Winter 15 Volume Eighteen

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

DECEMBER• Starlings form flocks.• Waterfowl populations peak.• Woodchucks hibernate.• Fur bearers have winter coats.

JANUARY• Great Horned Owls begin breeding.• White-tailed Deer shed antlers.• Red Fox search for mates.• Robin flocks are dining on American Holly berries.

FEBRUARY• Striped Skunks breed.• Daffodils and crocuses begin to

bloom.• Chipmunks emerge from winter

dens and breed.• Spring Peepers begin to call.

From Weeds to WreathsBy Idalina Walker

BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Calendar of events 4• Kids’ Corner 6• Meet the Staff 7

Walker Nature Center

The next few months are the perfect time to celebrate the ever-changing beauty of the natural world as we gather with our loved ones on crisp winter days and star filled nights. Biodiversity is one element which can enhance the aesthetics of a landscape while improving habitat for the wild things which rely on it. In Reston, we are particularly aware of the need to control or remove invasive species that are a major threat to the biodiversity of our natural areas. Give a gift to nature by helping us target four invasives known for their ornamental qualities but also their negative repercussions on our forests.

Winter is a great time of year to identify and tackle the removal of invasive vines, and while doing so harvest clippings to serve as natural winter decor. Join the work of good land stewards and exercise your artistic side at the same time. Combining your love of nature and a dash of creativity can produce some exciting decor to enjoy in the coming months. Once your designs have lost their luster, they should be put in the trash or yard waste bags for your hauler so that they do not get reintroduced to the landscape. Composting invasive plants at home is not recommended.

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Bittersweet

Wisteria Honeysuckle

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.CLOSEDNov. 26 Thanksgiving DayNov. 27 Day After ThanksgivingDec. 24-25 ChristmasDec. 31-Jan. 1 New YearsJan. 18 MLK DayFeb. 15 Presidents Day

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

@restonnatureGroups: 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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From Weeds to Wreaths Continued from page 1

Four Target SpeciesOriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a climbing, woody

perennial vine. Initially grown as an ornamental, it has spread quickly through the region where its aggressive nature smothers trees, shrubs

and other vegetation. Oriental Bittersweet is also displacing our native American Bittersweet through competition and hybridization.

The leaves are alternate and glossy. The female plants produce clusters of small greenish flowers. In fall, red berries with yellow fruit capsules spread along the stems. These bright fruits make this plant extremely popular in floral arrangements.

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an evergreen woody vine that can grow to be 80 feet in length. The leaves are opposite and elliptically shaped. The tan colored vine may reach a thickness of 2 inches in diameter. From April to August, this vine is known for its fragrant, white or pale yellow, tubular flowers. Round, black, glossy berries mature from June to March.

Chinese (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese (Wisteria floribunda) Wisteria are deciduous, climbing, woody vines that may grow up to 70 feet in length. Chinese and Japanese plants have alternate, compound leaves, but they differ in the number of leaflets—Chinese have 7-13, and Japanese have 13-19. The dark gray vine has many white dots and may reach a width of 10 inches in diameter. Wisteria is known for its lavender to violet flower clusters measuring 4-20 inches, and its flattened seed pods that are 2.5-6 inches long.

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen perennial vine. Once used as a popular ground cover, it is now on the banned list of plants in Reston due to its damaging effects on trees, and its ability to cover everything in its path with a blanket of green, known as an “ivy desert”. English Ivy is actually a poor erosion preventer because it does not have an extensive root system to prevent soil from being washed away. However, these thick mats of ivy are known to harbor Asian Tiger Mosquitoes. Pulling ivy in the winter months eliminates the risk of mosquito bites, snake encounters and yellow jacket stings.

From Trash to TreasureAs you help stop the spread of these invasives by pulling, unraveling and cutting them from your native trees and shrubs, bring some inside to add a festive look to your home. Ivy makes a lovely centerpiece when twined around a pumpkin or when its leaves are used for lining a bowl.

Just like grapevines, Honeysuckle and Wisteria vines can be turned into lovely natural wreaths. Starting with one end of a long, fresh cut vine, make a circle the desired size of your wreath.

Photographer: Chris EvansOrganization: Illinois Wildlife Action Plan

Country: United Stateshttp://www.forestryimages.org

Reston’s Official Bird The Pileated Woodpecker by Dana Ann ScheurerLimited Edition Prints Now Available, $125

The original watercolor, commissioned by Friends of Reston, and created by the Reston artist, Dana Ann Scheurer, is part of the permanent collection at the Walker Nature Center. Exclusive limited edition iris giclee prints are available. Scheurer’s works are highly recognizable, including a mural of Reston’s founder, Robert E. Simon at the Reston Town Center.

All proceeds benefit Friends of Reston, dedicated to helping Reston Association bring charitable, scientific and educational projects to the community.

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Without cutting the vine, weave the rest of it in and out of the circle multiple times as you rotate the wreath. Soon you will have a beautiful wreath to leave natural or decorate with seasonal items.

Bringing it homeThis winter, take some time to identify and reduce some of the invasive species on your property or help a friend or neighbor on their property. Please keep in mind that residents are not allowed to remove any plants from RA property without prior approval from our Environmental Resource staff. By using these invasives as decorations, we can not only become educated about their deceiving nature but utilize them to beautify our homes.

Further instructions on making natural wreaths and other DIY crafts can be found on our Walker Nature Center Pinterest and Facebook pages. There will also be a wreath workshop on December 5th.

Please and Thank YouBy Katie Shaw, Manager

We are grateful for all of the individuals and organizations who continue to support 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: natural/unscented pine cones; plant and animal stickers, The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Ed., blender, office folding machine, and sunflower seeds/suet cakes 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 or donate online using the PayPal link at www.friendsofreston.org. Include a note at check out that your donation is for the nature center. You will receive a letter for tax purposes.

Donors: Cindy Beyer, Charlie & Julie Bond, Frying Pan Farm Park, Reston Garden Club, David Shaw, Whitehall Farm, Virginia Groundcovers

Volunteers: Mercy Agrait; Ian & Tawanna Allum; Milka Asgedom; Dennis Backhaus; Loren Bachman; Anosha & Shanzay Baig; Matt Bender; David Blood; Julie, Charlie & Ben Bond; Andrew Borowski; Bill Brown; Jonathan Brown; Lauren Budik; Anne Cannizzaro; Rita Carpenter; Robin Carroll; Deb Chase; Donna Daum; Tor Davidsen; Freya De Cola; Andrew Cook; Marilyn Dicke; June Ferrara; Brenda Frank; Katie Goodwin; Janine Greenwood; Laura Gruetzner; Laura Gwynn; Haruko Habour; Iman & Jocelyn Hadji ; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Chikako Harbour; Jazmin Harris; Brett Harshberger; Kylie Horst; Arfa Iftikhar; Leanna Kirland; Padma Kolla; Diane & Savanah Lagana; Erica Lam; Pat Lenz; Paulette Lincoln-Baker; Paige Linkins; John Lovaas; Caitlin Lundquist; Sharon Mattingly; Miguel Mazumder; Grace McCarthy; Sharon McHugh; Ilene McNeal; Lesly Mejia; Jason Montoya; Bob Mowbray; Becky, Tanja & Valerie Nelson; Jessica Nguyen; Molly O’Boyle; Joselle Ocampo; Peggy O’Dowd; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Mireya Pasa; Ridge Pearson; Ellen Perrins; Sheryl Pollock; Hajra Qazi; Jessica Reese; Greg Reinfeld; Ashley & Ryan Rodriguez; Kasey Rosen; Samantha Sadiv; Jorge Salvatierra; Lesley Sanchez; Ankur Sarin; Kylie Saxman; Dana Scheurer; Calvin, Elisha & Latanya Shannon; Elizabeth Shauger; Michelle Shea; Andrew & Mary Shedlock; Jacklyn Shen; JC Sipher; Ronald & Susan Smith; Claire, Isreal & Roman Suttles; Jean Tatalias; Anne Taylor; Caroline Toth; Vivian Tran; Lylon Sanchez Valido; Dominic Vallen; Brenda Van Doorn; Julia Walker; Verna Webb; Nancy Willis; Danielle Wilson; Michelle Yee; Dan Yue

GIVE A GIFT TO THE NATURE CENTER Check out our Amazon.com wish list. Under “Wish List”; select

“Find a Wish List or Registry”. Type “Walker Nature Center” into the name field. Purchase an item on the spot and have it shipped directly to us as a gift, so we will know who to thank–unless you’d like us to think it came from Santa.

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WINTER WOODPECKERSWednesday, December 16 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Woodpeckers love to search the trees for food, even during winter. Learn about Reston’s Official Bird, the Pileated Woodpecker and all of its woodpecker friends. Take a short hike to look for their homes and make a fun bird craft. Reservations required by December 13.

PUPPET SHOW: A WILD WINTER BREAKWednesday, December 30 ∙ 10–10:45 a.m.Or 11:15 a.m.–Noon $6/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-membersAges 5 to 12Enjoy a creative puppet show about how the animals at the nature center are spending their winter break. Create an animal puppet of your own to take home. Reservations required by December 27.

JanuaryWINTER BIRD COUNTSaturday, January 2 ∙ 7 a.m.–NoonFreeAdultsJoin us for a half-day annual bird count throughout Reston’s natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping obtain important information about our feathered friends. Volunteers are invited to enjoy a free lunch, tally results and swap stories back at Nature House following the count from Noon–12:30 p.m. Reservations required by December 30.

MOON WALKFriday, January 8 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesJoin us for a moonlit walk through the forest. Find out how the moon moves, what happens during the phases of the moon, and how the moon affects life on Earth. Hear strange legends and lore about the moon. Finish the evening with a warm drink and a moon pie. Reservations required by January 5.

DecemberWINTER WREATHSSaturday, December 5 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noonor 1–2:30 p.m.$20/wreath RA members ∙ $25/wreath Non-membersAll agesGet started on your holiday decorating by making festive wreaths for your home. Listen to seasonal music and enjoy mulled cider and cookies. All supplies provided. When making reservations, please include the number of people in your party and how many wreaths you would like to make. Reservations required by December 2.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSESunday, December 6 ∙ 1–3 p.m.See ad on back page.

WINTER GREENSMonday, December 7 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or Tuesday, December 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsEvergreen plants add color to the winter woods. Go on a walk to look for pines, hollies and evergreen ferns. Learn why these plants are important to animals. Smell the scent of pine and make some evergreen crafts. Reservations required by December 3.

CANDLE MAKINGFriday, December 11 ∙ 6:30–7:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Bring a little glow to your winter. Learn where wax comes from and discover how candles are made. Dip a pair of candles and decorate a pillar candle with natural materials. Keep your candles for yourself or give them away as gifts. There will be music and refreshments while we work. All supplies provided. Reservations required by December 8.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDSSaturday, December 12 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.$10/person RA members ∙ $15/person Non-membersAdultsEnjoy a winter morning of birding at the nature center. Search for year-round residents and winter specialties like Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, White-throated Sparrows and Brown Creepers. Then, warm up with a hot breakfast at Nature House. Reserva-tions required by December 9.

WHO GOES THERE?Monday, January 11 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or Tuesday, January 12 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsTracks tell us when animals are nearby, even if the ani-mals are long gone. Listen to a story, take a short hike in search of tracks along the trail, and make a track craft to take home. Reservations required by January 8.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOWSaturday, January 16 ∙ 10:30–11:30 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5People and animals make footprints everywhere they go. Compare your footprint to that of a fox, rabbit or squirrel. Read a story, make a stamping craft, and weather permitting, look for animal tracks and leave some footprints of your own. Reservations required by January 13.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: ANTARCTIC EDGE 70° SOUTHFriday, January 22, 7–9 p.m.Free, $5 suggested donationAdultsA thrilling journey to the world’s most perilous environment–follow a team of world-class scientists as they explore the West Antarctic Peninsula. See the stunning landscapes and seascapes of Earth’s southern polar region. While navigating through 60-foot waves and dangerous icebergs, the film tracks the team as they make land on Charcot Island to study the Adelie Penguin, considered one of the greatest indicator species of climate change. Co-sponsored by Friends of Reston. Reservations requested by January 19.

CREATURES OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAYSunday, January 24 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. Or 3–4 p.m.$8/person RA members ∙ $12/person Non-membersAll agesReston is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Join a marine biologist from Under the Sea to meet and touch live creatures native to the bay such as a horseshoe crab, a flounder and an American eel. Learn about bay ecology and how the way we treat water at home affects the water quality and wildlife found in the bay. Under the Sea specializes in lively programs and has presented at the Smithsonian Discovery Theater and the National Theater. Reservations required by January 21.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: BAG ITFriday, February 26, 7–9 p.m.Free, $5 suggested donationAdultsTry going a day without plastic. This touching and often flat-out-funny film follows “everyman” Jeb Berrier as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans and bodies. See how our crazy-for-plastic world has caught up to us and what we can do about it. Co-sponsored by Friends of Reston. Reservations requested by February 23.

RAPTOR EXPLORATIONSaturday, February 27 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$6/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesMeet a wildlife rehabilitator from the Raptor Conservancy and see some live raptors up close. Then go for a walk to see old raptor nest sites and learn where and what to look for as evidence of new nest activity. Reservations required by February 24.

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.

VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITYMondays, January 25– February 22 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$35/ person RA members$45/ person Non-membersAdultsJoin this five-session discussion course to identify adjustments that can be made in daily living that are positive responses to today’s complex dilemmas. Learn to embrace, partially or totally, the tenets of frugal consumption, ecological awareness and personal growth. Explore the distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth, and acknowledge the connection between our lifestyle choices and the condition of the planet. Participants 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 and pick them up approximately one week before the first session. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by January 11.

FebruaryWARM AND FUZZIESMonday, February 1 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or Tuesday, February 2 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsCome snuggle in on a chilly morning and learn about the animals that have spent the winter hibernating in our woods. Read a story about our fuzzy friends and enjoy a snack of cookies and milk. Make a lovable craft to bring home with you. Reservations required by January 28.

LOVELY NATUREWednesday, February 10 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Love is in the air. Celebrate the love with fun themed games, crafts and stories. Take home a Valentine for a special friend or animal. Reservations required by February 5.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUTFriday, February 12 ∙ 7–9:30 p.m.$15/child RA members ∙ $20/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Parents, get a headstart on your Valentine’s Day celebration while your children have a fun-filled night at the nature center. Kids: Play nature games and go on a night hike (weather permitting). Design a special clay Valentine and make a red treat. Finish the night watching classic cartoons, starring our favorite animal characters. Drop off begins at 6:45 p.m. Reservations required by February 9.

FEBRUARY BIRD WALK: RESTON’S LAKES - WATERFOWL TOURSunday, February 21 ∙ 8 –11 a.m.FreeLake Newport - Park near the tennis courts 11452 Baron Cameron AvenueAdultsMeet at Lake Newport and then caravan to the other Reston lakes.

DIY BIRD FEEDERSSunday, February 21 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesFebruary is National Bird Feeding Month. Have you and your family enjoyed watching birds outside your windows this winter? This is the perfect opportunity to bring them home a tasty treat. Make a colorful and creative, biodegradable bird feeder that your avian neighbors will appreciate during these last weeks of winter. Reservations required by February 17.

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Kids’ Corner

Winter CrosswordKeep your mind sharp by figuring out the clues to this crossword puzzle.

Stay ActiveBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

Brrrr! There is a chill in the air. On the coldest winter days, you may be like me and want to stay huddled inside your drey or a nice warm tree hole, but maybe you humans have something called a bedroom? While that can be nice for a short time, it is very important for animals like us to stay active and move around. Activity helps our bodies produce heat and keeps us feeling warmer. It also keeps our muscles and bones strong. To make sure we all stay healthy this winter, here are some things to do to keep your mind and body active during the coldest time of year:

• Go for a winter hike. It is the best time of year to be able to see birds and other animals up in the trees when they have no leaves.• Look for footprints. After it snows, see how many different types of animal prints you can find.• Do a habitat scavenger hunt. Look for as many types of animals homes that you can find.• Put together a puzzle or make one of your own.• Turn off your “screen” devices and watch out your window instead. Make a list or draw pictures of all you see.

Down1. Animals like bats and groundhogs sleep, or ______ through the winter.2. A woodpecker sleeps in a ____ in a tree that it makes for itself.6. Water that drips off a roof or branch and freezes can form long _______.

DIY Puzzle1. Draw a picture on one side of the paperboard. Try to add as much color as possible.

2. Use scissors to cut the paperboard into pieces that are about 1-2 inches wide. You may need to ask an adult to help cut through the thick paperboard.

3. Mix up the pieces and then try putting your puzzle back together. Give it to someone else to try.

MaterialsSquare of paperboard (like one side of a cereal box or the insert from a new wall calendar)Markers, crayons or colored pencilsScissors

6 Answers:Across: 3. Acorn 4. Cold 5. Active 7. Drey; Down: 1. Hibernate 2. Hole 6. Icicles

Across3. One of Earl the Squirrel’s favorite foods.4. In winter the temperatures are not hot

but ______.5. Animals that do not hibernate need

to stay ______ in the winter to keep warm.7. Earl’s home in a tree is called a _____.

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

Native Spotlight: PARTRIDGEBERRY(Mitchella repens)By Sharon Gurtz

A Partridge . . . But Not in a Pear TreeUnlike the partridge referenced in the old English carol heard this time of year, this partridge does not rise with a flush from the ground or roost in a tree. Partridgeberry makes its home on the forest floor often unnoticed by those passing by. It moves only by spreading its lateral stems ever so slowly across the forest floor.

Name OriginHow did this plant get its common name? That is where the partridge comes in. The Partridge is a bird that forages on the berries of Partridgeberry. There are two partridges introduced from Europe to the United States (upper Midwest and western states) as game birds, the English or Hungarian Partridge (Gray Partridge) and the Chukar Partridge. In Virginia, a native bird that is sometimes called a partridge is the Ruffed Grouse. It is considered a game bird in the western parts of the state. Historically, in the mid-1800s, grouse were found around Washington, DC. By the 1920s, they had mostly vanished from the Coastal Plain in Virginia and Maryland because of the clearing of land for farming. The last sightings in Reston were in the 1980s prior to the construction of Reston Town Center and the homes in the North point District.

Partridgeberry is a delightful native plant that hugs the ground in woodlands of the Eastern United States, It has perennial leaves that are small (1/2”), opposite, and bright green with a pale midrib. Flowers typically form in pairs and are tiny, trumpet-shaped and pinkish-white blooming in

Virginia in early summer. Bumblebees often pollinate these plants. The ovaries of the twin flowers fuse, resulting in one

scarlet berry maturing in the fall and often retained through winter. Berries have two dark dimples that mark where the flowers

joined and are sometimes said to have a double belly-button.

Other animals that forage on the berries during the lean hard winters include Bobwhite Quail, Red

Fox, Skunk, White-footed Mice and sometimes White-tailed Deer. The berries can be eaten by humans but are fairly tasteless and contain up to 8 seeds each. Native Americans used the leaves and berries to make tea that was given to women to aid in childbirth. The plant is still used today in herbal medicine for similar purposes.

Partridgeberry can make a nice ground cover in shade or part-shade, and is sometimes used in terrariums, but is difficult to find commercially. A few nurseries and garden centers do offer it for shipment.

Winter-hardy native plants that remain green are a glorious sight – especially on the ground surrounded by a light dusting of snow. It may not be the showiest or most noticeable plant, but that does not diminish its attractiveness. Go on a search this winter for a “partridge” on our forest floor, and take home a memory (and pictures only.)

Photo by: The Dow Gardens ArchiveOrganization: Dow GardensCountry: United Stateshttp://www.forestryimages.org

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MEET THE STAFF

I’m Idalina Walker the newest Naturalist at the Nature Center. I came here by way of Natural Tunnel State Park in far Southwest Virginia where I worked as an Interpretive Ranger for three years. I provided a wide variety of environmental education programs for local schools and park visitors and enjoyed leading outdoor recreation expeditions such as caving, guided hikes, kayaking, canoeing and snorkeling the diverse Clinch River.

I am from Floyd County on the Blue Ridge Plateau where my family has a small farm. I grew up riding horses, caring for pigs, chickens and dairy cows; and enjoying good food from our kitchen garden. Country living made a game of learning to read the landscape, name the trees and understand natural features–not surprising for the granddaughter of Vernon and Elfriede Walker.

Sports were an important part of my high school career, and I soon had to choose between competitive horsemanship, track and field, or volleyball. I was approached to play volleyball for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and fell into the study of Geology, which led to a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science. While attending Wise, I served as a freshman mentor, and a research analyst at NASA DEVELOP.

As a child I enjoyed spending summers with my grandmother in Reston. I have fond memories of RA Camps, riding my bike on the trails, and splashing in the fountain at Lake Anne. I am excited to create new memories in Reston, and I hope to see you out at the Nature Center in the coming months.

Editor’s Note: The Walker Nature Center is named after Vernon J. Walker, Reston’s first Nature Center and Open Space Director.

HolidayOpen

HouseSunday, December 6,

1-3 p.m.Bring your family, bring a friend for…

Free refreshments

Music by pianist Ginny Carr of MSE Productions

Ornament making with natural materials

Meet the Artist: Dana Scheurer (Pileated Woodpecker prints for sale)

Book Signing by Don Chernoff Wild Washington

Handmade shopping bags free from VA Green Baggers

Photo opps with Walker the Woodpecker and Myrtle the Turtle

There will be a special sing-a-long at 2:30 p.m. to show

our holiday spirit.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

8 Winter 15 Volume Eighteen