Fall 15 Volume Seventeen

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

SEPTEMBER• Eastern Red-backed Salamanders

lay eggs.• Young Red Fox begin dispersing.• Asters and Goldenrods bloom.• Monarch butterflies are migrating.

OCTOBER• Songbird migration peaks.• Snakes seek winter dens.• Chipmunks and squirrels gather

nuts for winter.• Mushrooms are plentiful.

NOVEMBER• Slugs and snails go into deep

sleep.• Migratory waterfowl begin to

appear.• Deer rut peaks.• American Holly berries are red.

Mighty Oaks, Mighty FoodBy Ken Rosenthal

BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Get Nuts for Clean Water 2• Kids’ Corner 6• Compost Your Food Waste 7

Walker Nature Center

White Oaks are a common tree found in Reston. Stately, large and visually pleasing, their acorns are also an important food for wildlife. Besides squirrels and chipmunks, mammals that eat white oaks include other rodents, deer, fox and bear. Many birds enjoy acorns as well, such as jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches, turkey, thrushes, pheasants, pigeons and even Wood Ducks. There are also numerous species of moths and weevils that specialize in consuming White Oak acorns.

White oak or red oak?Acorns contain tannins, which produce a bitter taste. Tannins interfere with the ability to metabolize proteins, and in some species, including humans, may cause significant health effects. In preparing acorns for cooking, tannins are removed by rinsing them repeatedly until the water no longer turns brown. Animals prefer the acorns of white oaks because they have fewer tannins than other types of acorns.

Species like squirrels and jays cache acorns in the soil. This storage benefits them nutritionally as percolation of groundwater through the acorns can leech some of the tannins but they shouldn’t wait too long. Acorns can germinate as soon as they touch soil, even while sitting on the surface.

Acorns take root in the fall, growing a shoot with leaves the following

spring. By placing the acorns into the soil, squirrels

and woodpeckers give the acorns a

head start in their growth, and aid in

their dispersal.

Feast or famineMost years, acorns can

be difficult to find. Animals that eat acorns readily gobble up any that they spot. When the crop is small, few acorns are left to germinate. In these years, the trees are spending more energy growing than producing acorns.

Every three to five years, however, the trees spend more energy producing acorns. This is called a mast year.

Continued on page 2

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 TuesdaysSaturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Sunday 1–4 p.m.

CLOSEDSEPT. 7 LABOR DAY NOV. 26 THANKSGIVING DAYNOV. 27 DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

FOR MORE INFORMATION703-476-9689 • www.reston.org naturecenter@reston.org www.facebook.com/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 NatureCenter 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.

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Mighty Oaks, Mighty Food Continued from page 1

Mast is the fruit of forest trees, such as nuts or acorns. In a mast year, these trees produce a significantly larger crop of

their fruit. This synchronous production of a larger mast occurs regionally and across species. Even with a larger amount of acorns

being produced, only 15-20 percent of the acorns may escape being eaten to germinate. The last great mast year in Reston was

2012 as some of you may recall.

Producing the same number of acorns each year would support many acorn-eating species, but would mean fewer acorns being left to germinate. The large amount of energy expended by the trees would produce relatively little reproductive benefit. By producing one large mast year, followed by several less productive years, the trees can ensure that many of the mast year acorns will survive. While acorn-eating species will increase in number during and immediately after a mast year, their numbers will fall off with the lower acorn numbers in subsequent non-mast years. That way there will be fewer acorn-eaters during a mast year, ensuring that there will be more acorns than can be consumed.

Acorns and hickory nuts are not always appreciated in backyards. If you can tolerate them, leave be for wildlife to find. You will help wildlife numbers, and provide a great wildlife viewing opportunity for yourself. If you must remove them, consider collecting and donating them to Growing Native, a program from the Potomac Conservancy. They collect nuts to aid reforestation efforts.

Get Nuts for Clean WaterCitizens throughout the Potomac River watershed are invited once again 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.

You can help to restore native forests and protect streams one acorn at a time. When you rake the leaves, don’t throw out the acorns. Get involved in this fun activity that can be enjoyed by all.

How to help:• Collect nuts in your yard or other open areas where they will be unable to grow. • Please do not collect at the nature center or any natural area in Reston.• Separate the nuts by species and place them into breathable bags (no plastic bags). Identification aids are available at the nature center and online at the link below.• 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: Seed drop offs are accepted in October.

Where: Information and collection bags can be picked up at the nature center. Please deposit bagged and identified acorns in the container on the side porch.

For more information, see www.growingnative.org.

Storytelling NightWhere There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Advance tickets are recommended due to limited seating. All proceeds benefit Friends of Reston.

Come out for a fun evening of 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.

Saturday, September 19 • 8 p.m. • AdultsFee: $15 on sale at https://restonstorytelling.eventbrite.com/ or at the door.

Contact Katie Shaw at kshaw@reston.org or 703-435-6510.

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Seeking Sustainable Garden Tour Hosts in Reston/Herndon for June 2016

Do you garden with water resources in mind? Do you have a rain barrel, wildlife habitat/native plants, rain garden, compost/soil amendment, a porous paver driveway, edible landscaping or other sustainable features? We are seeking hosts in Reston/Herndon for a Sunday, June 12 Watershed Friendly and Sustainable Garden Tour! Your garden does not have to be perfect - the tour is a great way to connect with like-minded gardeners and help inspire others to take steps in the right direction.

For more information, see www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/gardentour.htm. Contact the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District to suggest a garden (or gardener) at lily.whitesell@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-1423, TTY 711.

Please and Thank YouBy Katie Shaw, Manager

We are grateful for all of the individuals and organizations who continue to support the mission of the center through contributions and volunteer work.

If you can donate one of the following items in new or excellent condition, please contact kshaw@reston.org or call 703-435-6510. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: plant and animal stickers, The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Ed., blender, office folding machine, wide format laminator, handheld GPS units, and sunflower seeds/suet cakes/hot meat seeds for the feeders.

Tax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Write “Nature Center” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a letter of receipt for tax purposes. You can also donate online via the PayPal link found on the Friends of Reston’s Facebook page.

Donors: Cardinal Bank, Janine Greenwood, Helaine Krob, Lois Male, National Student Clearinghouse, Reston Garden Club, Whole Foods Market

Volunteers: David & Joanne Bauer, Matt Bender, Julie & Charlie Bond, Anne Cannizzaro, Karen Cantwell, Freya De Cola, Don Coram, Marilyn Dicke, Paul Dunham, Robin Duska, June Ferrara, Cindy Foster, Ruth Garner, Janine Greenwood, Ron Grimes, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Brigitta Hulman, Karen Hutchison, Diana Kalaly, Leon Kolankiewicz, Helaine Krob, Pat Lenz, Dale Lichtblau, Paulette Lincoln-Baker, Paige Linkins, Jennie Koffman, Richard McClellan, Sharon McHugh, Ilene & Jim McNeal, Robin Meyers, Farideh Mirmirani, Benjamin Nelson, Marilyn Newberg, Polly Noble, Cynthia O’Connell, Renette Oklewicz, Judy Opp, Judy Ornoff, Terri Ostrowski, Barbara Paolucci, Mireya Pasa, Ellen Perrins, David Pickering, Sheryl & David Pollock, Terry Reiley, Bobbi Ruddy, Andrew Schaffer, Dana Scheurer, Kay & Jillian Schmid, Ray Smith, Katie Strong, Lori Thomas, Brenda Van Doorn, Jenny Vick, Claire Virga, Verna Webb

Congratulations to the Butterfly Count volunteers who counted a record number of individual butterflies, 776!

Above: David Pickering and Farideh Mirmirani get up close to a Common Wood Nymph at Sunrise Valley Wetlands.

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FALL CONTAINER PLANTINGWednesday, September 16 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$12/person RA members ∙ $16/person Non-membersAdults, 55 years and olderAre your summer annual plants fading but you still want decorative planters that last into the colder months? Learn what plants can be used in a fall container garden. Also, discover creative items to use such as gourds or branches. Make a small container garden to take home. Reservations required by September 14.

GREEN HOMES & GARDENSTuesday, September 22 ∙ 1:30–3:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdults, 55 years and olderWant to save money, energy and the environment and learn how you can be “green”? Get advice from an energy coach, tips from an interior designer, and sustainable gardening ideas from RA’s natural resource manager. Take a short tour of the LEED Gold Nature House and its gardens. Reservations required by September 17.

LETTERBOXING ADVENTURESunday, September 27, 1–2:30 p.m.$6/person RA members, $8/person non-membersGrandparents – bring your grandchildren out for a fun and exciting letterboxing quest. Use clues to find hidden caches and discover what happens to some of our animals as the weather changes. Reservations required by September 24. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or 703-435-6577.

SEEING SYSTEMS: PEACE, JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABILITYMondays, September 28 – November 2 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$32/ person RA members ∙ $42/person Non-membersAdultsHow do the complex principles of peace, justice and sustainability merge into a coherent story? This six-week discussion course will connect the dots between three of society’s most pressing challenges and help you to find pathways for powerful change in your life. Participants will receive a book of readings that form the basis of each discussion. You will be contacted when the materials arrive, and asked to pay your fee when you pick them up. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by September 17.

SeptemberSUNSET STROLLFriday, September 4 ∙ 6:30–7:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll AgesStart the Labor Day weekend with a relaxing stroll through nature. Ramble through a stream valley in search of animals getting ready to turn in for the night and try to catch a glimpse of nocturnal creatures waking up. Enjoy the color change over Lake Audubon as the sun sets and watch for bats circling above the water. Reservations required by September 1.

SPLENDID SPIDERSWednesday, September 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR 1:30 –2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Some spiders are drab shades of brown or black, while others have beautiful colors. Learn how their color helps spiders survive. Make a colorful spider craft, and take a short hike in search of spiders. Reservations required by September 4.

BIRD WALK: BUTTERMILK CREEK TRAILSunday, September 13 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.Free Buttermilk Creek Nature Trail - 11032 Ring Road, park at Uplands Pool.Adults ∙ Leader: Bill Brown

WORM COMPOSTING WORKSHOPSunday, September 13 ∙ 2–3:30 p.m.$30/bin RA members ∙ $35/bin Non-membersAdultsEver thought about composting but just don’t have the space? Worm composting is a natural method of recycling food waste. It’s so simple and odor free that it can be done anywhere. Build a bin to take home and learn how to turn your kitchen scraps into rich organic soil and compost tea. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 10.

BUSY SQUIRRELSMonday, September 14 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, September 15 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsAcorns are falling from the trees and squirrels are hiding them away for a winter’s day. Listen to a story about a busy squirrel and make a squirrel craft. Munch like a squirrel on a crunchy snack and then look for acorns along the trails. Reservations required by September 10.

OctoberBACKYARD COMPOSTINGThursday, October 1 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsDealing with all of the fallen leaves in the yard can be tough. Learn how to recycle them the natural way. Plants will love the rich organic soil that your composting efforts provide. Also learn how kitchen waste and other yard debris can be composted right in your own backyard. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by September 28.

NATURE WALK: RESTON NATIONAL GOLF COURSESaturday, October 3 ∙ 1–3 p.m.Free AdultsLearn about the natural resources and experiences that this valuable open space provides. Look for a variety of birds and visit old field and pond habitats. Co-sponsored by Reston Historic Trust. Meet at South Lakes Park, 11100 South Lakes Drive (between Colts Neck Rd. and Soapstone Drive). Reservations required by September 30.

FALL LEAF LABSunday, October 4 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesTrees are showing their true colors as their green fades into beautiful reds, yellows and oranges. Identify trees by their leaves and bark and play tree bingo. Conduct simple experiments like separating leaf color pigments. Sample tree treats and make a caramel apple to take home. Reservations required by October 1.

TINY ACORNS, MIGHTY OAKSMonday, October 5 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, October 6 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsAcorns may be small, but they grow into towering oaks. Go on a hike in search of acorns and oaks big and small. Find out what animals eat acorns, which live in trees and make an acorn craft to take home. Reservations required by October 1.

Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or email 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 Center,11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

BIRD WALK: SUNRISE VALLEY WETLAND PARK & POLO FIELDSSunday, October 11 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.Free Sunrise Valley Wetlands - 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive. Park on the left (west) side of the office building.Adults ∙ Leader: Matt Bender

SNAKES BIG AND SMALLTuesday, October 13 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Take one last look for snakes before the fall weather gets too cold. Discover how big and how small snakes can be in Reston. Make a scaly craft and meet a snake up close. Reservations required by October 9.

NovemberTURKEY FEATHERSMonday, November 2 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, November 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/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 around in your own turkey tail feathers. Reservations required by October 28.

HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCYThursday, November 5 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsCold weather is on its way. Do you want to improve your home’s energy use to make it more efficient, comfortable and cost effective? Learn how from an energy coach. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by November 2.

FALL WEENIE ROASTFriday, November 6 ∙ 6 –7:30 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $10/person Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesEnjoy an evening in nature singing and eating around a crackling fire. Make campfire popcorn and roast your own hot dog. Sweeten things up with s’mores, and wash it down with some hot apple cider. All supplies provided. Reservations required by November 3.

BIRD WALK: BROWN’S CHAPEL PARK & LAKE NEWPORTSunday, November 8 ∙ 7:30 –10:30 a.m.Free Brown’s Chapel - 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.Adults ∙ Leader: Jean Tatalias

RASCAL RACCOONSWednesday, November 11 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Make a raccoon mask and tail craft, then dress up like a raccoon to go in search of what a raccoon needs. Explore the forest to look for food, water and shelter that is just right for this furry, forest creature. Reservations required by November 8.

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECESFriday, November 20 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$20/centerpiece RA members $25/centerpiece Non-membersAll agesStart your holiday season with this festive workshop. Make a beautiful centerpiece with native materials and four simple napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table ($1 per additional ring). Enjoy mulled cider and seasonal treats as we work. All supplies provided. When making reservations, include the number of people and how many centerpieces you wish to make. Reservations required by November 17.

TURKEY TRAILSaturday, November 28 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesLet’s get moving after your big Thanksgiving meal. Sharpen your skills of logic as you follow the clues left from a “wild” turkey to see where they lead you. Discover more about these fascinating birds. Reservations required by November 23.

Fall Nature Discovery Series New—Here’s your chance to register for our seasonal Pre-K programs as a package.

Ages 3-5 years

Thursdays, September 10, October 13, November 12, December 171:30-2:30 p.m.

$28/child, RA or RCC members$36/child Non-members

Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. Introduce your child to the joys of nature. Each program in the 4-part series includes fun and educational activities such as short exploratory hikes, simple nature crafts and entertaining stories based around a different seasonal theme or featured animal. Parents/caregivers must supervise their children and assist with activities. The fee will be collected at the first program in the series.

Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reserve by: September 7.

Kids’ Corner

Word SearchFind and circle the words in the list below. Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

Pine Cone Treat for Wildlife

Celebrating Fall’s HarvestBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

In many places around the world, fall is a season of harvest. Farmers gather crops and store food to last through the winter. A good harvest means that people will have food to last them a long time. That is how holidays like Thanksgiving began. People celebrated and gave thanks for the food they were able to gather.

Though it looks different, we animals have our own sort of celebration in the fall. We gather up food to help us survive the winter. Some animals eat as much as they can before they go into a hibernation sleep. If we animals were to celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal like you humans, you would not find turkey, cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes at our table. Check out the menus from some of your favorite forest friends. This autumn, see if you can spot any animals enjoying their own harvest celebration.

Instructions:1. Place your pine cone on a surface that can get dirty. You may want to put newspaper down over a table or counter.

2. Use a table knife, spoon or plastic knife to spread the nut or seed butter over the pine cone.

3. Place bird seed in a bowl or dish that is big enough to hold your pine cone. Roll the pine cone in the seed until it is well coated.

4. Tie yarn around the pine cone. Hang the pine cone outside your home. If you hang it where you can see it, you can watch the wildlife enjoy their special treat.

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Earl the Squirrel’s Menu:-Red oak acorns-Hickory nuts-White oak acorns-Walnuts-Piles and piles of more acorns

Walker the Woodpecker’s Menu:-Carpenter ants-Termites-Berries-Suet from kind humans’ feeders

Myrtle the Turtle’s Menu:-Fish-Algae-Aquatic insects-Anything she can find in the lake before she has to hibernate

S J P G C T N I T Q A R H A N W F R R N Y G S I Y G A H C O K Y O Y R I E Z N P Q P L O I W P H N G V V V E Q Q W C R T S A H W R W Z I C I A G I N A Q K U A K E K G G Q Q D D W R G I H T R F N V H S F H P H B U H L D U F K I E I K P P J E C K S I L M X D U C F N M Z L A D W Q V I N N B Q E V A H E Y N G W A D X N L B C J R H C E I D I K F W G T D N C T S T J D G T B E H I G X K I O K Y W N V X L Y P T T N L U K Q B K K J W Y Z A B E R R I E S Z

ACORNAUTUMNBERRIES

CELEBRATIONCROPSHARVEST

THANKSGIVING

Sponsored by Friends of Reston. All proceeds benefit the nature center.

Native Spotlight: GOLDENRODSSolidago spp.By Sharon Gurtz

When I think of fall gardens, I think of new color bursting forth from wildflowers such as asters or goldenrods. These late-season bloomers will help sustain birds and the flourishing insect population with food as we move into the cooler months. Goldenrods will not make you sneeze!

Goldenrods happen to bloom about the same time as hay-fever sufferers begin their fall sneezing. They are guilty by association, blooming at the same time as the most common culprit–ragweed. Small wind-blown pollen is what affects allergy sufferers, not the larger pollen of goldenrods that require insects for pollination. Ragweed has leaves that are smooth but deeply divided into lobes–unlike goldenrod leaves, which are linear, oval or elliptical in shape with no lobes. Small heads of greenish-yellow flowers on ragweed are inconspicuous compared to the numerous striking yellow flowers of the goldenrods.

Golden GoldenrodsIf you picture waving displays of bright yellow flowers, you could be thinking of goldenrod. There are more than 50 species of goldenrods in North America, all blooming in late summer to fall. Goldenrods are often thought of as a meadow plant, but there are some species that are definitely garden-worthy. At the Walker Nature Center we have planted Rough-stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’). This variety is a fairly compact clump-former that does not spread by rhizomes as do the majority of the other species.

Bluestem (S. caesia) and Zig-Zag Goldenrod (S. flexicaulis) are two varieties that have small clusters of flowers at the leaf axils. Both species grow 1’ to 3’ tall. Blue-stemmed Goldenrod is one of the most shade-tolerant of the group and can be grown in part-sun or shade. Although both can be used in the garden they may spread via rhizomes, so be on the lookout in case it wants to outgrow its home.

Do you like the smell of anise or licorice? If so, you might like Sweet or Fragrant Goldenrod (S. ordera). Another garden favorite, Sweet Goldenrod, blooms a little earlier and is clump-forming, growing 2 to 4’ in partial shade. Leaves from this plant can be used to brew tea, and give off an anise or licorice scent when crushed.

Note: Although common in Reston, Canada Goldenrod (S. Canadensis) gets quite tall and is not recommended for the garden because of its rhizomatous spreading.

Beneficial BeautyYou can be assured of attracting butterflies, moths and an assortment of pollinators with a small patch of goldenrod gracing your garden. According to Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, goldenrods support more than 100 species of butterflies and moths in the Mid-Atlantic region. Many insect larvae feed on the foliage, while bees, wasps, flies and beetles are attracted to the nectar and pollen. If you allow the plants to go to seed, you may even see some winter bird visitors such as the American Goldfinch, Eastern Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco or Pine Siskin.

Don’t worry about sneezing. Add some late season color to your garden, and watch the show begin!

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Compost Your Food Waste at RA Garden PlotsBy Claudia Thompson-Deahl

After many requests, Reston Association is starting a pilot project to allow residents to drop off their food waste at all five of the RA garden plot compost bins.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency:• Food waste accounts for almost 15% of our solid waste. Composting saves landfill space and hauling expenses. • Use of compost builds enriched soils by increasing nutrient content and moisture retention. • Compost suppresses plant disease and pests, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes higher yields of agriculture crops.• Compost helps clean contaminated soil. It can bind heavy metals and prevent them from migrating to water resources or being absorbed by plants. • Compost prevents pollutants in stormwater runoff from reaching surface water resources.

In order for this program to be successful, residents should follow these guidelines:• Drop off kitchen food waste from your home.• Include fruit and vegetable scraps, plain pasta, rice, bread and crushed egg shells. • Include coffee grounds, filters and teabags with staples removed.• Do not include meat or dairy products which contain fats and oils. • Do not include yard waste.• Do not include animal waste.• Do not include plastic or compostable bags. • After depositing your food waste, cover it with some of the compost already in the bins. A shovel is provided.

Garden Plot LocationsHunters Woods I–off Reston Parkway at Hunters Woods Park by the Veterinarian’s officeHunters Woods II–off Reston Parkway by the back entrance to Hunters Woods PoolGolf Course Island–off North Shore Drive across the street from Links DriveLake Anne–off Wiehle Ave. near the Unitarian ChurchCedar Ridge–off Becontree Lane past Forest Edge Elementary School

Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat TrailYou’re invited to the best family friendly Halloween event this side of Transylvania — RAIN OR SHINE.

Walker Nature Center,11450 Glade Drive, Reston VA 20191 Gate opens 15 minutes prior to the event start time. Please park along Glade Drive or at Glade Pool, and bring a flashlight.

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.

This is NOT a horror show or a haunted house. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ticket price includes a Trick-or-Treat bag. Additional concessions (ex. 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.

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

Choose from one of four event times:

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 6-7:15 PM OR 7:30-8:45 PMSATURDAY, OCT. 24, 6-7:15 PM OR 7:30-8:45 PM

$10/PERSON (Adults and children who are 18 months or older must have a ticket.)

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 1 at 9 a.m. A $1.54/ticket service charge will be applied to all sales. All event times sell out on the first day. We highly

recommend that you purchase your tickets online on Oct. 1.

Buy your tickets online at www.eventbrite.com at the following links:

http://halloweenhousefri1.eventbrite.comhttp://halloweenhousefri2.eventbrite.comhttp://halloweenhousesat1.eventbrite.comhttp://halloweenhousesat2.eventbrite.com

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

8 Fall 15 Volume Seventeen