Branching Out Spring 2023

• Calendar 4

• Kids’ Corner 6

• The Value of Native Plants 7

• Egg-stravaganza 8

BRANCHING OUT

Nature Notes

By Pam Findley

MARCH

• 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

Get Involved in Citizen Science

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

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

WALKER NATURE CENTER

11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Dawn to dusk, enjoy year-round access to trails, restrooms and free parking.

CONTACT

703-476-9689

naturecenter@reston.org

Caterpillars Count!

Started by researchers at the University of North Carolina, this citizen science project aims to measure seasonal variation and abundance of arthropods found in tree foliage. While its name suggests caterpillars as the focus, volunteers are instructed to count all arthropod groups, including beetles, spiders, ants and more. The arthropods are important food sources for other animals and declines in this group of organisms will have an impact elsewhere in the ecosystem. Volunteers conduct surveys from late May through late August. If you have ever seen trees with laminated tags hanging from bright flagging tape around the Nature Center, then it is likely you have noticed the branches we use. Since 2018, volunteers have conducted over 1,315 surveys and counted over 2,600 arthropods.

FEATURES

72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion, demonstration gardens, educational signage, a fire ring, two streams, a pond, a Little Free Library, the entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and our education building, known as Nature House.

NATURE HOUSE HOURS

Mon. & Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed Tuesdays

Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday 1– 4 p.m.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES:

May 29 Memorial Day

Stream Monitoring

The Izaak Walton League of America began monitoring waterways in 1969 when oil spills and river fires were common headlines. This organization developed the Save Our Streams (SOS) monitoring program that trains volunteers to collect water quality data. Reston Association staff and volunteers conduct sampling at eleven stream monitoring sites around Reston, including one in the Snakeden Branch by the Nature Center. In the fall and spring, volunteers use nets to collect benthic marcroinvertebrates from the bottom of the stream. These creatures, which include juvenile mayflies and dragonflies, can be used as indicators of the overall health of the stream. In 2022, volunteers sorted over 5,500 macroinvertebrates. Monitoring results are shared with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

iNaturalist

While the other activities listed so far follow a more regimented schedule, valuable nature observations can be made throughout the year and on your own time. The iNaturalist app helps users identify and record plants, animals and more. Other users help verify the findings you submit. Not only is it a great way to improve your identification skills, but your findings can also become research quality data for scientists around the world. There are two biodiversity projects that track Reston findings: the Reston Biodiversity project and the Walker Nature Center Biodiversity Inventory project. By joining these projects within the app, you help Reston Association keep records on what organisms are found in our community.

Get Involved

www.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter

@restonnature

@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.

There is no shortage of ways that you can get involved in citizen science projects in Reston. Diving into one of the projects provides a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone from beginners to more experienced nature observers. The more we know about the diversity of nature around us, the better we can preserve and protect what we have. From monitoring birds at feeders to identifying caterpillars on a branch, we can do our part to care for the natural world. In the words of famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” We could not agree more.

Interested in volunteering in one or more of these projects? Email naturecenter@reston.org or call 703-476-9689 ext. 3. For other volunteer opportunities with Reston Association, contact Ha Brock, Volunteer Supervisor, at habrock@reston.org.

Resources

Project FeederWatch: https://feederwatch.org/ Caterpillars Count: https://caterpillarscount.unc.edu/ Izaak Walton League: https://www.iwla.org/water/stream-monitoring iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/

Branching Out is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy ink.

is produced using 100 percent wind power. Please recycle.

Native Plant SALE

Place orders by Friday, April 7, 5 p.m. Pick up orders at the Walker Nature Center on Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Species will include a variety of sun and shade loving wildflowers, grasses, and ferns. Plants are sold on a pre-order basis only.

Order online at www.restonwebtrac.org. Click on the “Native Plant Sale” quick link on the home page.

Request an order form or ask a question by contacting naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689, ext. 3.

Bird Walks

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Adults Registration requested

Walk-ins welcome

Beginning and expert birders are invited to search for birds in Reston’s natural areas. Co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.

March Bird Walk: Brown’s Chapel/Lake Newport

Sun 3/19

Park at 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.

April Bird Walk: Bright Pond

Sun 4/23

Park in the cul-de-sac at the end of Bright Pond Lane.

Early May Bird Walk: Stratton Woods

Sun 5/7

Park at 2431 Fox Mill Road.

Late May Bird Walk: Lower Glade Stream Valley

Sun 5/21

Park on Glade Drive near Twin Branches Road.

Please and Thank You

By Abby Stocking

Spring brings a sense of renewal and growth. We certainly feel the changes in the air as we come out of a winter of transition. In December, we wished the best to Nature Center Manager, Katie Shaw, as she retired after nearly 32 years with Reston Association. Words cannot express how grateful we are for her many years of service to the people, plants and animals of Reston. We are thankful she remains in the area and that we will see her from time to time out on the trails or even in a volunteer role. We look forward to sharing more about the new Nature Center team members in our next issue of Branching Out.

If you are interested in getting involved, we have many opportunities to do so. We have the Egg-stravaganza event on April 6, Arbor Day on April 14, Earth Day Planting on April 25 and Spring Festival on May 6. We are also looking for some new faces to greet visitors at our welcome desk. Contact Volunteer Manager, Ha Brock, at habrock@reston.org to find out more about volunteering. We hope to see you soon.

Thanks to our donors and sponsors:

Julie and Charlie Bond and the Reston Garden Club for the seasonal container gardens, the magnificent mantel creations, and the lovely indoor floral displays; Friends of Reston for supporting the Environmental Film Series , Audubon Society of Northern Virginia for co-sponsoring the Audubon Photography Awards Show and Open House.

Thanks to our volunteers:

Joanne & David Bauer, Julie & Charlie Bond, Bill Burton, Ian Carmack, Asher, Dave and Lucy Cassee, Favian Cuellar, Marilyn Dicke, Jody Douglas, Robin Duska, John Farrell, June Ferrara, Melisa Frost, Martha Furniss, Martha Garcia, Vincent Guinee, Helen Guo, Barbara Heubner, Pete Huffer, Adarsh Iruvanti, Aditya Madan, Arnav Majeti, Sharon McHugh, Rowan O’Connor, Barbara Paolucci, Ellen Perrins, Sara and Mike Piper, Lucy Rosst, Catalina Schuab, Jim Seret, Amy Sherrill, Anurag Sinha, Zackary Suhr, Brenda van Doorn, Jenny Vick, Eve Wallin, Laurel Wanrow, Verna Webb

Register online with

All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted. Refunds are available with two weeks’ notice or if we cancel for any reason. Activities may be canceled due to severe weather, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

MARCH

STEAM- SEUSS-IAN SCIENCE

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthweek. Make a batch of Oobleck, and go on a walk to look at trees that the Lorax would protect. Decorate a cupcake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Seuss. Register for this drop-off program by Feb. 28.

106131015 3/3

Fri 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Ages 6-12 $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

WORLD OF SEUSS

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with Seuss-themed games and activities. Create a whimsical craft. Search for interesting characters hidden along the trail. Enjoy a special Cat in the Hat snack. Register by March 1.

106121008

Sat 3/4 10:30 am – 11:30 am

OR Tue 3/7 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 3-5 $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

SPRING PEEPERS

Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs are among the first animals to make their way out of winter hibernation and welcome spring. Listen to frog calls and learn where they live. Feel some slime and make a froggy craft. Look for eggs in the pond. Register by March 10.

106111001

Mon 3/13 10:00 am – 11:00 am

OR Tue 3/14 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 18-35 months

$8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

FROGS OF RESTON

In honor of World Frog Day, discover the common frog species found in Reston. Learn about their life cycles and why some are quick to emerge from winter dormancy during early warm spells. Take a hike to look for frog eggs. Register by March 15.

106011008 3/18

Sat 10:30 am – Noon

All Ages $6/RA Member, $8/Non-member

NATIVE PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE- VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Native plants not only provide beauty to your landscape, they also provide food and shelter for wildlife like butterflies, birds and bees. Learn about the benefits of using native plants and how to get started with incorporating them into your garden or flower pots. Held via Zoom. Register by March 20.

106201060

3/23

Thu 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Adults Free

ENV. FILM: NO TIME TO WASTE

This film celebrates legendary 98-year-old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin’s inspiring life, work and urgent mission to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. The documentary captures her fascinating life - from the experiences of a young Black woman in a WWII segregated union hall, through her multi-faceted career as a singer, activist, mother, legislative representative and park planner to her present public role. Register by March 22.

106201051

3/24

Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Adults Free, $5 suggested donation

KIDS TROUT FISHING DAY

Snakeden Branch stream will be stocked with hundreds of trout. All equipment provided. Bait, cast, hook and cook your freshly caught dinner. Adults may not fish during the kids’ time. In partnership with Wetland Studies and Solutions, VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources, Friends of Reston, and Wildlife Foundation of Virginia. Register by March 22.

106101301

3/25

Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Check-in at 2303 Soapstone Drive

Ages 3-15 Free

CAMPFIRE- WEENIE ROAST

Enjoy an evening eating around a crackling campfire. Roast a hot dog and enjoy campfire popcorn. Finish with a tasty s’more. Park on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road. Register by March 28.

106011003 3/31

Fri 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive & Lawyers Road

All Ages $8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

APRIL

EGG-STRAVAGANZA SEE AD ON PAGE 8

Thu 4/6

BUNNY BOUNCE

Bounce along the trails following the footprints of a cottontail rabbit. Make bunny ears, munch on bunny food and feel bunny fur. Discover where rabbits live and make a soft nest for bunny babies. Register by April 7.

206111001

Mon 4/10 10:00 am – 11:00 am

OR Tue 4/11 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 18-35 months

$8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

RESTON’S ARBOR DAY

Reston is a Tree City USA, certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Join us as we plant native trees and shrubs. Learn about Reston’s trees and show our appreciation for trees. Perfect for students, corporate groups and scouts. Rain or shine. Groups- please contact Ha Brock at ha@reston.org or 703-435-7986 to sign up.

206011201 4/14

Fri 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Locations: TBD

Adults and Children 5+ Free

GROWING UP

Spring brings new life to the forest and pond. Discover which animals and insects are born in Reston during this season and how they change as they grow. Search for baby animals on the trails. Create an adorable craft to take home. Register by April 12.

206121008

Sat 4/15 10:30 am – 11:30 am

OR Tue 4/18 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 3-5 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member

CATERPILLARS COUNT- VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Learn about Reston’s participation in this national citizen science project. Volunteers are needed to collect data on the abundance and phenology of caterpillars and other arthropods during the spring and summer. Held via Zoom. Register by April 16.

206201006

4/19

Wed 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ages 16-Adult Free

EARTH DAY PROJECT

Celebrate Earth Day by digging in to spruce up the Nature Center with new plantings and fresh woodchipped trails. Individuals, families and companies are encouraged to participate. Register by April 22. Groups with more than 5 people, contact habrock@reston.org or 703-435-7986.

206011202

4/25

Tue 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Ages 5-Adults Free

ENV. FILM: BEAVER BELIEVERS

This award-winning feature documentary shares the urgent yet whimsical story of an unlikely cadre of activists - five scientists and a sassy, spicy hairdresser - who share a common vision. They’re all working to restore the North American Beaver, that most industrious, ingenious, bucktoothed engineer, to the watersheds of the American West. Register by April 26.

206201051 4/28

Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Adults Free, $5 suggested donation

MAY

DIG THE DIRT

In the ground beneath our feet lies a whole world of life. Discover which animals make their homes in the dirt and peek under some logs to find some. Use dirt to make an art project. Register by April 27.

206111001

Mon 5/1 10:00 am – 11:00 am

OR Tue 5/2 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 18-35 months

$8/RA Member, $10/Non-member

SPRING FESTIVAL SEE AD ON BACK PAGE.

Sat 5/6

SPRING CAMPFIRE

Enjoy a spring evening with some campfire fun. Sing songs, play games, and relax by the fire as it changes colors. Make a yummy s’more treat. Register by May 9.

206011003

5/12

Fri 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WNC Fire Ring on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive & Lawyers Road

All Ages $7/RA Members, $9/Non-members

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Make a 52-gallon rain barrel from a recycled pickle barrel. Rain barrels collect water from the roof and store it for later use. To register, visit https://www. fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/rainbarrel by May 9. Limit 2 per household.

206201012 5/13

Sat 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Walker Nature Center

Adults $55 per barrel (limit 2 per household)

RESTON PLANT SWAP

Bring a pest-free houseplant (or two), potted or bare root, to swap out with the community. Learn different tips, techniques and share your plant stories. You can also bring any plant supplies you wish to donate. In partnership with Reston Community Center. Register by May 15.

206201310 5/18

Thu 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Adults Free

SLITHER AND CRAWL

Reptiles are amazing creatures and so much fun to learn about. Touch a real snake and celebrate World Turtle Day by meeting a Box Turtle up close. Search for reptiles on the trails and look at a variety of turtle shells. Make a reptile craft to take home. Register by May 17.

206121008

Sat 5/20 10:30 am – 11:30 am

OR Tue 5/23 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Ages 3-5 $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member

TURTLE TREK

In honor of World Turtle Day, discover the types of turtles found in Reston. Meet a terrestrial and an aquatic turtle up close. Take a hike to turtle habitat at Lake Audubon. Register by May 18.

206011008 5/21

Sun 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

All Ages $7/RA Member, $9/Non-member

LAKE ANNE SUNSET PADDLE

Canoe or kayak on Lake Anne with a naturalist. Search for wildlife and learn about the lake. Relax on the water and enjoy the sunset. Boats and safety equipment provided. Register by May 22.

206011007 5/25

Thu 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Lake Anne Boat dock Ages 10-Adult $15/Member, $20 Non-member

Egg Carton Bee Craft Materials

Egg carton

Black and yellow paint or markers

White pipe cleaners

Googly eyes

Glue Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut out one cup from the egg carton.

2. Use markers or paint to make black and yellow stripes on the outside of the cup.

3. Cut pipe cleaner in half and fold to create a wing shape.

4. Once the egg carton is dry, push pipe cleaners through so they stick up like bee wings.

5. Glue on eyes.

Buzz like a Bee

By Earl the Squirrel (with help from Kelly Michienzi)

Spring is a wonderful time of year to learn about bees, especially with World Bee Day coming up on May 20. Did you know most of the food we eat grows because of bee pollination? If you enjoy cucumbers, avocadoes, cherries, blueberries, apples and many other delicious fruits and vegetables, you can thank bees. Pollination begins when bees land on flowers to collect nectar and pollen to eat. They have a long, straw-like mouth called a proboscis that collects their food. As they move around a flower, yellow pollen grains attach to their legs and bodies and travel with them to the next flower. After pollen travels from one flower to another, plants can create new seeds. Some bees also make honey. I have heard honey is a delicious, sweet treat.

There are around four hundred species of bees found in Virginia. One type of bee we often see in Virginia is the Common Eastern Bumble Bee. Did you know that a bumble bee can live underground? Holes dug by rodents are good places to build their hives and keep their eggs safe. Bumble bees are amazing because they can beat their wings 130 times per second! How fast can you flap your arms?

Bees are amazing insects, and they need your help. Here are tips on how everyone can help bees:

1. Do not spray pesticides on your lawn or garden. These dangerous chemicals hurt bees, butterflies, and other important insects.

2. Plant native plants at your home like Purple Coneflowers, Joe Pye Weed, goldenrods and asters. Bees cannot see the color red. Bees like flowers that are purple, violet, and blue.

3. Support local beekeepers by buying local honey.

Bee Crossword Puzzle

Across

(2) A type of fruit pollinated by bees.

(5) Yellow grains needed for pollination

(8) Sweet, sticky food made by bees.

(10) Sweet liquid in a flower that bees eat.

(11) A large bee that is common in Reston.

(12) Bees can flap these up to 130 times per second .

Down

(1) A place where bees live, lay eggs and store honey

(3) A flower this color attracts bee.

(4) The month when we celebrate World Bee Day.

(6) A color bees cannot see.

(7) Mouthpart of a bee is called a_________.

(9) The beginning of a bee’s life cycle.

4. Allow a patch of yard to go wild. The plants that grow can provide food for the bees.

5. Leave dead tree stumps or logs in your yard to give bees safe places to nest.

Kids’ Corner

The Value of Native Plants

By Abby Stocking

Reston has a long history of valuing the natural areas and wildlife that enhance our community. Environmental stewardship has been a core value since Reston’s early days. As part of living in balance with the natural world, homeowners are encouraged to maintain yards that promote community health of both human and wild inhabitants. One way to do this is by reducing turfgrass and opting for native plant alternatives around the yard.

While turfgrass has qualities that make it desirable for yards, there are many drawbacks to it as well. Turfgrass must be maintained with mowers that contribute to air and noise pollution. To keep the lawn green and weed-free, homeowners often apply chemical fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to water pollution. Turfgrass supports little to no wildlife. To reduce the negative impacts in the yard, a fresh look at what is needed may help. Map out where grass is helpful such as in seating and play areas. Where grass is not required, other plants and garden areas can be added.

Native plant gardens use vegetation that is adapted to this climate. The plants can generally survive the swings in temperature and precipitation that frequently occur in Northern Virginia. They require less water than grass lawns and are more drought tolerant. Having a diversity of plants in the yard encourages natural pest management and reduces the need for harmful sprays. They also provide food and shelter for wildlife. Unlike using annuals that need to be replaced each year, most native plants are perennials and once established will return year after year.

Choosing to enhance a yard with native plants is a way to add value to the landscape. Native plant gardens increase the beauty and aesthetic interest of the property in all seasons. The butterflies and birds that visit plants can add entertainment and joy. Using fewer chemicals can have a great health benefit. Reducing turfgrass and choosing native plant alternatives improves the environment for all Reston inhabitants.

Do you want to learn more about getting started with native plants? Join us on March 23 for the Native Plants for Wildlife virtual class. Read more on Page 4. Read more about our Spring Native Plant Sale on Page 3.

Rent Space at the Walker Nature Center

11450 Glade Drive, Reston

Nature House

Multipurpose Room

Capacity 60 people standing, 44 people seated. Equipped with tables and chairs. Fully accessible with trails and pond for guests to enjoy. Pavilion

576 sq. ft. in a woodland setting. Equipped with 4 picnic tables, bench seating, bathroom access, electricity and water fountain.

Fire Ring

A great place for comradery and s’mores! 4 picnic tables, bench seating and small shelter. Contact naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689 ext. 3.

Join