BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Calendar of Events 4• Kids’ Corner 6• Reston Wildlife Counts & Classes 7

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

JUNE• Bats are born.• Wild Bleeding Heart, Threadleaf

Coreopsis and Bee Balm bloom.• White-tailed Deer fawns are born.• Black Rat Snakes lay eggs.

JULY• Tent Caterpillar Moths emerge

from cocoons.• Fireflies and bats are active in the

night sky.• Cardinal Flower, Purple Coneflower

and Sweet Pepper Bush bloom.• Praying Mantis and Katydids are

common.

AUGUST• Stonecrop, Blazing Star and Goldenrod bloom.• Copperhead Snakes give birth to

live young.• Southern Flying Squirrel young are

born.• Eastern Box Turtle and Snapping

Turtle eggs hatch.

Walker Nature Center

Summer 14 Volume Sixteen

Catching RaysBy Ken Rosenthal

Summer has as many temperature challenges as winter. We wear lighter fabrics and clothing with short sleeves and legs, and shed layers of clothing to cool off. Animals face similar dilemmas. Summer means trying to stay cool by finding shade or entering the water. For aquatic reptiles and amphibians, it can be more complicated.

Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded, or ectothermic. Their bodies are not able to maintain a constant internal temperature, like mammals or birds. Consequently, body temperature fluctuates as a result of environmental temperature changes.

Ectotherms must rely on external sources of heat to raise their body temperature, and know when to limit exposure before they overheat.

No second helpingThis may sound disadvantageous, but being cold-blooded has advantages. Maintaining your body temperature at a constant level requires a lot of energy. Consequently endotherms (warm-blooded animals) have to eat more often than ectotherms. For example, a crocodile only needs to eat 10-20% of the amount of food that a similarly-sized lion would need to survive. Some reptiles can go months without eating after a large meal.

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 July 4 for Independence 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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Ectotherms cannot operate at any temperature, however, they still need to reach a certain temperature range for their

metabolism to function properly. Mammals and birds have very narrow temperature ranges because they maintain a consistent body

temperature. Reptiles and amphibians have enzymes that function at a wider range of temperatures. Of course, they still need to reach that

minimum temperature range.

If you’re cold, get out of the waterThis is solved by basking. Most aquatic turtles are masters at basking. They will occupy rocks, branches, lakeshores, river banks, human spaces like docks, and even attempt to bask on top of other animals. In Reston, you will see Eastern Painted Turtles, Northern Red-bellied Cooters, and non-native Red-eared Sliders basking in and around our ponds and lakes. They are gathering heat to warm up before submerging in search of food. Another species, the Musk Turtle or Stinkpot, is an exceptional climber that has been seen sunning on limbs ten feet above water. Snapping Turtles are an exception, rarely leaving water to bask. They do not tolerate heat well and lose moisture rapidly. Snapping Turtles get their solar energy in water where sunlight can still reach them.

Water has a high heat capacity, so it can absorb heat quickly and in high quantities. This high heat capacity is what makes water so valuable for cooling off. It also means that turtles, as well as water snakes, frogs and other ectothermic creatures will lose body heat once they enter the water. Basking is important for raising body temperature before entering the water, and returning it to the same level after leaving the water.

It’s not all sun and gamesBasking also helps turtles dry, preventing the growth of parasites and fungus. Turtles lose body heat through inactivity. Their muscles generate heat when in use, but not while the turtle is sitting still. Basking replenishes lost heat allowing the turtle’s metabolism to be active for important bodily functions, such as digestion.

Sunbathing can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend an afternoon for humans. For reptiles, amphibians and many invertebrates it is a vital daily activity. Basking animals often choose open areas where they can see around them easily to avoid predators, which can make them easy for us to spot. This is a great way to observe them. Be sure not to disturb them while you watch, so they won’t waste the energy they were busy gathering.

Catching Rays Continued from page 1

Potential $20,000 Fundraiser for Friends of Reston with Re-energize Reston ChallengeBy Barbara Englehart, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)

On April 15, LEAP presented Friends of Reston with a $1,190 donation on behalf of the Re-energize Reston Community Challenge. The money helped with the Arbor Day planting of 50 commemorative trees for Reston’s 50th anniversary in April.

That is just a fraction of what’s possible through Re-energize Reston, which is co-sponsored by LEAP and Reston Association. With a goal of completing 1,964 home energy check-ups to honor Reston’s founding

year – and a commitment to donate $10 to Friends of Reston for every check-up –

Re-energize Reston could be extremely beneficial for the great work Friends

of Reston does in our community.

Equally important are the great dividends that everyone who gets a Home Energy

check-up reaps. When you book your check-up appointment, a professional LEAP energy coach

will do a basic evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency potential, install at no additional cost products such as energy efficient light bulbs, smart power strips, and more as needed, and give you a customized checklist of additional energy and cost saving measures for your home. The energy saving installations alone pay for the cost of the $45 check-up.

Please & Thank YouBy Katie Shaw

The on-going support of the community is essential to the nature center. Many people choose to support the center through volunteer work, others through cash or in-kind donations. Here are some ways that you can help, like your friends and neighbors below.

Please: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.

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, office folding machine, wide format laminator, handheld GPS units, and sunflower seeds or suet cakes for the birds.

Thank You to the Following Donors: All Beaded Up; Better Said Than Done; Charlie and Julie Bond; Bonnie Haukness; Bonzai Sports; Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Company; Cardinal Bank; Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty; Dogfish Head Alehouse; Elmore and Bunn P.C.; Dogwood Elementary School; Fairfax Screen Printing; Brian Fielder; Glory Days Grill; Great Harvest Bread Company; Harris Teeter; Jasmine Café; Jim Kirby Photography; Loudoun Composting; Lucia’s Italian Ristorante; MassagePro; Mon Ami Gabi; Nancy & Craig Herwig; Nature’s Best Photography; The Peterson Companies; Potomac River Running; Reston Community Center; Reston Garden Club; Reston Sprint Triathlon; Richard P. Slater Financial Planning Services; Pam Tobey; Chuck Veatch; and all 142 participants in the 5K Fund Run to Benefit Nature House.

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Smar Abuagla; Sakina Ahmad; Al Fatih Academy; Zack Allen; Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Diane Blust; Julie, Charlie, Olivia & Ben Bond; Ethan Campbell; Anne Cannizaro; Francine Carrier; Freya De Cola; June Ferrara; Dana Fisher; John Fringer; Tom Goetz; George Graining; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Duncan Harvey; Nancy Herwig; Hidden Lane Landscaping; Damir Hrnjez; Jim Keeven; Bill King; Beth Lannon; Pat Lenz; Patrick Lichy; Catherine Linberg; Maid Bright; Sharon McHugh; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Merritt Group; Polly Noble; Casey Noll; Lynn O’Connell; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Ellen Perrins; Sheryl Pollock; Nancy Purcell; Reston Eclectic Homeschool; Reston Young Professionals; Cat Rugari; Sharvin Sale; Ambika Sankaran; Michael Scheurer; Software AG; Krishna Thirumalasetty; Rahima Ullah; Maryam Ulomi; Brenda Van Doorn

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You can help improve your home while making Reston a more sustainable community. At the end of the year-long challenge, LEAP will aggregate the energy, cost and greenhouse gas savings for the entire community.

Book your check-up today at www.reenergizereston.com or contact info@leap-va.org to set up special times for townhome clusters or groups of neighbors on your street.

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WALKING STICK WORKSHOPFriday, June 20 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12School’s almost out, and it’s time to explore new territory. Make a walking stick that can travel with you on your next adventure. Choose a stick, make a leather grip, and with help, engrave your name or initials on it. All supplies included. Reservations required by June 17.

LAKE ANNE BY CANOE/KAYAKSaturday, June 21 ∙ 2– 4 p.m.Free with your own canoe; $6 rental fee for kayaks or canoes.Lake Anne Public Boat DocksWashington Plaza in the Lake Anne Village Center.AdultsJoin a naturalist to explore Lake Anne from a different perspective. Paddling is a leisurely and enjoyable way of getting up close to waterfowl, fish, turtles and other wildlife. Co-sponsored by Reston Historic Trust. Reservations required by June 18.

OWL PROWLWednesday, June 25 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring, on Soapstone Drivebetween Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All 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 resident owls. Reservations required by June 20.

INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHYSaturday, June 28 ∙ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.$10/person RA members ∙ $15/person Non-membersAdultsJoin local photographer John Eppler to learn how to photograph wildlife in your yard. Discuss setting up your backyard to attract wildlife. Learn what equipment and settings to use. Go outside to apply what you have learned. Bring your camera. Reservations required by June 25.

JuneBUZZING BEESMonday, June 2 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, June 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsFlowers are blooming and bees are busy gathering nectar and pollen. Get your own antennae and stingers, and fly around like a bee. Make a bee craft and taste a yummy honey treat. Reservations required by May 29.

HOME FOOD PRESERVATIONThursday, June 5 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsThis introductory class will cover food preservation methods. Learn about safety precautions, kitchen set up, and equipment prep as well as food and recipe selection. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center in support of Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by June 2.

NATURE ABC’SThursday, June 12 ∙ 10 –11 a.m. OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5“A” is for acorn, and “B” is for bird. Take a short walk in the woods to see how many letters you can find. Spot a “V” in a tree and an “O” in the ground. Sing the ABC’s and make an alphabet craft. Reservations required by June 9.

FISHING WITH FATHERSSaturday, June 14 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesCelebrate Father’s Day with us at Lake Audubon. Learn fish facts, fishing basics and practice casting. We’ll provide rods and bait. Those 16 and older wishing to fish will need a fishing license available online at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Reservations required by June 11.

BIRD WALK: BUTTERMILK CREEK NATURE TRAILSunday, June 15 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.Free Buttermilk Creek Nature Trail, 11032 Ring Road, park at Uplands Pool.Adults, Leaders: Jay and Carol Hadlock

HOW TO MAKE A SOLAR OVENSunday, June 29 ∙ 1:30 –3:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersRecomended Ages: 10–adultsWhile primarily used where no fuel is available or where there are serious threats of fire, solar ovens can be useful on camping trips or fun for the yard. Build a simple oven and receive some recipes. All supplies provided. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by June 26.

JulyBIRD WALK: TWIN BRANCHESSunday, July 6 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.Free Twin Branches Trail–Twin Branches Road at Glade Drive, Park along Glade Drive.Adults, Leader: Jenny Vick

FIREFLIES IN JULYFriday, July 11 ∙ 7:30–9 p.m.$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersBrown’s Chapel, 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.All agesFireflies, or lightning bugs, produce their own light. Discover what makes them glow and why they blink on and off. Find out what they eat, how they grow and where they live. Search for fireflies and take home a glowing craft. Reservations required by July 8.

HOPPING GRASSHOPPERSMonday, July 14 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, July 15 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersHunters Woods Pavilion, 2501 Reston Parkway, park at Hunters Woods Pool.Ages 18 months to 35 monthsGrasshoppers can hop really far. Find out how far you can hop, if you like to eat what they eat, and how these insects hide from predators. Enjoy a green treat and make a camouflage craft. Reservations required by July 9.

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.

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All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center,11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

SCENT-SATIONAL NOSESSaturday, July 19 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesHow much do you know about noses? How many animals use scent to communicate? Which animals use something other than a nose to smell? Learn all this and more through fun activities, and take the Great Smelly Challenge. Reservations required by July 16.

SUMMER SONGS CAMPFIREFriday, July 25 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$6/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring, on Soapstone Drive between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesSummer is a musical time of year. Insects and birds fill the air with the sounds. Listen and discover who is making them through stories, songs and fun activities. Reservations required by July 22.

NATURE’S SYMPHONYSaturday, July 26 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Nature provides us with many sounds. Play a game of Name-That-Sound, go on a sound walk, listening for bees buzzing and birds calling while collecting natural sound makers. Make a simple rainstick and join the forest symphony. Reservations required by July 23.

AugustCRITTERS IN THE CREEKMonday, August 4 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, August 5 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring, on Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.Ages 18 months to 35 monthsThere is nothing better than getting knee deep in a creek on a hot summer day.

Enjoy wading in The Glade Stream looking for tadpoles, fish, frogs and other aquatic creatures. Wear your wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. We will provide nets and buckets. Reservations required by July 31.

ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANINGThursday, August 7 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsLearn why it is a good idea to reduce the use of harsh, sometimes toxic, cleansers in the home, and how to make safe and environmentally-friendly cleansers in a quick, and economical way. Participants are encouraged to purchase Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan and bring it to the program. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center and Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by August 4.

INSECTS OF THE NIGHTFriday, August 1 ∙ 8:30–9:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesMany insects are active at night so it is harder for predators to find them. Discover our nocturnal insects by use of a light trap and white sheet setup. Learn how these insects are ecologically important, which can improve your backyard, and how you can attract them. Reservations required by July 29.

SPIDERS, SPIDERS EVERYWHERESunday, August 17 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesSpiders are predators that feed on many types of animals. Find out which spiders eat fish, how many eyes they have, where their webs come from, and which spiders you shouldn’t touch. Go on a short hike to see how many spiders we can find Reston. Reservations required by August 14.

KNEE DEEP IN A CREEKThursday, August 14 ∙ 10 –11 a.m.OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring, on Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.Ages 3 to 5Wade in the cool waters of The Glade Stream, looking for frogs, tadpoles, minnows and other aquatic creatures. Wear your wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. We will provide nets and buckets. Reservations required by August 11.

BIRD WALK: STRATTON WOODS PARKSunday, August 17 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.Free Stratton Woods Park, 2431 Fox Mill Road, meet in parking lot.Adults, Leader: Bill Brown STREAM SLOSHSaturday, August 23 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesDip into a cool stream to escape the heat of summer. Use a net to search for fish and frogs, and take a peek under rocks to look for insects. Wear your wading shoes and clothes that can get dirty. We’ll provide the nets and buckets. Reservations required by August 20.

FAREWELL TO SUMMER CAMPFIREFriday, August 29 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$6/person RA members ∙ $8/person Non-membersWNC Campfire Ring, On Soapstone Drivebetween Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesAs summer comes to an end, many animals and plants are ready to undergo changes. From trees losing leaves to birds flying south, celebrate the end of summer through songs, stories, games, and most importantly, a yummy snack. Reservations required by August 26.

STUPENDOUS SLIMEBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

Sometimes nature can be a little messy. But just because something seems icky or weird does not mean that it is a bad thing. Take slime, or mucus, as an example. You may think it’s gross to feel, but it can be very helpful to some animals. Certain animals make slime for their bodies and use it in different ways.

The slime on the skin of amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, helps keep their skin moist. These animals breathe through their skin. The layer of mucus allows them to take oxygen into their bodies even when they are out of the water. Some amphibians also produce mucus to help keep their bodies cool.

Slugs make slime and use it to help them move. It not only gives them something to slide over, but the slime also helps them stick to surfaces. This is how they are able to crawl upwards along things like plant stems and rocks. The slime on slugs also gives them a defense against predators. Apparently slug slime tastes really bad so animals don’t like to eat them. Fortunately I have no experience with this since I stick to eating nuts!

Fish have a layer of mucus over their scales. This slimy layer helps them move more easily through the water.

It also helps protect them from getting infected by bacteria and viruses that

could be in the water.

As you can see, slime is definitely something that helps some animals survive. Although I can appreciate its importance, I’m still glad that my body is covered with fur.

SLUG MAZEHelp the slug crawl up to the leaf

Kids’ Corner

Make Your Own SlimeMaterials:Liquid white glueBorax powder

Directions:1. Mix one teaspoon of Borax powder into 1/2 cup of water. Stir well, and set aside.2. Pour one 8-ounce bottle of white glue into a large bowl.3. Fill empty glue bottle with warm water and add it to the glue in the large bowl. Stir well.4. If desired, add drops of food coloring to the glue and mix well.5. Pour Borax solution into the glue bowl. Mix until smooth. You will start to see long strings starting to form.6. Play with your slime. When finished, you can store it in an airtight container or bag.

WaterFood coloring (optional)

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RESTON Energy FairSunday, June 8 1-4 p.m. (rain or shine)Walker Naure Center, 11450 Glade Drive

FreeAll Ages Welcome

Learn how to save energy, save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Join us for:■ A showcase of alternative energy gadgets and appliances■ Solar cooking demonstrations■ Hands-on kids’ activities■ Displays and information from organizations such as North American Geothermal, Dominion Power, Reston Environmental Action (REACT)

Meet representatives from the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and sign up for a Home Energy Check Up.

Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston.

Reston Wildlife Counts & ClassesFor adults, ages 16 and over. Counts are free. Classes are $5 or free for count participants. Classes are a great way to prepare for the counts. Volunteers are invited to enjoy a free lunch, tally results and swap stories at Nature House after the Bird and Butterfly Counts. There will be a break for lunch during the Dragonfly Count.

BIRD CLASS: AN INTRODUCTIONWednesday, June 4 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.Learn the basics of bird identification, and how to look and listen for the common birds of Reston. Discover the major groups of birds and the best places to watch for them. Discuss a variety of bird guides, and take home a Checklist of Birds of Reston. Reservations required by June 2.

SUMMER BIRD COUNTSaturday, June 7 ∙ 6:45 a.m.–NoonMeet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping us obtain important information to help our feathered friends. Reservations required by June 4.

BUTTERFLY CLASS: AN INTRODUCTIONThursday, July 10 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.Discover the colorful and diverse lives of Reston’s “flying flowers.” Learn how to identify Reston’s common butterflies, and get a basic introduction to their life history. Reservations required by July 7.

BUTTERFLY COUNTSaturday, July 12 ∙ 9:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.Meet fellow butterfly lovers, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping to collect important information on our fluttering friends. Our data will be submitted to the North American Butterfly Association for their national Fourth of July Butterfly Count report. Reservations required by July 9.

DRAGONFLY CLASS: AN INTRODUCTIONThursday, July 17 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.Learn about the fast and fascinating lives of Reston’s “flying dragons.” Join guest naturalist Kevin Munroe of the Fairfax County Park Authority as he focuses on basic identification, natural history and conservation of local dragonflies. Learn how to identify Reston’s common dragonflies, and get a basic introduction to their bizarre behavior and complex natural history. Reservations required by July 14.

DRAGONFLY COUNTSunday, July 20 ∙ 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Bright Pond - Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac.Meet local dragonfly experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping to obtain important information on our fast-flying friends. Reservations required by July 17.Adults

Native Spotlight: LADY FERN(Athyrium filix-femina)By Sharon Gurtz

Think of Lady Fern to add a delicate, attractive addition to your native shade garden. It is reliable and easy to grow in moist shade, and the deer will leave it alone.

Lady Fern is a deciduous plant that will tolerate drier soils more than many ferns, and can grow in sunnier areas as long as the soil doesn’t get too dry. These plants do best in part to full shade with well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. They grow in tall clumps that are two feet wide. They make a good ground cover and are an excellent replacement for English Ivy.

Lady Ferns have red or green stems. Their light green fronds (leaves) are divided into leaflets and divided again into sub-leaflets, giving them a delicate, lacy appearance. This plant maintains a nice season-long appearance by sending up new fronds throughout the summer.

As a group, ferns are low-maintenance and relatively disease and pest resistant, except for an occasional slug problem. They can be divided in the spring by digging up the entire plant and separating 6-inch square pieces from the most vigorous growth. The foliage can be cut back to soil level after a hard frost in the fall.

The native Lady Fern in Virginia can be the Northern Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina subspecies angustum) or the Southern Lady Fern (subspecies asplenioides). The Northern subspecies can better tolerate cold, hard winters; the Southern tolerates hot humid summers. Both will grow in our area. Based on our recent harsh winter, the Northern may be the better choice. As with many other landscape plants, there are over 300 commercial varieties, but as is often the case, the true native tends to be the easiest and most dependable for climate extremes.

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Come to Camp at Nature HouseWALKER’S RANGERS

AGES: 6 – 9 by Sept. 30, 2014

DATES: Monday–Friday,

Four one-week sessions

TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon

LOCATION: Walker Nature Center

11450 Glade Drive

FEE: $85 session/RA members

$110 session/Non-members

REGISTER: Online at www.reston.org or in person at

12001 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20191

CONTACT:703-435-6551

camp@reston.org

Session 2A: July 14–18Nature’s Engineers Before the greatest human buildings were imagined, animals have been constructing elaborate homes and structures. Discover how beavers use trees to dam streams and build lodges. See how bees and wasps use wax or spit to create nurseries for their young. Learn how birds make nests without any hands. Make replica creations out of various building materials.

Session 2B: July 21–25Nature Center Time MachineTake a jump in time to discover lands of today, tomorrow and yesterday. Feel the mists of the prehistoric forests and excavate dinosaur bones. Visit the sands of the Egyptian desert and meet a mythical sphinx. See the forest through the eyes of Virginia’s Native Americans. Fast forward in time and create your own futuristic animal.

Session 4A: August 11–15Nocturnal NatureWhen some animals are dropping off to sleep, others are just waking up. Discover how animals can see when it is dark, and how their other senses play an important part in navigating the night. Dissect an owl pellet and see how their feathers help them sneak up on prey. Visit the nature center “after hours” and take a special night hike.

Session 4B: August 18–22Gloppy and GooeySometimes nature is just plain messy. Find out why salamanders are always slick, and make your own slime. Hunt for tadpoles and frogs in the nature center’s streams and pond. See who likes to live in the mud, and mold your own mud creation. Learn why some animals like to eat “garbage”. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with us.

Parents: Drop off your child at this morning jam-packed with outdoor fun! We will pick up where camp ended with fun and exciting outdoor activities.

Kids: Discover what mysteries the forest holds with a nature scavenger hunt. Use natural objects to make your own nature art masterpiece. Go on a bug safari, and get up-close looks at the beetles, dragonflies, butterflies, spiders, millipedes, and other invertebrates that live in our

gardens, forest and pond. Enjoy a refreshing mid-morning snack.

Reservations required by August 22. Call (703) 476-9689 and press 5 or email naturecenter@reston.org to sign up.

KIDS OUTDOORSWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 279 A.M.–NOONWALKER NATURE CENTER 11450 GLADE DRIVE$15/CHILD RA MEMBERS$20/CHILD NON-MEMBERSAGES 7-10 YEARS

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

8 Summer 14 Volume Sixteen