Wildlife Count Notables Annually, RA staff and volunteers explore key natural areas throughout Reston to share in discovering new places and species while collecting information about our wild neighbors. Summer Bird Count- On June 4, 15 people counted 1,100 birds of 55 species. While colder weather in May and count day conditions likely produced the below average numbers, there were still some nice surprises such as a pair of Ring-necked Ducks on Lake Thoreau. It was the first time this species was spotted on a Summer Bird Count. Butterfly Count- On July 9, 25 people counted 197 butterflies of 25 species. Results were submitted for inclusion in the North American Butterfly Association’s 4th of July Butterfly Count Report. Like the birds, numbers were below average. One factor may be increased pesticide use as people elect to spray for mosquitoes. The chemical used is not specific to mosquitoes and poses a threat to beneficial insects. Common Wood Nymphs were a delight throughout the Sunrise Valley Wetland Park. Dragonfly Count- On July 30, we welcomed back Ken Rosenthal as count leader for a day. 9 people counted 114 dragonflies of 14 species. Blue Dashers, Amberwings and Slaty Skimmers were most prevalent. Notably absent were Ebony Jewelwing damselflies.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2016 counts. If you’d like to get in on the action, mark your calendars for the Winter Bird Count Saturday, Jan. 7.
Storytelling Night:
WILDLIFE Adults Only
Saturday, September 17, 8 p.m., Walker Nature Center
Come out for a fun evening of true personal storytelling as told by Virginia’s premiere storytelling troupe Better Said Than Done. The show is intended for an adult audience. Refreshments (beer, wine, coffee, sodas and snacks) available for purchase.
Together We Make Reston Great By Katie Shaw Years ago, Reston Association added “Get Involved” to the Reston motto “Live, Work, Play”. Each time I compile this list of thank yous, I can appreciate why. It’s amazing that the list which appears here in each quarterly issue isn’t for the whole year but just for last three months.
Donors:
Russell Evans; Don Coram & Farideh Mirmirani; Charlie & Julie Bond; Friends of Reston; Leidos; Susan Sims; Whole Foods Market
Volunteers:
Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Julie & Charlie Bond; Emily Bowman; Bill Brown; Bill Burton; Anne Cannizzaro; Emma & Karen Cantwell; Ian Carmack; Don Coram; Norma & Alex de Beer; Freya De Cola; Marilyn Dicke; Robin Duska; June Ferrara; Melissa Gildea; Joel Goldman; Janine Greenwood; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Carol Hartgen; Nancy Herwig; Brigitta Hulmann; Karen Hutchison; Diana Kalaly; Jennie Koffman; Leon Kolankiewicz; Julia Persing Kolb; Helaine Krob; Dale Lichtblau; Pat Lenz; Paulette Lincoln-Baker; Allison & Tim Lou; Sharon McHugh; Ilene & Jim McNeal; Mona Miller; Farideh Mirmirani; Michelle Moore; Cynthia O’Connell; Erika Olimpiew; Izumi Oshima; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Lei Peguignet; Ellen Perrins; Eveleen Sass; Jillian & Kay Schmid; Emma Shahin; Ray Smith; Jean Tatalias; Brenda Van Doorn; Jenny Vick; Verna Webb; Marianne Zawitz If you would like to volunteer, contact habrock@reston.org or fill out the volunteer application at www.reston.org. If you would like to donate, tax deductible contributions are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 or donate online at www.friendsofreston.org. Include a note that your donation is for the nature center. You will receive a letter for tax purposes. Thank you.
Fee: $15 On sale at http://eventbrite.com or at the door. Advance tickets are recommended due to limited seating. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Reston. All proceeds benefit the nature center. Butterfly Spotting at the 23rd Annual Count Check out our wish list. Under “Wish List,” select “Find a Wish List or Registry,” then type in “Walker Nature Center”. 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. We were delighted to receive a surprise delivery of finger puppets and crayons from Karen Olive for our children’s programs.
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