Walker Nature Center

A look inside • Environmental Films 3 • Calendar of Events 4 • Kids’ Corner 6

Nature Notes By Sharon Gurtz

September

• Box turtle young hatch. • Monarch butterflies are migrating. • Eastern Red-backed Salamander eggs hatch. • Red Fox begin dispersing.

October • • • •

Songbird migration peaks. Snakes seek winter dens. Tree nuts are ripe. Woodchucks hibernate.

November

• White-throated Sparrows have arrived for winter. • American Holly berries are red. • White-tailed Deer rut peaks. • Raccoon and Red Fox grow winter coats.

Branching Out Shrew Lives By Ken Rosenthal

In Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, the term “shrew” is used to describe a woman who is nagging, scolding or even violent. While impolite by any standard, the word’s origin bears closer scrutiny. A shrew is actually a small mammal, thought in Shakespeare’s time to be aggressive and cruel in its behavior. In reality, the shrew is a fascinating mammal with a big personality, rarely noticed because of its small size and secretive habits.

Big Family

Shrews may look like long-nosed mice, but they lack the characteristic large front teeth of rodents. Instead they are insectivores, with 385 species of shrews worldwide. Of the mammals, only rodents and bats have more species diversity. There are 12 species in Virginia, four of which can be found in Fairfax County: Kirtland’s Short-tailed Shrew, the Least Shrew, the Pygmy Shrew, and the Southeastern Shrew. The Least Shrew is the most widespread species in Virginia. While most shrews are solitary, Least Shrews tend to be more tolerant of companionship. They have been documented sharing burrows with as many as 30 other individuals. In captivity, they are often recorded huddling together, and have even been observed cooperating in burrow building. While one shrew would dig the tunnel, the other cleared out the loose dirt left behind. They even communicate through calls, although these are only audible to the human ear if one is within 20 inches of the shrew.

Feeling Their Way

Shrews live a secretive life, tirelessly searching leaf litter and loose soil for prey and occupying the underground burrows of other animals. The eyes of shrews are tiny, and their ears are inconspicuous. With diminished eyes and ears, they depend on touch and smell to find their way and locate prey.

Fall 13 Volume Fifteen

Walker Nature 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

Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday 1–4 p.m.

Closed Sept. 2 Labor Day Closed Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Day Closed Nov. 29 Day After Thanksgiving

For more information

703-476-9689 • www.reston.org naturecenter@reston.org

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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Shrew Lives continued from page 1 Like moles, they have fur that will lay down either forward or backward, a handy trait for an animal that spends most of its life in the confines of tiny tunnels.

Small mammal, big appetite

Shrews are very active. Least Shrews have a very high metabolism, requiring regular caloric intake for converting food to energy rapidly. So rapidly, in fact, that they often eat their weight in food in a day. Laboratory experiments have shown that food is converted swiftly to energy, often in as little as two hours. Because of this, they are active day and night, spending much of their time searching for food. Least Shrews prefer grassy fields, woodlands and marshes, where they can find the diverse array of insects and small animals they eat. The list includes caterpillars, beetle larvae, sow bugs, earthworms, snails, slugs, mollusks and amphibians. They will opportunistically raid the nests of other small mammals and eat their young. Lizards are included on this list, though it is most likely the shrew’s meal consists of the portion of the lizard’s tail that breaks off. They will eat decaying flesh of larger animals, and a small portion of their diet includes fruit and seeds. The Least Shrew has been referred to as the “bee shrew” because of its habit of invading beehives and eating the larvae. Some even take up occupancy in the newly vacated beehive. Their perceived cruelty likely arose from their fierce reputation and witnesses’ descriptions of their feeding on larger prey. Shrews do not shy away from larger prey, and defend themselves fiercely against large predators. A shrew attacking a praying mantis or frog will bite their legs to cripple the much larger animal. Shrews that feed on grasshoppers or crickets will remove the exoskeleton to feed on the internal organs. What may seem cruel to us is a necessity to the shrew, either to quickly subdue larger animals or to maximize the nutritional value of its prey.

Help out the little guy

Shrews can be valuable in our yards and gardens. They eat a tremendous amount of insects and other invertebrates, including many that are harmful to our gardens. Simple measures like not spraying pesticides or insecticides will prevent them from being poisoned by eating contaminated prey. Keeping cats and dogs indoors or on leash also reduces mortality, and will benefit other small mammals and birds as well.

Photo by: Kevin D. Arvin Organization: University of Georgia http://www.forestryimages.org

Shrews are invisible pieces of our ecosystem, seldom-seen mammals whose presence as both predator and prey is essential to a healthy ecosystem. Keep an eye out for them as you work in your yard or garden, or walk the trails in Reston. They are out there, and a rare sighting provides a small glimpse into the tiny, hidden corners of our wild spaces.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT Stories of coincidences, phenomenon and the extra ordinary for Adult Audiences

Please & Thank You By Katie Shaw

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, 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.

Come out for a fun evening of personal storytelling as told by Virginia’s premiere storytelling troupe Better Said Than Done.

Saturday, September 28 8 p.m. Tickets $15

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: wide format laminator, adult binoculars, blender, handheld GPS units, folding machine and black oil sunflower seeds or suet cakes for feeders.

Thank You to the Following Donors:

Buy tickets online at http://believeitstories.eventbrite.com/ or at the door. Seating is limited. Refreshments available (beer, wine, coffee, desserts, snacks).

Dogwood Elementary School, Friends of Chris Walker, The Peterson Companies, Reston Garden Club, Olivia Rose Romboletti, Whole Foods Market-Reston

Contact Katie Shaw at kshaw@reston.org or 703-435-6510.

Smar Abuagla, Joanne & David Bauer, Sue Beffel, Carmen Bishop, Diane Blust, Julie and Charlie Bond, Beth Bosecker, Bill Brown, Bob Butterworth, Anne Cannizaro, Ian Carmack, Karen Cantwell, Don Corum, Nancy Davis, Freya De Cola, Karen and Rick Elliott, John Eppler, June Ferrara, Cindy Foster, Samantha Gallagher, Tom Goetz, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Noelle Hayhurst, Katharine Hunter, Leon Kolankiewicz, Helaine & Noah Krob, Doreen & Steve Larson, Diane Lewis, Dale Lichtblau, Catherine Linberg, Paige Linkins, Jim & Ilene McNeal, Eileen Miller, Mona Miller, Jon Mills, Kevin Munroe, Julie Nash, Marilyn Newberg, Casey Noll, Cynthia O’Connell, Erika Olimpiew, Terri Ostrowski, Barbara Paolucci, Ellen Perrins, Sheryl Pollock, Nancy and Kelsey Rogers, Eveleen Sass, Lisa Sharp, Andrew Shedlock Eagle Scout Project with Troop 1577, Nancy Shimp, Denise Shreeve, Lorree Smith, Robert Snowhite, Cathy Tunis, Brenda Van Doorn, Jenny Vick, Polly Witmer, Claudia Wood

Proceeds benefit the Walker Nature Center. Hosted by Friends of Reston.

Environmental Films Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston

For Adults • Free, $5 suggested donation The Growing Edge In Organic We Trust Friday, October 18, 7-9 PM Inspiring projects and sustainable solutions to our ecological crises. Permaculture uses environmental design to meet human needs while regenerating our land and cities. Made by Starhawk and Donna Read.

Thank You to the Following Volunteers:

Friday, November 15, 7-9 p.m. Filmmaker Kip Pastor investigates the organic food industry, arguing that the label has been cheapened by large corporations cashing in on a trend. His documentary examines other alternatives for consumers, like farmer’s markets and school gardens.

There will be a short discussion after each film. Reservations requested. E-mail naturecenter@reston.org or call 703-476-9689.

Olivia Rose Romboletti, age 9, donated proceeds from her summer lemonade and cookie stand. What a great young entrepreneur and philanthropist!

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September

September Scavenger Hunt Sunday, September 8 ∙ 2–3 p.m. $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. Collect a prize at the end. Reservations required by September 5. Bug Hunt Monday, September 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, September 10 ∙ 10–11 a.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months

The walls and gardens of Nature House are host to many kinds of butterflies, moths, beetles, katydids, spiders and other fascinating creatures. Decorate a bug box, then take a look outside for insects and spiders before the weather begins to turn cold. Reservations required by September 4. Home Food Preservation Thursday, September 12 ∙ 7–9 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-members Adults

This introductory class will cover food preservation methods, including canning, fermentation, drying/ dehydration and freezing. Learn the science behind food preservation, safety precautions, kitchen set up, jar and equipment prep as well as food and recipe selection. Instructor: Diane Blust. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 9. Bats: On Leathery Wings Friday, September 13 ∙ 6:30–8 p.m. $4/person RA members ∙ $6/person Non-members All ages

Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Find out what bats eat, how they find food in the dark, what animals eat bats, and what challenges these animals face. Take a night hike with a bat detector to find wild bats of Reston as the sun sets. Reservations required by September 10. Beer Tasting Wednesday, September 18 ∙ 5–7 p.m. $9/person RA members ∙ $13/person Non-members Senior Adults, 55 years and older

Celebrate the coming of autumn with an evening of tasting craft beers and sampling traditional Oktoberfest foods. Enjoy the fall foliage and flowers in the nature center gardens and along the ADA accessible trail. Discover which native plant could be brewed into a special type of beer. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6530 for reservations.

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September Bird Walk: Lower Glade Stream Valley Sunday, September 22 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. Free Glade Stream Valley, park on Glade Drive at Twin Branches Road. Adults

Leaders: Joanne & David Bauer Fur, Feathers, Fins Monday, September 23 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Learn what covers the skin of different animals, like fins, fur and feathers, and how these help an animal survive. See and touch some up close. Make your own covering to take home. Reservations required by September 18. Backyard Composting Thursday, September 26 ∙ 7–8 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-members Adults

Learn how to recycle fallen 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 in your own backyard. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 23. September Stroll Along Buttermilk Creek Saturday, September 28 ∙ 1–3 p.m. Free Uplands Pool - 11032 Ring Road. Adults

Stream valleys are important corridors for wildlife, attracting small mammals, reptiles, songbirds, raptors, dragonflies and damselflies. Hike along the Buttermilk Creek Trail to see the variety of plant and animal life that make the stream valley their home. Co-sponsored by Reston Historic Trust. Reservations required by September 25.

October

Home Energy Efficiency Thursday, October 3 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-members Adults

Curious about how to improve your home’s energy use to make it more efficient, comfortable and cost effective? Learn from the best in the industry, the Local Energy Alliance Program. LEAP is a trusted leader in Virginia, coordinating energy efficiency improvements of homes through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. There will be no solicitations. Instructor: Mike Hogan. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 30. October Bird Walk: Sunrise Valley WETLANDS & POLO FIELDS Sunday, October 6 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. Free Sunrise Valley Wetlands - 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive. Adults

Park on the left (west) side of the office building. Tiny Acorns Become Mighty Oaks Monday, October 7 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, October 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months

Acorns may be small, but they grow into towering oaks. Go on a hike in search of acorns and oaks big and small. Find out what animals eat acorns, which live in trees, and make an acorn craft to take home. Reservations required by October 2. Campfire Cookery Friday, October 11 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m. $7/person RA members ∙ $10/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, pouch and Dutch oven techniques. We’ll also make campfire popcorn, and finish our evening with s’mores. All supplies provided. Reservations required by October 8.

of Events Mushroom Hike Saturday, October 12 ∙10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $4/person RA members ∙ $6/person Non-members Adults

Build A Bird Feeder Saturday, October 19 ∙ 11 a.m. –Noon $5/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-members All ages

Explore the forest with local 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 found in our area and which edible mushrooms are commonly foraged for. Search for Aborted Entolomas. Reservations required by October 9.

Fall is the perfect time to learn about common bird feeders and make a feeder for your yard. Make a recycled bottle feeder and a pine cone suet feeder, and learn which birds are attracted by different food and feeder types. Reservations required by October 15.

Hungry for Change: Food, Ethics and Sustainability Mondays, October 14–November 11 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $30/person RA members ∙ $40/person Non-members Adults

Puppet Show: How Turtle Tried to Fly South Monday, November 4 ∙ 10–10:45 a.m. OR 11:15 a.m.–Noon $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

This 5-session, facilitated discussion course explores the true meaning of the phrase “you are what you eat”. Discuss the interconnected nature of food systems. Session includes 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 Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 30.

November

Enjoy a morning snack while watching this fun show, adapted from a Sioux legend. After the show, learn more about turtles and meet a real one up close. Reservations required by October 31. Nature Shapes Monday, November 11 ∙ 10–11 a.m. OR Tuesday, November 12 ∙ 10 –11 a.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 18 months to 35 months

November Bird Walk: Bright Pond Sunday, November 17 ∙ 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 Busy Beavers Wednesday, November 20 • 10–11 a.m. OR 1:30–2:30 p.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

Beavers are busy in November, storing branches to eat for the cold months ahead. Compare how big you are next to a beaver, read a beaver story, and sing the beaver song with your very own beaver teeth. Reservations required by November 15. Thanksgiving Crafters Friday, November 22 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m. $20/centerpiece RA members $25/centerpiece Non-members All ages

Rascal Raccoons Thursday, October 17 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. $5/child RA members ∙ $8/child Non-members Ages 3 to 5

As the leaves fall off the trees, there are all kinds of shapes to be found. Search for squares, circles, triangles and more. Make a shape necklace to help you on our hike through the woods. Reservations required by November 7.

Start your holiday season with this festive workshop. Make a beautiful centerpiece with native plant materials and simple napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy music, mulled cider and seasonal treats as we work. All supplies provided. Reservations required by November 19, include the number of people and how many centerpieces you wish to make.

Make your own raccoon mask and tail crafts, and dress up like a raccoon to go in search of what it needs to survive. Explore the forest to look for food, water and shelter that is just right for a raccoon. Reservations required by October 14.

Nature at Night Wednesday, November 13 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m. $5/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-members Senior Adults, 55 years and older

Turkey Trail Saturday, November 30 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon $4/person RA members ∙ $6/person Non-members All ages

Grandparents - bring your grandchildren out for a fun evening hike. Explore the woods after dark to see who is still awake. Listen for owls, flying squirrels, and other nocturnal creatures. We will end our evening at Nature House with warm refreshments. Reservations required by November 8. E-mail ashleigh@reston.org or call (703) 435-6577.

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 26.

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

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, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Paper Bag Bird Materials

Paper lunch bag Markers Glue

Craft feathers Large google eyes (optional)

Where Are You Going?

By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking Every year around fall, a strange thing happens in our woods. It is almost like some strange disappearing act. Some of our summer bird friends seem to vanish into thin air. They do not go away forever since every spring they reappear. The birds are migrating, which means they move away for part of the year. We squirrels are able to tough things out during the winter. We have fur that keeps us warm and we stash lots of acorns under the ground to have as food. For many types of birds, they do not have the ability to store food like that. Birds that eat insects or drink nectar from flowers cannot find those kinds of foods in the winter woods. So, they travel to a place where they can find them. When the weather heats up again and foods become available, the birds will return to our neck of the woods.

1. Place the bag on a flat surface so that the flap of the bag faces up. 2. Draw two eyes with the markers in the center of the flap. You could also glue on two google eyes. 3. Use markers to draw a beak centered beneath the eyes. 4. Glue feathers all around the bag. 5. When the glue is dry, open up the bag and use your hand to make the puppet move and fly.

Migratory Bird Unscramble Unscramble the letters to discover some birds that migrate south for the winter.

1. BYUR-RATHTODE MHIBGRIDUMN _ _ _ _–_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. ODOW SHRUTH ____ ______ 3. SOHUE NREW _____ ____

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly to southern Mexico or Central America for the winter. Their warmer winter 4. ERET LAWSOLW home provides plenty of flowers from which to eat. Although these creatures weigh less than one ounce ____ _______ (which is less than the weight of a nickel), they make this journey of nearly 2,000 miles twice every year. What is even more amazing is that most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly directly over the Gulf of Mexico in a single 18-hour flight. These creatures are small but mighty! This fall, don’t forget to wave good-bye to many of our feathered friends. But don’t worry, they’ll be back after the winter has come and gone.

Kids’ Corner 1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2. Wood Thrush 3. House Wren 4. Tree Swallow

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GET NUTS FOR CLEAN WATER How to Help: •

Collect acorns in your yard or another open area where the acorns will not be able to grow.

•

Please do not collect at the nature center or any natural area in Reston.

•

Separate the acorns by species and place them in breathable bags (no plastic bags).

•

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.

When: Nut drop offs are accepted September 16 – October 24.

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 of Nature House. Contact nature@reston.org or 703-435-6514.

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 streamside and riverside reforestation. 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.

Native Spotlight:

Photo by: Paul Wray Organization: Iowa State University http://www.forestryimages.org

Eastern Redcedar

(Juniperus virginiana) By Sharon Gurtz Do you want a native evergreen for your yard that the wildlife will like? Consider planting Eastern Redcedar. This juniper is a member of the Cupressaceae or Cypress Family so it is not a true cedar as the name would indicate. It usually grows to tree size, at least 15-30 feet. It is an excellent windbreak and erosion control shrub in native habitats. Cultivars exist that grow in a variety of forms with showy fruit and dark green foliage. Redcedar is commonly planted as a screen or pruned to form a thick hedge border, but it can also be used as a specimen plant or even a foundation plant. Redcedar has very short scale-like needles. Needles on young plants are longer, pointed and prickly. Male plants have small, yellow-brown cones at the tips of their branches. Females have round, berry-like cones that ripen from green to dark blue or bluish-purple in September to October. Photo by: Bill Cook Organization: Michigan State University http://www.forestryimages.org

This evergreen is very drought tolerant, can grow in most well-drained soils. It should do well as long as it gets plenty of sunlight, preferably full sun. Wildlife food and shelter The berry-like fruit attracts over 50 species of birds as well as other animals. Bird species include Tree Swallows, Cedar Waxwings, Mockingbirds, Robins, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Bluebirds, Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Mourning Doves and Bobwhite Quail. Redcedar also provides important protection and nest sites. Birds that use the dense cover for roosting include Juncos, Yellow-rumped Warblers and a number of sparrows. Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Robins and Mockingbirds nest in Redcedar. Although the foliage may be used by deer as an emergency winter food source, the plant is seldom severely damaged and is considered deer resistant. Redcedar is also a host plant for caterpillars of the Olive Hairstreak butterfly and several moth species, including the Juniper-twig Geometer, Curve-lined Angle and Evergreen Bagworm Moth.

Photo by: Paul Wray Organization: Iowa State University http://www.forestryimages.org

Think of this plant if you need a hedge or just want to add some green to your winter yard. The wildlife will thank you, and you can always decorate it for the holidays.

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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

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 25, 6–7:15 p.m. or 7:30–8:45 • Saturday, October 26, 6–7:15 p.m. or 7:30–8:45

Location

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. This is NOT a horror show or a haunted house. 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. 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.

Advance tickets only

$10/person

Adults and children who are 18 months or older must have a ticket. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 30 at 9 a.m. This is a sellout event. Don’t delay!

ONLINE tickets

Buy your tickets online at www.eventbrite.com at the following links: http://halloweenhousefri1/eventbrite.com http://halloweenhousefri2/eventbrite.com http://halloweeenhousesat1/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 Tuesday. For more information, call 703-476-9689, and press 5 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org. To volunteer, e-mail ha@reston.org or call 703-435-7986.

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Branching Out Fall 13