BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Wildlife Count Results 3• Calendar of Events 4• Kid’s Corner 6

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

SEPTEMBER• Northern Water Snake and Copperhead young are born.• Goldenrods bloom.• Nuts and small berries mature.• Hummingbirds migrate to Central America.

OCTOBER• Songbird migration peaks.• Mushrooms are plentiful.• Painted Turtles are inactive until spring.

• Leaves are at peak color.

NOVEMBER• Waterfowl migration begins.• Slugs and snails go into deep sleep.• Witchhazel blooms.• Look for animal homes in bare trees

and sparse ground cover.

Walker Nature Center

Fall 12 Volume Seventeen

Let’s put this on the table from the start: Coyotes are smart. Look up “coyote” online or in a book and you will find a variety of words to describe it: clever, intelligent, socially complex, unique, amazing, successful, adaptable.

Even the coyote’s human detractors begrudgingly recognize this animal’s intelligence. In the legends of many Native Americans, especially southwestern tribes, the coyote is often portrayed as a trickster or culture hero. Their intelligence adds an air of mystery, and is mainly responsible for coyotes being one of the most successful and widespread of North American mammals.

Keep it down out there!No trait of the coyote lends greater credence to its intelligence than its frequent vocalizations. The use of a variety of yips, barks and howls conveys information to other coyotes. Group howls can be territorial, warning other transient coyotes that they are not welcome. The group will also howl to call the family unit back together after individual hunting. Short barks are used to communicate danger, while yips welcome family members back from the hunt.

Wile E. in RestonBy Ken Rosenthal

But don’t be fooled. Just because you haven’t heard a coyote in Reston doesn’t mean that they’re not here. Coyotes in the eastern states are much less vocal than western coyotes. This may be due to the higher density of people and domestic dogs. The best times of year to hear coyotes are during their breeding season in January and February or when their young are moving about and learning vocalizations from their parents in the summer.

Walker Nature Center11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking and restroom facilities dawn to dusk.

FEATURES72 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

Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sundays 1 - 4 p.m.Closed Sept. 3 for Labor dayClosed Nov. 22 – 23 for Thanksgiving

FOR MORE INFORMATION703-476-9689 • www.reston.orgGroups: 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.

Wile E. in Reston continued from page 1

New NeighborsOriginally, coyotes were thought to be a species of open grasslands and prairie, and were first called “Prairie Wolf.” Their diet is varied and uncomplicated. If it is small enough, they will eat it-rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit, nuts, carrion, and garbage as a small sample. With the extirpation of the gray wolf, their chief competitor and predator, coyote populations have flourished. An easy appetite, no natural predators, little to no competition from other predators, and the adaptability to live in close proximity to humans have allowed coyotes to thrive. They have expanded into forest habitats and lands east of the Mississippi River in the absence of wolves.

Despite more than 200 years of hunting and trapping, coyotes continue to survive and expand their range. They are now found from Alaska to Central America, across much of Canada, and throughout the lower 48 states. Northern Virginia is no exception. Confirmed coyotes sighting in Reston date back more than ten years and cover all areas.

What does a coyote look like?At first glance, eastern coyotes can have a German Shepherd-like appearance. They tend to have brownish-gray fur, long legs and a black tipped tail, which they carry low to the ground. Most adult coyotes weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, which is much larger than our common Red Fox, which sports a white tipped tail, often carried high when walking.

Should I be concerned?Like any large predator, coyotes should be treated with caution. But living in fear is not the answer. Coyotes tend to be nocturnal, non-confrontational and shy, slinking away as soon as they detect a human presence. You are more likely to be harmed by a traffic accident, lightning strike or domestic dog than a coyote.

The risk of a negative encounter with a coyote increases when coyotes become too accustomed to people. There are several safeguards you can take to prevent negative encounters. Never feed coyotes, and do not feed your pets outdoors. Keep small pets such as cats and rabbits inside. Keep your dog on a leash during walks. Secure your trash cans with tight fitting lids. If a coyote approaches you, yell or make loud noises to scare it off. You can also throw rocks or sticks near the coyote. This “hazing” will benefit coyotes by keeping them wary of humans.

There is good news that comes with having coyotes in Reston. They can help curb the growth of certain populations of wildlife often considered a nuisance for people such as rodents, Canada geese and deer. While mice and rats are staples in a coyote diet, Goose Eggs are quite a delicacy as well as an occasional full goose dinner and even though a large, strong deer may be too much to take down, a small, sick or injured deer makes a great coyote meal.

Observing coyotes can be fun and rewarding. Understanding how to coexist with them safely can ensure that these experiences will be positive.

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Wildlife Count ResultsBy Abby Stocking, Katie Shaw and Kevin Munroe

Summer Bird Count: June 2Over 20 volunteers participated in the count, breaking into four groups to tally the number of species and individual birds seen and heard in Reston’s natural areas. The information collected gives a snapshot of how well our natural areas support wildlife.

This year’s count was quite impressive. There were 64 species of birds identified and over 1,200 individual birds counted. Since the count started in 1997, the only year with a higher number of species was 2007, with a total of 68. Several birds were seen for the first time on a summer count, including Osprey, Blue-winged Warbler and American Redstart. The birds seen in the highest numbers were the Northern Cardinal, American Robin and Common Grackle.

Butterfly Count: July 7Temperatures weren’t the only records being broken this summer. We also broke the Reston record for the most butterflies tallied on a count day. 17 people counted 435 butterflies of 27 species, just one species short of the record last set in 1999.

Counters gained a newfound appreciation of skippers, since 255 of our butterflies were in this family. The Sachem Skipper was the most

prevalent species with 181 counted. The next most numerous species included the

Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Eastern-tailed Blue. Special finds were a Meadow Fritillary at the Fox Mill Meadow, a Northern Cloudywing in North Reston, a Viceroy at Lake Audubon, and Tawny-edge Skippers

found in the Sunrise Valley Wetlands. Our data was submitted to the North

American Butterfly Association for inclusion in it’s annual report.

Dragonfly Count: July 14For a count that almost got rained out, 16 species made it a fine success. 14 counters participated, adding the last species, a Least Clubtail, to the results in the Glade Stream Valley near Twin Branches. It was great to see this uncommon stream species in exactly the same spot as last year. Two Black-shouldered Spinylegs along Buttermilk Creek Nature Trail were also counted. Although not uncommon in Northern Virginia, it was only the second time the species had been recorded in Reston.

Many thanks to all who participated in the counts. The next count will be the Winter Bird Count on Saturday, January 5.

Please & Thank YouBy Katie Shaw

The on-going 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.

PleaseTax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Write “Nature Center” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a letter of receipt for tax purposes.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Benjamin Bond, Freddie Mac Foundation, Catherine Linberg, Polly & Terre Jones

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Zack Allen; Ken Andrews; Carolyn Badila; David & Joanne Bauer; Sue Beffel; Dejauna Black; Taylor Blunck; Diane Blust; Eugenia Bodnar; Charles & Julie Bond; Diane Bowen; Erin Brandt; John Bringman; Bill Brown; Bill Burton; Nancy Callaghan; Anne Cannizaro; Patrick Cantwell; Ian Carmack; Nancy Davis; Freya De Cola; Don Coram; Kevin Deckard; Ellen Douglas; Karen Elliott; June Ferrara; Cindy Foster; Diane Fulcher; Kathy Geiger; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Celeste Hopra; Stephanie Huard; Katharine Hunter; Carol Ivory; Faye Jeffers; Mariah Jeffers; Gwen Kjellberg; Kim Koch; Jennie Koffman; Leon Kolankiewicz; Celia Konowe; Susan Konrad; Helaine Krob; Noah Krob; Beth Lannon; Kristy Liercke; John & Kenneth Lin; Catherine Linberg; Jonathan Lindsay; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Muzzamil & Wasay Mehdi; Mona Miller; Taylor Mills; Bob Mowbray; Suticha Mungkornkarn; Kevin Munroe; Ali Muskett; Noelle Neu; Diana Nicholas; Polly Noble; Alix & Joshua Nyden; Cynthia O’Connell; Erika Olimpiew; Teri Pagliuca; George Paine; Barbara Paolucci; Ellen Perrins; Rob Rubin; Anna & Sheri Ruffle; Eveleen Sass; Megan Scott; Alexandra, Samantha & Veronica Sedgwick; Jim Stocking; Harrison Szeto; Jenny Vick; Virgilio Vasquez; Nancy Ward; Stephanie Wardwell; Kathy & Kyle Welty; Carolyn Williams; Polly Witmer

Volunteers at Reston’s Butterfly Count

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CALENDAR

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SEPTEMBER BIRD WALK: TWIN BRANCHES & GLADE STREAM VALLEYSunday, September 23 • 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.FreeAdultsPark on Glade Dr. at Twin Branches Rd. We will start at Twin Branches and walk The Glade upstream. No reservations required. Leader: Matt Bender

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPSunday, September 23 • 1 – 3 p.m.$55 per barrel (Limit 2 per household.)AdultsA rain barrel is a great way to help capture and control stormwater from rooftops, prevent erosion, improve water quality, and conserve water. This workshop is a quick and inexpensive way to bring home a rain barrel for your yard. Register and pay online at www.arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel.php. Cosponsored by Northern VA Soil and Water Conservation District, the VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. Reservations required by September 17.

GONE BATTYFriday, September 28 • 7 – 8 p.m.$6/person RA members$9/person Non-membersAll agesSee one of the most fascinating nocturnal creatures up close. Join a bat specialist from BatWorld Nova to learn more about these amazing animals and the challenges they face. Reservations required by September 25.

ORGANIC GARDENINGSaturday, September 29 • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.$25/person RA members$35/person Non-membersAdultsDiscover the world of organic gardening with avid gardener and Smart Markets producer, Joe Belsan. Learn the basics of composting. Discuss types of gardens such as ground vs. raised bed or container gardens. Worried about when and what to plant, how to deter and control pests and invasive plants, or how to produce the best vegetables and fruits? This program will teach you how to optimize your garden. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by September 26.

SEPTEMBERTREE DETECTIVESSaturday, September 8 • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.$4/person RA members$6/person Non-membersAll agesCan you identify a tree by its leaves or nuts? Learn tricks of the trade and use your detective skills on a walk to discover common trees. Search for nuts and berries the animals are eating now and storing for winter. Reservations required by September 5.

SLITHERING SNAKESMonday, September 10 • 10 – 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, September 11 • 10 – 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsLearn about snakes that live in Reston. Find out how snakes smell, what they like to eat, and how long the longest snake is. Touch a live snake. Make a craft and go on a short hike to look for snakes. Reservations required by September 7.

NATURE GAME DAYSunday, September 16 • 2 – 3 p.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Play Bingo, Tic Tac Toe and Twister – all with a nature spin. Then make your own checker board out of natural and recycled materials to take home. You don’t need to spend a lot of money in order to have a good time with board games. This is a sure way to enjoy an afternoon full of fun and prizes. Reservations required by September 12.

ENERGY QUEST USAFriday, September 21 • 7 – 8:30 p.m.Free. Suggested donation $5AdultsThis film visits five diverse communities to meet people who are taking charge of their energy future. It includes factual information on fracking and the future role of natural gas. Join a post-film discussion about energy conservation and production in Reston. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by Sept. 18.

FUR, FEATHERS, FINSSaturday, September 22 • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Different animals have different body coverings. 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 body covering to take home. Reservations required by September 19.

OCTOBERDEER ME!Monday, October 1 • 10 – 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, October 2 • 10 – 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsFall is a great time of year to see deer. Read a story about deer, make an antler craft, and then search for deer at the nature center. Find out what deer like to eat, and why their antlers are so important. Reservations required by September 28.

HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCYThursday, October 4 • 7 – 9 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person Non-membersAdultsCurious 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 with Mike Hogan from the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). LEAP is a nonprofit organization and a trusted leader in Virginia that coordinates home energy efficiency improvements through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by October 1.

OCTOBER BIRD WALK: SUNRISE VALLEY WETLAND PARK & POLO FIELDSSunday, October 7 • 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.FreeAdults12700 Sunrise Valley Drive. Park on the left (west) side of the office building. No reservations required.Leader: TBD

RASCAL RACCOONSTuesday, October 9 • 10 – 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Make a raccoon mask and tail craft, then dress up like a raccoon to search for what a raccoon needs. Explore the forest to look for food, water and shelter that is for this furry, forest creature. Reservations required by October 6.

CALENDAR

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.

of Events

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All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

AUTUMN CAMPFIREFriday, October 12 • 6:30 – 8 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring – On Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd.All agesAutumn is a perfect time of year to cozy up to a crackling campfire. Sing songs, tell jokes and enjoy the change of season. Roast a marshmallow and make a “gourmet” s’more. Reservations required by October 9.

POWERING THE PLANETFriday, October 19 • 7 – 8:30 p.m.Free. Suggested donation $5AdultsThis film is an eye-opening look at some of the world’s most important case studies in smart energy decisions, and an assessment of what it takes to build a sustainable energy infrastructure. Join a post-film discussion about local innovative energy projects. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by Oct. 16.

GIFTS FOR BIRDSSunday, October 21 • 2 – 3 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person Non-membersAll agesLearn which woodpeckers can be seen in Reston and make a log suet feeder to attract them to your yard. Fall is the perfect time to learn about birds you can enjoy all winter, and find out how you can help our feathered friends. Reservations required by October 17.

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER BIRD WALK: BRIGHT PONDSunday, November 18 • 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.FreeAdultsLocation: Park at the end of the cul de sac at Bright Pond Ln.Leader: Kevin Munroe

WINE TASTING AT NATURE HOUSEFriday, November 2 • 4 – 6 p.m.$9/person RA members$13/person Non-membersAges 55 and olderEnjoy an evening of wine tasting in the beautiful setting of the nature center. Sample red and white wines along with a variety of cheese and crackers. The evening includes a tour of the nature center’s gardens and ADA accessible trail. Watch for birds doing their own “tasting” at feeders. Look at wild grape vines and late blooming flowers. Reservations required. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6530 to register.

TURKEY FEATHERSMonday, November 5 • 10 – 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, November 6 • 10 – 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsCome shake your tail feathers with the rest of us turkeys. Learn about turkeys, read a turkey story, make turkey noises, and strut in our own turkey tail feathers. Reservations required by November 2.

KING CORNFriday, November 9 • 7 – 9 p.m.Free. Suggested donation $5AdultsThis award winning documentary is about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. Join a post film discussion about how we eat and farm in the U.S. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by November 6.

BIG, BAD BIRDS OF PREYSunday, November 11 • 11 a.m. – Noon$4/person RA members$6/person Non-membersAll agesDiscover how big local birds of prey can be by testing your wingspan against theirs. Find out why they are not so bad after all. Examine bird wings and feet up close, and take a mini-hike to spot birds of prey or their nests in the woods. Reservations required by November 8.

THANKSGIVING CRAFTERSFriday, November 16 • 7 – 8:30 p.m.$20/centerpiece RA members$25/centerpiece Non-membersAll agesMake a beautiful centerpiece with native plant materials and a set of four simple napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table. Additional rings may be made at cost. We’ll enjoy music, mulled cider and seasonal treats as we work. All supplies provided. Reservations required by November 13.

TURKEY TRAILSaturday, November 24 • 11 a.m. – Noon$4/child RA members$6/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Let’s get moving after your big Thanksgiving meal. Grab a grown up and follow the clues left from a “wild” turkey to see where they lead you. Sharpen your skills of observation as you hike along the trails. Don’t let Tom Turkey lead you on a wild goose chase! Reservations required by November 20.

REPTILE RETREATTuesday, November 27 • 10 – 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Say goodbye to our cold-blooded friends before they go to sleep for the winter. Meet a snake and turtle up close, and learn what other Reston reptiles will also behibernating. Make a reptile craft to take home. Reservations required by November 23.

NATURE AT NIGHTWednesday, November 28 • 6 – 7:30 p.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 55 years and olderBring your grandchildren out for a fun and exciting night hike. Explore the woods to see who is still awake. Look and listen for owls, flying squirrels, and other nocturnal creatures. Learn how these animals survive at night, and end your evening with some warming refreshments. Reservations required by Nov. 25. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org, or call 703-435-6530.

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THE OTHER ACORN EATERSBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

What animals come to mind when you think of acorns? Hopefully you think of squirrels, and maybe chipmunks, too. While we certainly eat plenty of acorns, there is another critter that also feeds on these delicious nuts. Acorn weevils are small insects that use acorns as food, nurseries and homes.

There are many different types of acorn weevils. Most weevils are about ½ inch long. Many acorn weevils have long snouts that can be about the same length as their bodies. In the summer when acorns are growing on trees, weevils use sharp jaws at the end of their snouts to drill through the acorn shell and eat the nut inside.

The acorn weevils are not just eating the acorns. Females dig a tunnel into the center of the acorn and lay an egg inside. The acorn helps protect the egg. The eggs hatch after a few days. Legless larvae grow inside the acorn for a few weeks. The larvae look like white worms, and are the young form of the weevil. When the larvae are full size, they will chew their way out of the acorn, leaving a small hole in the shell. By this time, the acorn has fallen to the ground. The larvae burrow underground where they will live for one to two years. When summer comes, adult acorn weevils will come out of the ground and start the life cycle again.

We squirrels prefer to eat acorns without weevils. If you look on the ground in late fall, you may find

some acorns we’ve left behind. If they have small holes in them, you’ll

know why we didn’t eat it. It was probably a home to

an acorn weevil.

Kid’s Corner

Find an Acorn WeevilFollow these steps to see if you can find an acorn weevil inside an acorn.

ACORN MAZEHelp the weevil get to the center of the acorn.

1. In early fall, gather a few acorns that have fallen from an oak tree.

2. Put the acorns in a bucket full of water.

3. If the acorns float on top of the water, then they are most likely home to some kind of insect.

4. With an adult’s help, use a nutcracker to open the shell of the acorn. Try not to crush the nut inside. Look for a small, wormy creature inside the nut.

5. If it is whitish and shaped like the letter “C”, it is most likely an acorn weevil. If it is green like a caterpillar, it is most likely an acorn moth larva.

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Native Spotlight: RED CHOKEBERRY & BLACK CHOKEBERRY(Photinia pyrifolia & Photinia melanocarpa)

By Sharon GurtzNative to eastern North America, chokeberries are deciduous shrubs belonging to the rose family. They are multi-stemmed, medium to large shrubs with an oval shape. Red varieties grow to 6 -10 feet tall, and the black matures at 3 - 7 feet. Red ‘Brilliantissima’ and black ‘Autumn Magic’ are common cultivars of this native that have excellent fruit production and fall foliage. Chokeberries prefer sun to part-sun and wet or dry soils that are slightly acidic. Planting in full sun results in best flower and berry production.

ColorfulFrom spring into winter you can enjoy the seasonal colors of these plants. Clusters of fragrant white five-petaled flowers appear in the spring from April to May. The dark green, glossy leaves of summer give your garden color in the fall as they turn orange to red. Bright red or black pear-shaped berries are prevalent in fall and persist into winter. Although the berries are edible, they are very tart and bitter. The common name is said to have originated from the “choking” reflex of people attempting to eat them.

Wildlife ValueWhile not a favorite of most backyard birds, the berries are eaten by Eastern Bluebirds, Brown Thrashers, American Robins and Cedar Waxwings. Chokeberry plants are sometimes used as a larval food by underwing moths and a source of nectar for insects. They also provide protective cover for wildlife.

Chokeberries can be used as a border and pruned as a hedge. They can form sizable colonies and are excellent for use in your natural landscape instead of invasive exotic species such as Winged Burning Bush or Bush Honeysuckles, which are banned from new plantings in Reston. Chokeberries are seldom severely damaged by deer.

Sources: http://www.wildflower.org/plants and The Wildlife Gardenby Charolotte Seidenberg

Get Nuts For Clean WaterHow to Help:

• Collect acorns in your yard or other 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 into 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 15 – October 21.

Where: Information and collection bags can be picked up at the Walker Nature Center. Please deposit bagged and identified acorns in the container on the side porch at Nature House. Contact: Sharon Gurtz, nature@reston.org, 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.

Find an Acorn WeevilFollow these steps to see if you can find an acorn weevil inside an acorn.

ACORN MAZEHelp the weevil get to the center of the acorn.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

PERMIT NO. 21Walker Nature Center11450 Glade DriveReston, Virginia 20191

www.reston.org

Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail

LOCATIONWALKER NATURE CENTER 11450 GLADE DRIVE, RESTON VA 20191Gate opens 15 minutes prior to the event start time. Please park along Glade Drive or at the 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 (e.g. 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.

To volunteer, contact Ha Brock, RA community outreach specialist II, at habrock@reston.org or 703-435-7986. Volunteers must be pre-registered to help with this event.

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY$10/person (Adults and children who are 18 months or older must have a ticket.)Tickets are on sale Monday, Oct. 1 • (9 a.m.) – Thursday, Oct. 25 • (5 p.m.). Don’t delay. This is a sell out event.

ONLINE TICKETS Buy your tickets online at www.eventbrite.com at the following links, starting October 1:http://halloweenhousefri1.eventbrite.comhttp://halloweenhousefri2.eventbrite.comhttp://halloweenhousesat1.eventbrite.comhttp://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 Tuesdays.

For more information, call 703-476-9689, and press 5 or email naturecenter@reston.org.

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 26, 6 - 7:15 P.M. OR 7:30 - 8:45 P.M.SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 6 - 7:15 P.M. OR 7:30 - 8:45 P.M.

8 Branching Out Fall 12