volume Sixteen