Walker Nature Center
A LOOK INSIDE
• Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • The Value of Native Plants 7 • Egg-stravaganza 8
BRANCHING OUT
Nature Notes Get Involved in Citizen Science MARCH By Pam Findley
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Bluebirds begin nesting. Groundhogs emerge and mate. Maple trees have red blossoms. Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron are evergreen. March 20 – Vernal Equinox – First day of Spring
APRIL • • • • •
American Toads lay eggs in ponds and streams. Bloodroot, Trillium and Virginia Bluebells bloom. Dogwood and Red Bud trees bloom. Spring Azure and Tiger Swallowtail butterflies are in flight. Lyrids meteor shower peak – April 22-23
MAY • • • • •
Barred Owl babies are active. Mayapple, Wood Poppy and Jack-inthe-Pulpit bloom. Tulip Poplars have large, light green blossoms. White-tailed Deer are born. Eta Aquariid meteor shower peak – May 6-7
By Abby Stocking
What is citizen science and why is it important? The term refers to the public’s involvement in scientific research and may also be called community or civic science. Citizen science provides a way for research to be conducted on a more organic level. While it is not intended to replace or surpass traditional research methods, it allows researchers to expand data collection by leveraging community input. From university researchers to scientists at NASA, citizen science projects have become an additional avenue for agencies to collect data on a wide variety of scientific inquiries. Reston Association has a long history of inventorying wildlife in our natural areas. By participating in citizen science projects, we have the opportunity to connect our findings with others across the country. Not only do we recognize the importance of contributing to a broader data pool, but we also see that the information gathered increases the community’s understanding of Reston’s natural spaces.
When volunteers observe for themselves what is occurring in our natural areas, they become advocates for the conservation of these spaces. Citizen science projects provide benefits on local and global levels. Here are some of the ways in which we are fostering this involvement.
Project FeederWatch
Operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, Project FeederWatch is a survey of birds that visit backyards, nature centers and other community areas. There are over 20,000 project participants in the U.S. and Canada. The Nature Center tallies birds around the feeders on Wednesdays and Thursdays from November to early April. Since 2010, we have observed nearly 40 different avian species. To help with this project, drop in on count days or sign up to conduct counts around your home. You can also donate black oil sunflower seed, hot pepper suet cakes or hot pepper sunflower seeds to keep our feeders full for the birds.
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Spring | 23 | Volume Twenty-four