BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Native Plant Sale 2• Calendar of Events 4• Kid’s Corner 6

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

MARCH• Groundhogs emerge and mate.• Eastern Phoebes and Tree Swallows return.• Red-shouldered Hawks begin nesting.• Forsythia and Wood Violets bloom.

APRIL• American Toads lay eggs in ponds

and streams.• Virginia Bluebells, Mayapples and Woodland Phlox bloom.• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

return to Virginia.• Northern Cardinals begin nesting.

MAY• First Eastern Bluebird broods fledge.• Eastern Box Turtles lay eggs.• Wood Frogs mature from tadpoles.• Eastern Tiger Swallowtails emerge

from pupa.

Walker Nature Center

Spring 13 Volume Nineteen

Spring brings a rejuvenation of nature. Many mammals and birds have young during spring when food becomes more plentiful. Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates become more active as the season progresses. Outdoor recreation also increases and this raises the likelihood for human-wildlife interactions. Nature center staff members often receive phone calls about animals that appear abandoned or in need of assistance. However, moving these animals is rarely in their best interest and can make matters worse.

Deer day careFawns are one of the most called-about young animals in spring. For the first few weeks after birth, fawns lie down and remain still to avoid detection. Their spotted coat makes it easy for them to hide in the dappled light of the forest floor. Fawns have a very faint scent, which also makes them hard to detect. Stumbling upon one can be a confusing experience. Instead of the young deer fleeing, the fawn remains motionless though it is close enough to touch.

Please Don’t Move the AnimalsBy Ken Rosenthal

Instinct tells the fawn remaining still is its safest bet. A doe will leave its fawn to browse and return regularly throughout the day to nurse it. Unless it is apparent that something has happened to the mother, there is no need to rescue this fawn. It will lie there patiently, waiting for the doe to return. She will not return until the area is safe, waiting for potential predators (including humans) to leave. Checking back later typically reveals the fawn has left the area with its mother.

Leave the young for the parentsFawns are not the only young to cause concern among nature enthusiasts. Squirrels and raccoons nest in tree cavities, and their young often fall to the forest floor. The parents will return them to their nest. Again, this happens as long as humans are not standing too close.

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 May 27 Memorial Day

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.

Please Don’t Move the Animals continued from page 1

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The parents also relocate young to a new location if the nest is no longer safe. Rabbit nests are often exposed during yard work and

landscaping. Leaving the area for several hours allows the mother to relocate the young to new shelter.

Young birds that fall from their nest should not be scooped up and brought to an animal rehabber. These birds require feeding as often as every 2-3 hours,

and also need to learn to find food as an adult. These needs are best filled by the parent birds. If the nest is reachable, the bird can be placed back in it. A pervasive myth about nestlings is that the parents will smell human scent on a rescued nestling and refuse to care for it. The adults will feed the young bird wherever it falls, and they will feed it in the nest regardless of how it made its way back.

Turtles and chipmunks and snakes, oh my!In urban and suburban areas, much of nature still finds ways to survive. As a Tree City USA, Reston is no exception. Open spaces and backyards are homes to many different wildlife species. Often, well-meaning individuals come across box turtles crossing roads, snakes or chipmunks in their backyards, or baby animals in a park, and attempt to help them by moving them to what they feel will be a better or more wild location.

Moving wildlife can be harmful to the animal. It may try to return to its original location and be injured or killed during its journey. The new location may not have food, water or shelter in a form the animal can use. If these resources are present, the area may already be the territory of another individual that drives out this new intruder. If this new animal is carrying a disease, placing it in a new environment will aid in the spread of the disease.

While it can be difficult to see wildlife in apparent distress, relocation should be the last resort. Helping a box turtle to cross the road or returning a nestling to its nest can be helpful. But in most cases, what isn’t obvious is the nearby parent waiting for the area to be safe so they can take care of their young. Remember wildlife watching is best as a spectator sport.

Native Plant SaleWant to use more native plants in your landscape but have trouble finding them or you don’t like the prices once you do?

Pre-order some nature center favorites and enjoy the savings. Species include sun and shade loving wildflowers and ferns that do well in a variety of growing conditions and add value to your backyard habitat.

Orders must be placed by Friday, March 29 and picked up at the nature center on Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

See the plant list and prices on the order form available online at www.reston.org and at Nature House. Contact naturecenter@reston.org or call 703-476-9689 and press 3 for more information.

Please & Thank YouBy Katie Shaw

The ongoing 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.

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: adult binoculars, blender, handheld GPS units, and black oil sunflower seeds for feeders.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Julie and Charlie Bond, Friends of Reston, Peterson Development Companies, Walter Rossbach and The Sallie Mae Fund.

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Smar Abuagla, Carolyn Badila, Joanne & David Bauer, Susan Becker, Matt Bender, Diane Blust, Bill Brown, Teecie Brown, Carrie Bruns, Bill Burton, Greg Butcher, Anne Cannizaro, Patrick Cantwell, Ian Carmack, Sally Carter, Janet Cassidy, William Chantry, Nancy Davis, Nyla & Sybil Davis, Freya De Cola, Matt Depaso, Karen & Rick Elliott, John Eppler, Ginny Etter, June Ferrara, Cindy Foster, Liza Gold, Terry Goplerud, Margaret Grieshaber, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Yewond Hailemariam, Thom Hancuff, Andrea Hardy, Jyoti Jindal, John & Heidi Lankau, Doreen & Steve Larson, Catherine Linberg, John Lovaas, Kyle Moriarty, Casey Noll, Josh & Alix Nyden, Cynthia O’Connell, Barbara Paolucci, Ellen Perrins, Sheryl Pollock, Walter Rossbach, Alex Swan, Jo Tarrant, Rob Van Trees, Jenny Vick, Suzanne Zweizig

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Volunteers observed more than 2,700 birds of 56 species during the Winter Bird Count on January 5th.

RESTON’S ARBOR DAY

Reston is a Tree City USA as certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Join us as we: � Help plant native trees, plus a variety of shrubs, ferns

and wildflowers. � Learn about Reston’s trees and shrubs, including proper

planting and care. � Show our appreciation for trees.

Volunteers will be treated to a free pizza lunch.Contact Ha Brock at ha@reston.org or 703-435-7986 to sign up. Perfect for gardeners, seniors, scout groups and students.

CALLING VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES

No reservations required.

MARCH BIRD WALK: SNAKEDEN STREAM VALLEYSunday, March 17 ∙ 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. • FreeAdultsMeet at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive. We will walk down to the Snakeden Branch Stream Valley and head upstream to the west.Leader: Carolyn Williams

APRIL BIRD WALK: BROWN’S CHAPEL PARKSunday, April 7 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. • FreeBrown’s Chapel - 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.AdultsMeet in the parking lot by the ball field. Leader: Andy Rabin

LATE APRIL BIRD WALK: TWIN BRANCHES Nature AreaSunday, April 21 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. • FreeAdultsMeet at the corner of Twin Branches Road and Glade Drive.Leader: Matt Bender

EARLY MAY BIRD WALK: BRIGHT PONDSunday, May 5 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. • FreeAdultsMeet in the cul de sac on Bright Pond Lane. Leaders: Carol & Jay Hadlock

LATE MAY BIRD WALK: LOWER GLADE STREAM VALLEYSunday, May 26 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m. • FreeAdultsMeet at the corner of Glade Drive & Twin Branches. Leaders: Joanne & David Bauer

MONDAY, APRIL 15 9:30 A.M.-NOON (RAIN OR SHINE)TWO LOCATIONS: WALKER NATURE CENTER AND TWIN BRANCHES NATURE TRAIL.

Photo by Sheryl Pollock

BIRD WALKS

CALENDAR

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BRILLIANT BIRDSMonday, March 11 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Many birds migrate far away during the winter. They return with their most colorful feathers in spring. Make a colorful bird craft, see some pretty feathers up close and go on a short hike to see if we can find these beautiful birds in the trees. Reservations required by March 8.

ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANINGWednesday, March 20 ∙ 7 – 8 p.m.$5/person RA Members$8/person Non-membersWalker Nature Center - 11450 Glade Drive.AdultsLearn why it’s a good idea to reduce the use of harsh, sometimes toxic, cleansers in the home and how to make safe and environmentally friendly ones that are quick, easy and economical. Attendees are encouraged to purchase Clean House by Karen Logan and bring it to the workshop. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Guest Speaker: Diane Blust. Reservations required by March 17.

OWL PROWLFriday, March 22 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m.$5/person RA Members$8/person Non-membersAll agesMeet a wildlife rehabilitator from the Raptor Conservancy to view live owls of Virginia up close. Then prowl the trails along The Glade Stream Valley in search of our resident owls. Reservations required by March 19.

AprilAPRIL FOOL’S DAY FUNMonday, April 1 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5April Fools Day is always a silly day full of fun. Bring your best nature jokes to share and enjoy this wacky hike to see the funny side of nature. Reservations required by March 29.

MarchSTORYTIME FUN: TOADIE AND THE SNAKESaturday, March 2 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 8Listen to Reston author Ellice Stern read her new and delightful book, Toadie and the Snake. Hear what happened one night to the toad that lived around her home. Meet a live snake and make a toad abode. Copies of the book will be for sale at the book signing after the program. Reservations required by February 27.

DANCING WINDMonday, March 4 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, March 5 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsMarch is the windy month. Take a walk and feel the wind as it dances around you. Blow around like a gale and float like a breeze. Make a wind sock so you can always tell when the wind is on the move. Reservations required by February 28.

ORGANIC GARDENINGThursday, March 7 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$5/person RA or RCC Members$8/person Non-membersAdultsOrganic gardening uses landscape design and the environment to improve and maximize the health and the development of plants and soil without the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers. Learn about this mainstay method of sustainable gardening and bring your questions. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Guest Speakers: Fairfax County Master Gardeners Cathy Furlong and Kathy Frame. Reservations required by March 4.

AMPHIBIAN IDOLSaturday, March 9 ∙ 11 a.m. –Noon$5/person RA Members$8/person Non-membersAll agesFrogs and toads sing in the spring, but they are hoping to attract mates instead of recording contracts. Learn which songs belong to which amphibians and make noise as part of a frog chorus right here at the nature center. Reservations required by March 6.

AN EVENING WITH THE LORAXFriday, April 5 ∙ 6:30–8:30 p.m.Free, $5 suggested donationAll agesStep into the magical world of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. Watch the newest movie while surrounded by a colorful forest of trufulla trees. Explore a touch table of nature objects, make a trufulla tree to take home and learn how we can all be local Loraxes. There will be concessions for sale. Reservations required by April 2.

WONDERFUL SPRING WILDFLOWERSMonday, April 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, April 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsBefore the leaves appear on trees wildflowers bloom to enjoy the sun. Make a pretty flower craft to take home and take part in a scavenger hunt to find different colored wildflowers. Reservations required by April 5.

CONTAINER GARDENINGMonday, April 8 ∙ 1–2:30 p.m.$8/RA Member, $12/Non-memberSenior Adults (Age 55 and over)Have the perfect window sill or patio to enjoy a container garden? Learn which flowers and herbs grow best in containers and how to arrange them creatively. Listen to a presentation then plant a small container garden to take home. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577 for reservations. Reservations required by April 5.

EARTH DAY FUNSunday, April 21 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Celebrate Earth Day at the nature center. Play carnival-style games and build a tower out of recyclable materials. Make a paper-mache Earth and a grass head craft to take home. Have fun while learning what you can to do keep our planet green. Reservations required by April 17.

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 Center,11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

WILD EDIBLESSunday, April 28 ∙ 1–4 p.m. $5/person RA Members, $8/person Non-membersAdults All food does not have to come from the grocery store. Many naturally occurring plants can make a nutritious and tasty addition to your diet. Sample some “wild” dishes and take home some recipes. After a presentation that includes the ethics of collecting and how good foraging starts at home, hike the trails in search of edible plants and harvest your own garlic mustard. Guest Speaker: Lori Thomas. Reservations required by April 25.

MayMAY MIGRATIONSaturday, May 11 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$5/person RA Members$8/person Non-membersAll agesCelebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Learn about the life cycles of migratory birds and examine nests, feathers and eggs. Hike along The Glade Stream Valley in search of some local migrants. Learn what you can do to help our migratory friends. Reservations required by May 8.

SLIMY SALAMANDERSMonday, May 13 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, May 14 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsSalamanders look like lizards, but they are actually amphibians with moist skin. Get your hands messy while learning how this slimy skin protects them. Go on a short hike to discover where salamanders live and what they eat. Reservations required by May 8.

WINE TASTINGFriday, May 17 ∙ 4–6 p.m.$9/person RA Members$13/person Non-membersSenior Adults, 55 years and olderEnjoy an evening of wine tasting in a beautiful setting. Sample red and white wines along with a variety of cheese and crackers. Take a tour of the gardens and the ADA accessible trail. Look for spring wildflowers as well as birds and insects that are sampling their own sweet ambrosia. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577 for reservations. Reservations required by May 14. RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPSaturday, May 18 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.$55 per barrel (Limit 2 per household)AdultsRain barrels are 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 recycle a black pickle barrel into a rain barrel for your home. Participants must register and submit payment online at www.arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel.php. In partnership with Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Reservations required by May 13.

HOW TO MAKE A SOLAR OVENSunday, May 19 ∙ 1–4 p.m.$5/person RA Members$8/person Non-membersAges 10 through adultSolar ovens use sunlight to slow cook or warm foods without the aid of electricity or other fuel sources. While primarily used in regions where no fuel is available or where there are serious threats of fire, they can also be used to sterilize water and be helpful on camping trips. Build an oven and receive a simple recipe. All supplies provided. Guest Speaker: Diane Blust. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by May 16.

DARING DRAGONFLIESWednesday, May 22 ∙ 1 - 2 p.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Dragonflies are fierce aerial predators, catching other flying insects as their prey. See how a dragonfly sees, using its large eyes to find food. Make your own dragonfly to take home. View dragonflies in action at the pond by the nature center. Reservations required by May 17.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT BY FIRELIGHTFriday, May 24 ∙ 7:30 - 9 p.m.$5/child RA Members$8/child Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesCome down to the campfire to learn about animals of the night. Why do coyotes howl? How do owls hunt at night? Why is the opossum’s tail bare? How can you find spiders at night? Hear stories, sing songs and enjoy a toasted snack. Reservations required by May 21.

TOUR THE SOLAR SYSTEMThursday, May 30 ∙ 7 - 8 p.m.$4/child RA Members$6/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Earth feeling too crowded? Thinking of moving to a new planet? Compare weather conditions, size and the length of years and days of all the planets in the solar system (even Pluto). Get all the information you need to select your new planet without leaving the safety of Earth. Reservations required by May 27.

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SPRING BIRTHDAYSBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

Spring is the time of year when we say goodbye to really cold temperatures and prepare for the warmth of summer. It is also the time of year when trees begin to grow new leaves and pretty wildflowers show off their colorful blooms. For many of us animals, spring is the time of year when we start to welcome babies into the world.

Human babies are born all through the year. It seems like in each month there is someone’s birthday you could be celebrating. But for wild animals, we need to have our babies when there is plenty of food and it isn’t too cold. Spring and summer are

the perfect times for doing that. Our babies can feed on lots of fresh plants and grow big and strong before the winter

comes around. By having babies certain times of year, we make sure they have the best chance of survival.

This spring, watch for birds building nests and young animals following after their mothers. Maybe you could celebrate one of our birthdays while the

time is right.

Kid’s Corner

NEST CRAFTMATERIALS

BABY ANIMAL MATCHMatch the name of a baby animal in the left column with the type of animal in the right column.

DIRECTIONS1. Gather some natural items from your yard to use in building a nest. Think about what a bird might use. Be sure to get permission to gather and only take things off the ground. You could also use things from a craft store like Spanish moss.2. Take some clay and press it into the paper bowl until it covers most of the bottom and sides.3. Add the natural materials to the nest. Push them into the clay so that they stay in place. Use more clay if needed.4. Roll some clay into egg shapes and set them into the nest. You could also use plastic eggs.

Clay (or craft dough)Plastic eggs (optional)

Natural materials (Spanish moss, sticks, leaves, etc.)Paper bowl

1. Chick A. Fish

2. Pup (or Whelp) B. Deer

3. Tadpole C. Bird

4. Fawn D. Frog

5. Fry E. Coyote

Answers: 1. C, 2. E, 3. D, 4. B, 5. A

Check your answers at the bottom of the page.

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Native Spotlight: CORAL HONEYSUCKLE(Lonicera sempervirens)By Sharon Gurtz

Looking for a climbing vine for a fence or trellis, or a ground cover for a difficult steep slope? Coral Honeysuckle (also referred to as Trumpet Honeysuckle) is a native, semi-evergreen, woody vine that is neither invasive nor aggressive like Japanese Honeysuckle or Trumpet Creeper. It will add color and wildlife benefit to your garden.

Creeping colorCoral Honeysuckle has clusters of 2-4 inches long, tubular coral blooms. It has attractive glossy-green leaves with the upper two fused (unlike Japanese Honeysuckle). It flowers from April–October, often blooming the most in spring and intermittently thereafter. Red berries are present from August to March. This plant will grow in a variety of conditions but does best in rich, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. It will grow in partial to full sun with best flower production when planted in full sun.

This honeysuckle is a low-maintenance plant that is drought tolerant once established. Adequate light, air circulation and drainage will prevent powdery mildew. Stems can grow to 15–20 feet long so occasional pruning may be necessary and can be done after flowering. Extensive pruning of established plants can be done by removing old shoots at the base to promote new growth.

Wildlife magnetFlowers of this plant attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. The nectar is a favorite of Pipevine Swallowtails and Silver Spotted Skippers. The plant is an important host plant for some beautiful moths and butterflies, including the Spring Azure, Alternate Woodling and Hummingbird Clearwing, which lay their eggs on its leaves. The red fruit, present from late summer through winter, attracts Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush and American Robins.

If you avoid Japanese Honeysuckle and choose this beautiful native, you can have a very manageable vine that will give you joy from its color and the wildlife it attracts.

Sources: The Wildlife Garden by Charlotte Seidenberg and www.wildflower.org

Kid’s Corner

Join Reston’s Garlic Mustard Challenge By Claudia Thompson-Deahl

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a rapidly spreading invasive weed that overtakes native plants. It spreads into all kinds of habitats from moist to dry, including roadsides, floodplains, forest edges and even deep into the forest. It can carpet much of the forest floor. Its spread appears to be aided by deer that prefer to eat native wildflowers and leave Garlic Mustard untouched. It has a two year life cycle and is known to secrete damaging chemicals that alter soil chemistry. These allopathic chemicals inhibit the growth of native plants, including trees. Garlic mustard also appears to be toxic to butterfly eggs.

HOW CAN IT BE REMOVED?Garlic mustard has shallow roots, so it is easily hand-pulled. The best time to remove it is in the early spring before each of the plants produces thousands of tiny seeds. All plant debris should be bagged and removed to make sure no roots or seeds are left at the site.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?This spring, we need your help to remove as much Garlic Mustard from Reston as possible. The plant is easy to spot and remove at this time of the year. All ages and abilities can help with the pulling and then report to RA how many pounds were removed as part of this fun competition. One easy way to get the weight is to weigh yourself on a scale with and without the bagged plants, then subtract the two numbers to determine the weight of the plants.

We will have 3 categories: individual, small group (2-10 people) and large group (over 10 people). Prizes will be awarded for each category. For more information on how to join the challenge or to report the weight of what you have removed, e-mail jtruong@reston.org or call 703-435-6552. The winners will be announced at the nature center’s Spring Festival on May 4th. You can also bring bagged Garlic Mustard to the festival for weighing and disposal.

If you would like to join a group, we will be pulling Garlic Mustard at the following Habitat Heroes events. Long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes and gloves are recommended because there is some poison ivy at these sites.

Old Trail Drive Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.–Noon Meet along Glade Drive between Old Trail Drive and Generation Drive.

Wainwright Natural Area, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.–Noon Meet at Wainwright Drive near the recreational field.

Lake Anne Elementary School, Saturday, May 4, 9:00 a.m.–Noon Meet at the school sign. Park along North Shore Drive. We will work along the path behind the school.

Trumpet HoneysucklePhoto by: David J. MoorheadOrganization: University of Georgia

ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS AT NATURE HOUSE Free, $5 suggested donation Adults only

THE 11TH HOURFriday, March 15 ∙ 7-9 p.m.

COOL IT!Friday, April 26 ∙ 7-9 p.m.

DIRTY BUSINESSFriday, May 31 ∙ 7-9 p.m.

Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston and Friends of Reston

10TH ANNUAL

5K Fund Run & WalkTo Benefit Nature HouseSaturday, April 20 • 8 a.m.Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive

ADULT FEE: $25 (prior to April 1), $30 (regular)CHILDREN’S FEE: $15 (prior to April 1), $20 (regular)Register at www.active.com or in person starting at 7 a.m. on race day.

This Earth Day weekend, get into nature on one of the most scenic courses in the area and help us celebrate the tenth anniversary of this popular event. There will be lots of prizes, music and refreshments following the race.

LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Nature House is the home of environmental education in Reston. Funds raised will support new green building enhancements, educational displays and exhibits.

Funds go to Friends of Reston, the 501(c)3 organization which led the capital campaign to create Nature House, now in its third year of operation. Donations above and beyond the race entry fees are tax deductible.

Volunteers needed. Contact habrock@reston.org or call 703-435-7986.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

All ages invitedFree Event

Entertainment Live Animals

Fishing ActivitiesCraft Making for Kids

Displays and Information from Environmental GroupsCanoe and Kayak Rentals on Lake Audubon ($3)

New this year–celebrate the culmination of the first ever Garlic Mustard Challenge in Reston. Learn all about this invasive exotic plant through fun activities, including a

drop-off station for bags of pulled garlic mustard.

Volunteers needed. Contact habrock@reston.org or call 703-435-7986.

Entertainment Sponsor: Reston Community CenterSee www.reston.org for event updates.This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of Chris Walker.

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