Spring 15 Volume Seventeen

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

MARCH• Groundhogs emerge and mate.• First bats emerge from hibernation.• Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs

are calling.• Spotted Salamanders lay eggs in

vernal pools.

APRIL• Eastern Bluebirds are nesting.• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

return.• American Toads lay eggs in ponds

and streams.• Magnolia, Serviceberry and

Cherry Trees bloom.

MAY• White-tailed Deer are born.• Wood Frogs mature from tadpoles.• Mayapple, Wood Poppy and Jack-in-the-Pulpit bloom.

Salamanders: Climate Change HeroesBy Ken Rosenthal

BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Calendar of Events 4• Kids’ Corner 6• Spring Festival 8

Walker Nature Center

Salamanders are amphibians, closely related to frogs and toads. They are also outnumbered by frogs and toads, as less than 10% of all amphibian species are salamanders. Resembling lizards, salamanders differ by having smooth, moist skin instead of scales, lacking claws on their toes and having no external ear opening. North America is one of the best places in the world to find salamanders, as one-third of known species live here. Virginia, with its diverse habitats, is host to more than 50 species.

Vacuum of the Forest FloorWoodland salamanders, many less than 6 inches in length, are important components of eastern forest ecosystems. Their main prey is small invertebrates, including termites, ants, beetles, springtails, and the larvae of flies and beetles. Many of these invertebrates are shredders, organisms that rip leaves into smaller pieces before consuming them.

Shredding releases carbon and methane into the atmosphere.

When salamanders eat shredders, they reduce the amount of carbon released

into the atmosphere. With more leaf litter left on the forest floor, especially in humid or wet

conditions, the area under the leaves will become anaerobic (lack oxygen) and preserve the carbon

until it can be absorbed by the soil. This absorptive process, called humification,

sequesters carbon in the soil which reduces the amount of carbon in

the atmosphere.

About 70% of salamander species are “lungless salamanders.”

Species in this family breathe through their skin. This type of respiration requires less

energy compared to breathing with lungs. As a result, these

salamanders can be very small and utilize food sources that would

have insignificant nutritive value to larger animals. Large amounts of the carbon, nitrogen and other nutrients obtained from prey are stored in

their tissues, or even passed on to their offspring.

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.Closed May 25 Memorial Day

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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Salamanders: Climate Change Heroes Continued from page 1

Reston’s SalamandersOne of these shredder-eating, beneficial species is the Red-backed

Salamander. This species is commonly found in the forests under logs, rocks and leaf litter. They hunt for termites, their preferred prey, in small territories

they defend from other salamanders. Unlike most other salamanders, they lay their eggs under rocks or logs, where the females stay with them. Leaving

downed trees on Reston Association open space and in your yard improves the habitat for salamanders. Fallen trees provide food for their prey, plus shelter and hunting space for the salamander.

Also found in Reston, Spotted Salamanders are “mole salamanders”, which prefer to stay underground most of the year. The best time to spot Spotted Salamanders is when they move to vernal pools for breeding in early spring. They can be found in the same pools as Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and other calling frogs. Salamanders use pheromones, chemical secretions, instead of calls to attract mates, so it is easy to overlook their presence amid the cacophony of a vernal pool in spring. Protection of these fish-less, temporary pools is vital for the health of our local ecosystems and many amphibian species in particular.

Hero or Victim?While the activities of woodland salamanders can affect carbon levels released into the atmosphere, there is increasing evidence that climate change is also affecting them. Recent studies have shown that not only are salamanders disappearing, they are also getting smaller. One study compared salamander specimens from eastern forests over the last 55 years. Salamanders decreased in size by 8%, a sizable decrease for such a short time. The study looked for effects from acid rain, logging, over collection of specimens, and the chytrid fungus, which is affecting worldwide frog populations, but came up empty. They concluded that salamanders, already small, were becoming smaller as a result of environmental pressures from climate change such as less rainfall and warmer temperatures. It would be a sad irony for these beautiful, small creatures to become victims of the very climate processes their activities help mitigate.

Earth, Wind and FireStories about the elements

Come out for a night of true, personal stories as told by Virginia’s premiere storytelling troupe Better Said Than Done.

Saturday, March 218 p.m.The show is intended for an adult audience. Tickets: $15 on sale at http://eventbrite.com or at the door. Advance tickets are recommended due to limited seating.

Refreshments (beer, wine, coffee, sodas and snacks) available for purchase.

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

Reston’s Arbor DayCalling volunteers of all ages

Monday, April 6 (rain or shine)9:30 a.m.–NoonLocations TBD

Reston is a Tree City USA as certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Join us as we plant and celebrate trees. Volunteers will be treated to a pizza lunch.

Contact Ha Brock at ha@reston.org or 703-435-7986. Perfect for gardeners, seniors, scout groups and students.

Hosted by Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.Sponsored by Friends of Reston.

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Please & Thank YouBy Katie Shaw, Managerkshaw@reston.org, 703-435-6510

We are grateful for the on-going support of the community. Our volunteers and donors are essential to nature center operations. Here are some ways that you can help.

Please:Tax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Dr., 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.

If you can donate one of the following items in new or excellent condition, please contact me. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: 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.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Reston Garden Club for decking our halls over the winter holidays and providing weekly flower arrangements

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Julie & Charlie Bond; Bill Burton; Anne Cannizzaro; Freya De Cola; Ian Carmack; Marilyn Dicke; Sam Droege; June Ferrara; Michael Filchock; Julie Fitzpatrick; Ron Grimes; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Nancy Herwig; Helaine Krob; Heidi & John Lankau; Pat Lenz; Catherine Linberg; Paige Linkins; Sharon McHugh; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Rick Morgan; Jen & Alex Nicki; Polly Noble; Cynthia O’Connell; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Ellen Perrins; Sheryl Pollock; Ambika Sankaran; Jennifer Simms; Brenda Van Doorn; Verna Webb

Welcome Desk Attendants NeededWe are looking for friendly faces to greet and assist visitors at Nature House. Volunteers answer phone calls, take reservations, pass out information and assist with simple project tasks. They also have time for reading a good book, doing homework and watching birds. If you can help once a week or one weekend day per month, please contact me for more information.

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WNC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesWith a hint of a chill still in the air, the fireside is a perfect place to gather, share stories and think of warmer days soon to come. Make campfire popcorn and taste a marshmallow treat. If the weather is nice, we’ll meet at the fire ring. If it is too cold, snowy or rainy, we will meet by the fireplace inside Nature House at 11450 Glade Drive. Reservations required by March 17.

SPRING AMPHIBIANSSunday, March 29 ∙ 2 - 3 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesAmphibians make their way to water in spring to find mates and lay eggs. Discover which amphibians live in Reston, and which of them have used the nature center pond as a nursery. Explore the pond to see who is around right now. Reservations required by March 26.

AprilEARLY APRIL BIRD WALK: BRIGHT PONDSunday, April 12 ∙ 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.Free Bright Pond - Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac.Adults • Leader: Bill Brown JUMPING JAMBOREESunday, April 12 ∙ 2 - 3 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Bring your jumping shoes as we learn about frogs, grasshoppers, rabbits and more. Participate in a jumping contest and see if you can leap as far as a frog or as high as a flea. Make a jumping craft and look for hopping creatures along the trails. Reservations required by April 9.

FASCINATING FISHMonday, April 13 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, April 14 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsWhich fish live in Reston’s lakes and streams? Get up-close looks at local fish, both wild and not-so-wild. Enjoy a fishy snack, make a fishy craft,

MarchBUNNY BOUNCEMonday, March 9 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, March 10 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsBounce along the trails following the footprints of a cottontail rabbit. Make bunny ears, munch on bunny food and feel bunny fur. Discover where rabbits live and make a soft nest for bunny babies. Reservations required by March 5.

ORGANIC GARDENINGThursday, March 12 ∙ 7 - 8 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/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. Guest Presenter Molly O’ Boyle. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by March 9.

MARCH BIRD WALK: WALKER NATURE CENTER & SNAKEDEN STREAM VALLEYSunday, March 15 ∙ 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.Free Walker Nature Center - 11450 Glade Drive.Adults ∙ Leader: Matt Bender

BRILLIANT BIRDSWednesday, March 18 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m. OR 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Many birds migrate far away during the winter. They return with their most colorful plumage in spring. Make a colorful bird craft, see feathers and birds up close, and go on a short hike to see if we can find these beautiful birds in the trees or at the feeders. Reservations required by March 13.

FIRESIDE FUNFriday, March 20 ∙ 7 - 8 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-members

and listen to a fishy story while learning about our wild fish. Reservations required by April 8.

HOME FOOD PRESERVATIONTuesday, April 14 ∙ 5 - 7 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsThis introductory class will cover food preservation methods, including canning, fermentation, drying/dehydration, and freezing. Learn about the science behind food preservation, safety precautions, kitchen set up, jar and equipment prep as well as food and recipe selection. There will be a “dry” demo of the procedure for filling jars and ample time for questions. Guest presenter: Katie Strong, Virginia Cooperative Extension. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center. Reservations required by April 10.

SENIOR CONTAINER GARDENINGWednesday, April 15 ∙ 1 - 2:30 p.m.$10/person RA members ∙ $14/person Non-membersAdultsLearn what flowers and herbs grow best in containers and how to arrange them creatively. Listen to a presentation then plant a small container to take home. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or 703-435-6530 for reservations. Reservations required by April 10.

LIFE UNDER A LOGThursday, April 16 ∙ 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesFallen trees are homes to many creatures. Turning over a log can reveal mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, crustaceans and even fungus. See some of these creatures up close, learn about their roles in the forest ecosystem, and go outside on a short log roll hike. Reservations required by April 13.

EARTH DAY PLANTINGWednesday, April 22 ∙ 1 - 4 p.m.Ages 5 through adultsCelebrate Earth Day by planting a variety of native plants in the gardens including shrubs, ferns and wildflowers. Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring gloves if you have them. We will have some gloves available and will provide tools for planting. Contact habrock@reston.org or call 703-476-9689 to sign up. Reservations required by April 19.

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.

LATE APRIL BIRD WALK: BROWN’S CHAPEL & LAKE NEWPORTSunday, April 26 ∙ 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.Free 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.Adults ∙ Leader: Bryan Peters

MayWILD EDIBLESSunday, May 3 ∙ 1:30 - 4 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAdultsMany naturally occurring plants can make a nutritious and tasty addition to your diet. Sample some “wild” dishes and take home recipes to try on your own. After an indoor presentation that includes the ethics of collecting and how good foraging starts at home, we’ll hike the trails in search of edible plants, and harvest some to take home. Guest Presenter: Lori Thomas. Reservations required by April 30.

NATURE WALK: SUNSET AT SUNRISE VALLEY WETLANDSThursday, May 7 ∙ 7 - 8 p.m.Free Sunrise Valley Wetlands - 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive Park on the left (west) side of the office building.AdultsSunrise Valley Wetlands is an aquatic jewel on the border of Reston and Herndon. Twilight is a time of transition as diurnal animals shelter for the evening, while nocturnal animals begin their nighttime activities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the wetlands as we try to catch glimpses of nature’s “shift-change”. Reservations required by May 4. Co-sponsored by Reston Historic Trust.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTYSaturday, May 9 ∙ 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll ages

In honor of Mother’s Day, bring your mom to a delight-ful morning at the nature center. Sip tea or juice and sample a variety of pastries and fruits. Make a bouquet of paper flowers for mom to display on her special day. Take a stroll through the gardens to look for spring-blooming wildflowers. Reservations required by May 6.

EARLY MAY BIRD WALK: STRATTON WOODS PARKSunday, May 10 ∙ 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.Free 2431 Fox Mill Road.Adults ∙ Leader: Jay and Carol Hadlock

SLIMY SALAMANDERSMonday, May 11 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.OR Tuesday, May 12 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/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. Enjoy a snack while reading The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer. Go on a short hike to discover where salamanders live and what they eat. Reservations required by May 6.

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPSaturday, May 16 ∙ 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, Arlington County, and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment.Reservations required by May 12.

INVERTEBRATE INSTITUTE KICK-OFFSunday, May 17 ∙ 1 - 4 p.m.FreeAges 5 to 12Drop in to see insect and invertebrate displays. Bring in pictures of bugs you want to identify. Play inverte-brate games. Pick up your institute ID card and a list of qualifying programs.

INVERTEBRATES ARE EVERYWHERESunday, May 17, 2 - 3 p.m.$5/child RA members, $7/child Non-membersDiscover the variety of habitats invertebrates can live in from trees to ponds to the soil under our feet. Explore the amazing adaptations of these creatures without backbones. Reservations required by May 14.

WHO LIVES IN OUR POND? Tuesday, May 19 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m. OR 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5The pond is an important source of water for wildlife. Discover the many animals that live, hunt, swim, and drink there. Search the pond for dragonflies, frogs, watersnakes, aquatic insects and more. Reservations required by May 15. WINE TASTINGFriday, May 29 ∙ 4 - 6 p.m.$10/person RA members ∙ $14/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. The evening includes a tour of the gardens and a short trail. Look for spring wildflowers, as well as birds and insects, that are sampling their own sweet “ambrosia”. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6530 for reservations. Reservations required by May 26.

LATE MAY BIRD WALK: GLADE STREAM VALLEY/SAPSUCKER WOODSSunday, May 31 ∙ 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.Free 11550 Glade Drive, park at Glade Pool.Adults ∙ Leaders: Jay & Carol Hadlock

Kids’ Corner

Life Cycle Line UpMatch the stage of a turtle’s life with the correct photo. Write the letter in the spaces below. Answers at bottom

Life Cycle Stage1. Female laying nest of eggs

2. Egg

3. Baby box turtle

4. Adult box turtle

Give Box Turtles a Helping Hand

Box TurtlesBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

What creature in our woods wears a suit of armor, can live up to 100 years and eats just about anything it can fit in its mouth? It’s the Eastern Box Turtle, of course. These turtles are one of the most commonly seen reptiles in the woods around Reston, and they are quite interesting.

The box turtle gets its name because it can totally close its head and four legs inside its shell. They shut their bodies up as tightly as you put a lid on a box. Not all turtles can close their shells like this. Their shell is a dark brown color with yellow markings. They also have dark skin on their head and legs with bright yellow to orange spots. Box turtles do not grow to be more than 7-8 inches long. That’s just a little more than the length of my tail.

Box turtles spend their entire life on land. Unlike squirrels like me, they cannot climb trees. They also are not able to swim like other types of turtles. On hot summer days, they soak in mud or puddles to cool off. In the cold of winter, they dig down under stumps, leaf piles or clumps of grass up to two feet under the ground. They hibernate all winter and come out again in the spring. Between May and July, box turtles lay nests of 2-7 eggs in shallow holes they dig with their claws. Adult box turtles do not take care of the nest, and babies are on their own. (I’m sure

glad my mom was there for me when I was a baby.)

Box turtles are omnivores, so they eat plants and animals. They eat lots of things like blackberries, wild strawberries, wild grapes, mushrooms, worms, slugs, snails, salamanders, caterpillars and

grasshoppers. They are not picky eaters and appreciate a good meal when they find it.

Box turtles deserve our appreciation. Some of them may have been here since the beginning of Reston, or even as long as our founder, Robert E. Simon, Jr., has walked this earth.

1. Leave turtles where you find them. If you want a pet turtle, consider adopting one from a turtle rescue.2. Carry turtles to safety. If you see a turtle in the road, get an adult to help you. Take the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was heading.3. Monitor box turtles. If you see one, visit the Virginia Herpetological Society website (http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/), scroll down on the left to “Box Turtle Reporting” and fill out the form.

The number of Eastern Box Turtles found in Virginia has been going down. Many are hit by cars and lawn mowers, or disturbed by roads that cut through their territory. You can help box turtles in the following ways:

We can all do our part to keep box turtles healthy and safe.

Photo by: Jason Hollinger http://commons.wikimedia.org

Photo by: Chris Evans Organization: Illinois Wildlife Action Plan Country: United Stateshttp://www.forestryimages.org

A B

C D

6 Answers to the quiz: 1. B, 2. D, 3. A, 4. C

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

NATIVE PLANT SALEPlace orders by Friday, April 3, 5 p.m.

Pick up on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Species to include a variety of sun and shade loving wildflowers and ferns.

See the plant list on the order form available online at www.reston.org and at Nature House.

Contact naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689 for more information

Environmental Film SeriesFREE. $5 suggested donation appreciated.All films will start at 7 p.m.

Reservations are requested. Contact naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689, ext. 5.

Friday, March 27

More Than HoneyAdults and children 10 years and upOscar-nominated director Markus Imhoof tackles the vexing issue of why bees, worldwide, are facing extinction. The film investigates the global phenomenon observed by small family beekeepers as well as large industrialized honey farms in California, Switzerland, China and Australia. Using exquisite macro-photography of bees in flight and in their hives, a fascinating and complex world in crisis is revealed. Narrated by John Hurt. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2014 Oscars. (In English)

Friday, April 24

A Fierce Green Fire- The Battle for a Living PlanetAdultsIn honor of Earth Day, see the first big-picture exploration of the 50 year environmental movement from grassroots efforts to global activism and conservation to climate change. Directed by Academy Award nominee Mark Kitchell and narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd and Meryl Streep. Premiering at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, the film focuses on people fighting to save their homes, their lives, the future – and succeeding against all odds.

Friday, May 22FarmageddonAdultsCreated by a mother of four and raw milk advocate, this film examines the effect of federal and state bureaucracy on small, independent farmers as they try to preserve individuals’ rights to access food of their choice.

Co-sponsored by Friends of Reston

Photo by: William M. CieslaCountry: United States

Organization: Forest Health Management International

http://www.forestryimages.org

Native Spotlight: VIRGINIA BLUEBELLMertensia virginicaBy Sharon Gurtz

Looking for a shade tolerant, early blooming native plant that will add color to your yard and be a good pollen source for native insects? The Virginia Bluebell is a favorite woodland beauty that is easy to grow under deciduous trees and shrubs.

The bluebell is a spring ephemeral, blossoming in early spring before the deciduous trees leaf out. It is best planted in full or part shade and grows 1-2.5 feet tall. Flowers begin as pink buds and darken to beautiful lavender blue bells with blooming occurring from March – May. Despite its short bloom time, this plant has dramatic presence, especially in large patches. It will spread easily and thrive in well-drained, moist to wet soils.

Bluebells can be planted in any shaded spot, but as you plan your landscape, remember that even the foliage of this plant dies back as spring fades. Planting bluebells with ferns and other

plants that have foliage throughout the summer will prevent gaps from forming in your garden. This plant is listed as deer resistant by the state

arboretum and as “seldom severely damaged” on other lists. As always, no plants are completely “deer proof”.

Early Pollen SourceVirginia Bluebells provide a much-needed early source

of pollen for long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorid bees, and mason bees.

Other insects that visit the flowers include the Giant Bee Fly, butterflies, skippers, and sphinx moths such as the

Hummingbird Moth.

Photo by: William M. CieslaCountry: United States

Organization: Forest Health Management International

http://www.forestryimages.org

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All Ages Welcome

FREE

• Entertainment • Live Animals• Fishing Activities• Craft Making for Kids• Displays and Information from Environmental Groups• Canoe and Kayak Rentals on Lake

Audubon ($3)• Native Plant Sale with Nature by

Design

Saturday, May 2, 1–5 p.m. (Rain or shine)Entertainment Sponsor: Reston Community CenterSee www.reston.org for event updates

Celebrate the third annual Garlic Mustard Challenge in Reston. Learn about this invasive plant and drop off bags of pulled garlic mustard to enter our contest.Volunteers needed. Contact habrock@reston.org or call 703-435-7986.

12th Annual

5KTo Benefit Nature House

Saturday, April 11• 8 a.m.Register at www.active.com or in person starting at 7 a.m. on

race day. There will be a medal ceremony, door prizes and refreshments after the race.

Adult Fee: $25 prior to April 1 • $30 regularChildren’s Fee: (Ages 12 and under)

$15 prior to April 1 • $20 regular

Funds raised go to Friends of Reston to support new green

building enhancements, and educational displays and exhibits.

Volunteers needed. Contact habrock@reston.org

or 703-435-7986.

Photo by: Tatiana Greenwood

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

8 Spring 15 Volume Seventeen