Walker Nature Center
BRANCHING OUT
A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Fall Migration 7 • Halloween 8
Nature Notes By Pam Findley
SEPTEMBER Nurture Your Ancient Brain • • • • •
Monarch butterflies are migrating. Asters and goldenrods bloom. Eastern Box Turtle eggs hatch. Partridgeberry has red berries on the forest floor. Autumnal equinox on September 22.
OCTOBER • • • • •
Mushrooms are plentiful. Deciduous leaves are at peak fall color. Praying mantises lay eggs. Black-throated Blue and other warblers migrate. October 31—“Blue” Moon (2nd full moon of the month).
NOVEMBER
• Chipmunks and squirrels gather nuts for winter. • American Holly berries are bright red. • Deer rut peaks. • Redbud trees have long seed pods. • November 30- Partial lunar eclipse.
By Katie Shaw
My what? Regardless of age, ancient brain systems are at work in our heads each day. The fields of neuroscience, psychology and anthropology inform us that the modern human brain has evolved in astonishing ways over the past 50,00-200,000 years, developing advanced powers of thought, language, innovation, logic, empathy and morality. Yet, regions of our brain that drive such abstract thoughts and new purposes share skull space with ancient brain equipment associated with day-to-day survival, sometimes firing on the same neurological paths. Our ancient brain processes date back millions of years and are shared by other creatures on the planet–yet another commonality between living things. While the trappings of a modern technological lifestyle dominate much of our thought processes these days, our ancient brain appears hardwired to seek and respond positively to contact with nature. Social psychologist Erich From coined the term “biophilia”, which was later the subject of a book by the same name written by E.O. Wilson, the father of sociobiology and biodiversity. Biophilia is the “innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life”.
During these stressful COVID-19 times, record numbers of Americans are heeding the calling of our ancient brains as trail use, animal adoption, bike sales, camping and gardening gain in popularity and serve as antidotes for too much screen time and social isolation. In this not so new millennium, biophilia is a concept being applied to architectural design, urban planning, child development and more. In 2018, with its master plan to preserve green spaces throughout the community and its commitment to environmental education and action, Reston became the 13th place in the world designated as a biophilic community by the Biophilic Cities Network (www.biophiliccities. org). Connecting people with nature where they live, work and play isn’t just a cornerstone of Reston’s original plan created by founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., but an essential element for sustaining our quality of life. Fortunately, many activities that nurture our ancient brains also promote a healthy ecosystem for other species, too. Reston Association’s Environmental Advisory Committee has a Biophilic Working Group, which encourages everyone to take the Biophilic Pledge at https://bit.ly/2NQwXyX.
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Fall | 20 | Volume Twenty Two