Walker Nature Education Center Branching Room/BranchingOutFALL2010.pdfVultures. They have gray,...
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A LOOK INSIDE • Please & Thank You 3 • Wildlife Counts 3 • Calendar of Events 4 • Kid’s Corner 6 Resident Raptors By Mandy Nicholson Nature Notes By Sharon Gurtz September • Hummingbirds migrate to Central America. • Box turtle young hatch. • Fox families disperse. • Goldenrods bloom. October • Songbird migration peaks. • Tree nuts are ripe. • Chipmunks den. • Mushrooms are plentiful. November • Deer rut peaks. • Snakes and turtles look for winter hibernation sites. • Holly berries are red. • Juncos and sparrows arrive from the north. Continued on page 2 Walker Nature Education Center Fall 10 Volume Twelve • Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk • Raptors are magnificent, powerful birds. Their lifestyles peak our curiosity and their abilities captivate us. A raptor is a carnivorous (meat eating) bird that feeds mainly on meat taken by hunting or carrion (dead animals). They use their keen eyesight to detect prey, their powerful talons to kill and carry prey, and their hooked beaks to tear it apart and eat it. The term “raptor” is derived from the Latin word “rapere” meaning to seize. In Reston, 14 species of raptors have been identified, many of which can be seen on the nature center property. High Flying Hawks The largest family of raptors is the hawks or accipitridae. They are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day. Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks are three common species that belong to a subgroup called the buteos. Buteos are medium to large sized birds with long, broad wings that allow them to circle high in the sky while searching for prey. For the past few years, lucky nature center visitors have had the pleasure of spotting a mated pair of Red-shouldered Hawks that nest near the geology station. A second subgroup of the hawk family is the accipiters. In Reston, these include the Cooper’s Hawk and the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiters are smaller than buteos. They have shorter wings, suited for quick-moving, aerial acrobatics. They are adept at catching small prey such as smaller birds and insects. Other types of hawks found in Reston include the magnificent Bald Eagle and the water-loving Osprey, both known to pluck fish from Lake Audubon. Voracious Vultures Vultures, or ciconiidae, are another family of Reston raptors. Often when there is carrion on the side of the road, we see Turkey Vultures with their red, featherless heads cleaning it up. In flight, Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a v-shape. As they teeter through the air, you can see their silvery flight feathers and long tails. BRANCHING OUT
Transcript of Walker Nature Education Center Branching Room/BranchingOutFALL2010.pdfVultures. They have gray,...
A look inside• Please & Thank You 3• Wildlife Counts 3• Calendar of Events 4• Kid’s Corner 6
Resident Raptors By Mandy Nicholson
Nature Notes By Sharon Gurtz
September• Hummingbirds migrate to
Central America.• Box turtle young hatch.• Fox families disperse.• Goldenrods bloom.
October • Songbird migration peaks.• Tree nuts are ripe.• Chipmunks den.• Mushrooms are plentiful.
November• Deer rut peaks.• Snakes and turtles look for winter
hibernation sites.• Holly berries are red.• Juncos and sparrows arrive from
the north.
Continued on page 2
Walker Nature Education Center
Fall 10 Volume Twelve
• Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk •
Raptors are magnificent, powerful birds. Their lifestyles peak our curiosity and their abilities captivate us. A raptor is a carnivorous (meat eating) bird that feeds mainly on meat taken by hunting or carrion (dead animals). They use their keen eyesight to detect prey, their powerful talons to kill and carry prey, and
their hooked beaks to tear it apart and eat it. The term “raptor” is derived from
the Latin word “rapere” meaning to seize. In Reston,
14 species of raptors
have beenidentified, many of which can be seen on the nature center property.
High Flying HawksThe largest family of raptors is the hawks or accipitridae. They are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day. Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks are three common species that belong to a subgroup called the buteos. Buteos are medium to large sized birds with long, broad wings that allow them to circle high in the sky while searching for prey. For the past few years, lucky nature center
visitors have had the pleasure of spotting a mated pair of Red-shouldered Hawks that nest near the geology station.
A second subgroup of the hawk family is the accipiters. In Reston, these include the Cooper’s Hawk and the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiters are smaller than buteos. They have shorter wings, suited for quick-moving, aerial acrobatics. They are adept at catching small prey such as smaller birds and insects.
Other types of hawks found in Reston
include the magnificent Bald
Eagle and the water-loving Osprey, both known to pluck fish from Lake Audubon.
Voracious VulturesVultures, or ciconiidae, are another family of Reston raptors. Often when there is carrion on the side of the road, we see Turkey Vultures with their red, featherless heads cleaning it up. In flight, Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a v-shape. As they teeter through the air, you can see their silvery flight feathers and long tails.
Branching Out
Walker Nature Education 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, 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 Sept. 6 for Labor DayClosed Nov. 25-26 for Thanksgiving
For more inFormAtion703-476-9689 www.reston.org
Branching Out is a quarterly publication of the Walker Nature Education Center (WNEC), owned and operated by Reston Association. The mission of the WNEC 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.
Resident Raptors continued from page 1
Please recycle.
Reston is also home to Black Vultures. They have gray,
featherless heads and are smaller and stockier than Turkey Vultures. In
flight, look for their short black tails, dark flight feathers and
quick, choppy wing beats. Both of these large
birds can be seen soaring on thermals, circling in search of a meal.
Fleeting Fast FalconsThe falcons (falconidae) are a third family of Reston raptors. They are known for their long, pointed wings, which produce extremely fast flights. In fact, some falcons can cruise at 55 miles an hour and dive bomb at rates of over 200 miles an hour. Two Reston species are the Merlin and the American Kestrel. Kestrels have the added ability to hover like a kite.
Awesome OwlsOwls, or strigidae, are nocturnal raptors, meaning that they are active at night. Their remarkable night vision is the result of having very large eyes with a great concentration of
rods in their retinas. If a human’s eyes were proportionately as big as an owl’s eyes, each one would be the size of your fist.
Owls also have uniquely fringed feathers for silent flight. Our resident owls are the Eastern Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl. These three species vary greatly in size. The Great Horned Owl is the largest at
22 inches. Although mice, squirrels, voles and shrews are most of an owl’s diet, occasionally, our largest owl will hunt smaller owls such as the Eastern Screech Owl, which is only eight inches tall. At 20 inches, the Barred Owl is too big of a meal, even for a Great Horned Owl.
THank You To THe Following DonoRs: James C. Cleveland, Susan Dill, Reston Festival, Sugar Chic, and all 52 of the Oh Mother-Stories about Nature participants!
THank You To THe Following VolunTeeRs: Bobbie Ray Allen, Jennifer Arezzo, Carolyn Badila, David & Joanne Bauer, Matt Bender, Roshni Bhasin, Rebecca Blas, Adelina & Emily Blas, Phil Brown,Nancy Callaghan, Marianne Chessman, Don Coram, Jesus Cota, Diego & Chase Cota, Nancy Davis, Freya De Cola, Harriet Dolinsky, Ellen Douglas, Hiba & Abdi Farah, Daneyal Farouq, Cindy Foster,Jannel & Anisa Ganelle, Carol & Jay Hadlock, Nancy Herwig, Govind & Jyoti Jawalkar, Kate Kahn, Jennie Koffman, Catherine Linberg, Marian Many, Gary Maybarduk, Kevin Munroe, Polly & Ned Noble, Casey Noll, Cynthia O’Connell, Barbara Paolucci, Angela Perez, Jessica Piscitelli, Jennifer Pradas, Reston Garden Club, Kim Reynolds, Ross Ritsch, Johvanna Salazar, Malar Singaram, Gavin Small, Angela Maria Velasquez and Jenny Vick.
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 like new condition, please contact
[email protected] or call 703-435-6510. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: crock pot, ice bucket,
vacuum cleaner, freezer, Peterson Field Guide: Eastern Birds’ Nests by J.J. Harrison, Crinkleroot’s 25
Birds Every Child Should Know by Jim Arnosky (out of print), Secrets of Stargazing by Becky
Ramotowski, I Love Dirt by Jennifer Ward and The Frogs and Toads of North America with
CD by Lang Elliott.
Please & Thank YouThe 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.
Volunteers at theButterfly Count 2010
Continued on page 4
What to do if you find an injured raptor?
In the United States, it is illegal for an unauthorized person to interfere with a raptor, even if it is injured. Only a person with appropriate permits from the state and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may possess, handle or rehabilitate raptors. Even a veterinarian may hold a raptor only until it is medically stable, then the vet must turn the raptor over to a licensed rehabilitator.
If you see a raptor that appears to be injured, orphaned or ill, please call the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia (RCV) or
another qualified source before trying to assist the bird. Seeing a raptor on the ground for an extended time does
not necessarily mean that it needs assistance. Sometimes hawks stand on the ground to rest after
eating. Sometimes Great Horned Owls care for their chicks on the ground.
The RCV can help determine if the bird needs help and how best to handle the situation.
Remember raptors have very sharp talons and beaks. An injured raptor will likely defend itself, which could put you at risk of injury.
For help, contact the RCV at 703-578-1175 or [email protected]. another excellent group of licensed rehabilitators is the wildlife Rescue league (wRl). You can call the wRl hotline at 703-440-0800.
• eastern screech owl •
Photo By: Jim Kirby• adult Red-tailed Hawk •
• american golden Finch •
Photo By: Sheryl Pollock• least skipper •
Wildlife Count ResultsSummer Bird Count On June 5, 2010, 20 volunteers and staff gathered to count the types and numbers of birds that can be found in Reston. The count helps to identify how well our community is providing habitat for avian species. In all, 58 species of birds and over 1,400 individual birds were counted.
The species seen in the highest frequency were the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Canada Goose and the European Starling. But the bird that caused the most excitement was the Great Egret. It was the first time that this species was spotted on a Reston summer bird count. The Great Egret is listed as rare for Reston. The day ended at Nature House where volunteers enjoyed a light lunch and swapped stories of the count. Special thanks to Abby Stocking for coordinating this year’s count.
Butterfly CountThis year’s count was the best since 2005. On July 3, 2010, thanks to 21 counters, 274 butterflies of 21 species were identified. Two counting parties visited ten locations around Reston. The top three species seen were the Sachem Skippers, European Cabbage Whites and Easter Tiger Swallowtails.
Some other memorable finds were: A Question Mark and a Common Sootywing at the Hunters Woods Garden Plots, an Orange Sulphur and a Black Swallowtail at the Sunrise Valley Wetlands and a Northern Cloudywing and Variegated Fritillary at the Golf Course Island Garden Plots. After lunch at Nature House, a search of the nature center added a Red Spotted Purple and two Red Admirals to the species total.
This year, our results are being submitted for the first time to the North American Butterfly Association’s (NABA) 36th Annual 4th of July Count for inclusion in their scientific report. A copy of the report will be in the Nature House library once it is published. Special thanks to Katie Shaw and Claudia Thompson-Deahl for leading the count, teaching the butterfly class and submitting Reston’s results to NABA.
Dragonfly CountOn July 17, 2010, ten volunteers searched four wetland sites in
Reston. In the end, 16 dragonfly species and over 450 individuals were counted. Highlights included two
Twelve-spotted Skimmers near the Fannie Mae Ponds (a species that hadn’t been seen in several years), all three pennant species (Halloween, Calico and Banded) at Bright Pond, and a great in-hand look at several
Prince Baskettails at Lake Audubon. The group was also very excited to see the crimson-red
wings of Carolina Saddlebags, flying over Reston Association parkland for the first time at Bright Pond.
Photo By: Sheryl Pollock• Variegated Fritillary•
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Calendar
SeptemberForest FriendsSunday, Sept. 5 • 2 - 3 p.m.$4/person RA members$6/person non-membersAll agesThe forest is full of wildlife if you know where to look. We’ll search the forest for holes, nests and tracks that give us clues to their whereabouts. Meet a box turtle up close and examine some of the nature center artifacts that our forest friends have left behind such as feathers, fur and antlers. Reservations required by Sept. 2.
Bone Up on BonesSaturday, Sept. 11 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.$4/person RA members$6/person non-membersAll agesDid you know that human babies have a higher number of bones in their bodies than adults? Or that all mammals, including humans, giraffes and bats have exactly seven vertebrae in their necks? Learn more exciting facts about bones and learn to identify different types in our bone lab. Reservations required by Sept. 8.
septemBer Bird WalkSunday, Sept. 12 • 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.FreeUpper Glade Stream Valley. Meet at Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive.AdultsLeaders: Carol and Jay Hadlock
oh deer!Monday, Sept. 13 • 10 - 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsThese tall, graceful creatures live in our woods. Explore their home to find out what they eat and where they sleep. Use your deer ears to listen to a story and sing a song about our furry friends. Reservations required by Sept. 8.
Big BirdsSaturday, Sept. 18 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 3 to 5Compare your wingspan to some of Reston’s largest birds. How do you measure up? Turkey, hawks, owls, heron, eagles and osprey have all been seen in Reston. Examine an owl skull, stand next to a great blue heron and see a turkey wing as you explore Reston’s big birds. Reservations required by Sept. 15.
gone BattyWednesday, Sept. 22 • 7 - 8:30 p.m.$6/person RA members$9/person non-membersAll agesSee one of the most fascinating creatures of the night up close. Join a bat specialist from BatWorld Nova to learn more about these amazing animals. We’ll take a night hike with a bat detector to find the wild bats of Reston. Reservations required by Sept. 17.
geocaching For kidsMonday, Sept. 27 • 7 - 8 p.m.$4/child RA members$6/child non-membersAges 5 to 12Geocaching is high tech treasure hunting, using a handheld GPS unit to find hidden containers. Join NoVAGO (Northern Virginia Geocaching Organization) for a quick lesson, then look for caches (treasures) hidden on the nature center property. Reservations required by Sept. 22.
October spectacUlar spidersMonday, Oct. 4 • 10 - 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsOur eight legged friends are often misunderstood. Learn about the many types of spiders and why they are so important. Create your own web craft and sing a spider song. Reservations required by Sept. 2
Fall gardeningThursday, Oct. 7 • 7 - 8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person non-membersAdultsGardening doesn’t end when cold weather begins. Meet with a Master Gardener to learn how to take care of your gardens and lawn in fall and see what things can be planted this season. Bring your questions and get some great winterizing tips. Reservations required by Oct. 4.
octoBer Bird WalkSunday, Oct. 10 • 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.FreeBright Pond - Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac.AdultsLeader: Bill Brown
aUtUmn campFireFriday, Oct. 15 • 6:30 - 8 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person non-membersWNEC Campfire Ring - On Soapstone Drive, between Glade Drive and Lawyers Road.All agesAs autumn temperatures and leaves drop, gather around a warm campfire. Tap your toes, clap your hands and sing along to some campfire favorites. Roast marshmallows and enjoy a tasty treat. Reservations required by Oct. 12.
UnhUggaBlesMonday, Oct. 18 • 10 - 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 3 to 5They’re slippery, slimy, stinky and crawly. Learn about the fascinating lives of “unhuggables” like worms, spiders, skunks and snakes. Learn how to slither like a snake and make a slithery snake craft. Reservations required by Oct. 13.
a Forest oF colorSaturday, Oct. 23 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.$4/person RA members$6/person non-membersAll ages
Call 703-476-9689 & press 5 or e-mail [email protected] 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 EventsAll programs will be held at the Walker Nature Education Center 11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.
The forest is splashed with shades of gold, fiery orange and brilliant reds. Explore why and how trees change color by doing a simple science experiment, then go on a fall foliage walk to make your own collection of colorful autumn leaves. Reservations required by Oct. 20.
NovemberWine tasting at natUre hoUseFriday, Nov. 5 • 4 - 6 p.m.$6/person RA members$10/person non-membersSenior Adults, 55 years and olderJoin us as we host the first wine tasting at Nature House, led by Rande Janus of the Wine Cabinet. Sample red and white wines along with a variety of cheese and crackers. The evening includes a tour of the nature center’s gardens and ADA accessible trail. Watch for birds doing their own “tasting” at feeders. Look for wild grape vines and late blooming flowers. Call 703-435-6530 to register. Reservations required by Nov. 2.
FUrry FUnMonday, Nov. 8 • 10 - 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsLearn about our furry friends, feel some animal furs and make a furry craft. We’ll go on a walk looking for furry animals, and you’ll meet our famous, furry friend Earl the Squirrel when he makes a guest appearance. Reservations required by Nov. 3.
Bird Walk For seniorsTuesday, Nov. 9 • 8:30 - 10 a.m.FreeSenior Adults, 55 years and olderJoin a naturalist for a guided morning walk to discuss and enjoy the birds that live in Reston. We will look and listen for cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers and other winter visitors. Learn some bird watching basics and take home a checklist to continue observing the birds that live in your backyard. Call 703-435-6530 to register. Reservations required by Nov. 5.
giFts For BirdsSunday, Nov. 14 • 2 - 3 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person non-membersAll agesMake a gift for your feathered friends. Learn which birds are using the nature center feeders and how you can participate in the upcoming Project Feeder Watch. We’ll get you started by making a bird feeder for your own yard or balcony. Reservations required by Nov. 11.
natUre’s plentyThursday, Nov. 18 ∙ 10 - 11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child non-membersAges 3 to 5Acorns, walnuts and hickory nuts are plentiful in the fall. Go on a seed search and look for animals busily preparing their winter stash. Make a seed craft and taste a yummy fall treat. Reservations required by Nov. 15.
thanksgiving hearthFriday, Nov. 19 • 7 - 8 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person non-membersAll agesGather at the Nature House hearth for an evening around the fire. Sip mulled cider and listen to stories of the season. Make some beautiful decorations for your Thanksgiving table. Reservations required by Nov. 16.
novemBer Bird WalkSunday, Nov. 21 • 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.FreeBrowns Chapel - 1575 Brown’s Chapel Road.AdultsKevin Munroe, Fairfax County Park Authority naturalist, will lead this walk at Lake Newport and the Baron Cameron Park Area. Park at the ball fields by Brown’s Chapel.
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Species diversity was down slightly from previous counts, possibly due to the hot weather in June that dried up several streams and created warm, oxygen-poor water. Although Reston’s ponds are generally quite productive, its streams suffer the same issues as most urban streams: large amounts of silt, fertilizer and other pollutants.
To help keep the environment healthy for dragonflies, residents can lend a hand by reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, installing rain barrels and rain gardens, leaving vegetated buffers along Reston’s ponds, lakes and streams, and creating small wetland pools on their own property. Special thanks to guest naturalist, Kevin Munroe of the Fairfax County Park Authority, for leading the count and teaching the dragonfly class.
Save the WetlandsWith planning for development around the new Herndon Monroe metro station underway, the wildlife counters know what a hot spot the Sunrise Valley Wetland Park is for birds, butterflies and dragonflies. If you have the opportunity to voice your support for saving the wetlands, please do so byparticipating in a Reston Master Plan Special Study community meeting or contacting Supervisor Cathy Hudgins.
Wildlife Count Results continued from page 3
Photo By: Sheryl Pollock• Carolina saddlebags •
Photo By: Dusty Asbury• sunrise Valley wetland Park •
My animal friends at the Nature Center are buzzing with excitement. In July, the humans dug out a space to build a small pond near the Nature House. Word spread quickly about the new watering hole in town. Just after the humans finished building the pond, I saw frogs, dragonflies and other critters moving in.
Watery places like ponds are very important for animals, including me. They are an easy place to get a drink of water.
Also, some animals like frogs, salamanders and dragonflies live the first parts of their lives in the water.
On the hot summer days that we had, the animals liked to take a quick dip in the pond to cool off. This winter, as the temperatures drop, some of the water animals like fish and frogs will go to the
bottom of the pond where the water will not freeze. They will rest there until the spring thaw.
But it’s not just the wild things that like the new pond. I’ve seen many humans stop to admire it. Like the animals, they are drawn to the pond by the big rocks, the pretty plants and the sound of trickling water. They find it a relaxing place to sit and watch the water flow over the rocks. I hope you’ll come out soon to see the new addition to the nature center.
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Kid’s Corner
By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking
The New Pond
Get Nuts for Clean Water This fall, you can help to restore native forests and protect streams throughout the Potomac River region, one acorn at a time. So, when you rake the leaves, don’t throw out the acorns. Consider getting involved in this fun activity that can be enjoyed by all.
Citizens throughout the Potomac River watershed are invited to take part in a native seed collection effort. Collected seeds are donated to state tree nurseries, where they are nurtured and transplanted for use in stream and riverside reforestation.
How to Help:• Collect acorns in your yard or other open areas. • Please do not collect at the nature center or any natural area in Reston.• Separate the acorns by species and place into breathable bags (no plastic bags). • Label each bag with the kind of acorns that are inside.• Store in a cool dry place then drop them off at the nature center.
wHen: Seed drop offs are from Sept. 1- Oct. 31.
wHere: Information and collection bags can be picked up at the Walker Nature Education Center. Please deposit bagged and identified acorns in the container on the side porch at Nature House. This year no collections will take place at Reston Association’s Central Services Facility.
Growing Native is coordinated by Potomac Conservancy on behalf of the Potomac Watershed Partnership. For additional information about the program, detailed instructions (including desirable seeds), and seed identification materials, visit www.growingnative.org.
Banned invasive exotic Plant:
BuSh honEySuCklES(Non-native Lonicera species)
Bush honeysuckles are deciduous shrubs, popular because of their small, fragrant flowers in the spring and numerous, bright red berries in the fall. They have small egg-shaped leaves that grow opposite along the stem. Exotic bush honeysuckles can rapidly invade and overtake a site, crowding and shading out native plant species. While plentiful, the fruits of exotic bush honeysuckles do not provide migrating birds the same nutrient-rich food source needed for long flights as those supplied by native plant species. Also, as birds eat the fruits of exotics they proliferate the species by carrying the seeds to new locations.
Native AlternativesMany native plants make excellent substitutes for exotic bush honeysuckles. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a medium sized shrub that produces white flowers in early spring and beautiful red berries in the fall. The berries and leaves have a peppery smell, hence the common name. Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is a larger shrub that flowers in early spring and produces waxy, gray-blue fruit in the fall. The wax from these fruits can be used to make bayberry candles. Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) produces white, flat topped flowers that form into dark blue berries. Its foliage turns to red in the fall.
Control MethodRemoval of bush honeysuckle includes pulling seedlings or other small plants. This is the most effective way to keep the aggressive seed dispersal in check. Cutting larger plants to ground level and then removing roots or treating the base with herbicide is the most effective way to stop growth. If you choose not to dig out the stump or treat it with herbicide, it will be important to repeat the clipping once a year. Bush honeysuckles, which are cut once then allowed to grow back, will often grow more densely and be more difficult to remove than they were prior to cutting.
Why These Plants Were BannedInvasive exotic plants outcompete native plants that are important to local wildlife and biodiversity. For more information on invasive exotics, the banned species and recommended native alternatives, please visit www.reston.org, “Parks, Recreation & Events”, “Nature”.
In May of 2008, the RA Board of Directors banned the new installation of eight invasive exotic plants on residential and cluster property in Reston. In each issue, Branching Out will feature one of these invasive exotics. Invasive exotic plants grow aggressively in yards and often spread to neighboring properties and natural areas.
help the frog find its way to the lily pads.
Directions:1. Draw the shape of a pond on the blue piece of construction paper. Cut out the pond.2. Glue the pond onto a light color of construction paper.3. Flip through old magazines and look for plants and animals that could be found in and around a pond. Then, cut them out.4. Glue the plants around the edges of the pond. Glue the animals in and around the pond so that some look like they’re floating.5. Hang your pond collage in a special place.
If you don’t have old magazines, draw some pond animals and plants on paper or go on the Internet and print some pictures of pond plants and animals to use in your collage.
aSK EarLEarl the Squirrel is the official mascot of the nature center.
Last Fall Earl received the following message…
Earl,
I’ve been told that you can
identify anything. I
scooped up this beetle on the deck of my Reston home.
What type of beetle is it? What can you tell me about it?
Thanks!Amy
Earl replied…
Dear Amy,
Looks like you’ve found an Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus). This species of rhinoceros beetle lives in deciduous forests in the eastern United States. But only the males have “horns”. They are used to fight rival males during mating competition. Despite the massive size of their horns, these beetles are harmless vegetarians who like to eat decaying plant material. Allegedly, they are the heaviest type of beetle found in North America.
Although they are usually greenish with dark spots, when found in moist places, such as soil or rotten wood, their shells can be almost black, like the one in your photograph. Some of these beetles can support 850 times their own weight on their shells, hence the name Hercules.
-Earl
You can e-mail your nature questions and observations to
sUPPLies:construction paper (1 sheet of blue and 1 sheet of another light color)
ScissorsglueOld magazines
POnd craft
Photo By: Amy Hataway
Walker nature education center11450 glade drivereston, virginia 20191
www.reston.org
Halloween House and Trick or Treat Trail
This fall, Halloween returns to the Walker Nature Education Center like never before.
You’re invited to the best family friendly Halloween event this side of Transylvania! Advance tickets will go on sale October 1.
Don’t get left in the dark---Join the nature center’s electronic mailing list to receive all of the spooktacular details and ticket information when available.
Write [email protected] to subscribe.
Save the Date:
Friday Night, October 29 (Recommended for families with children 5 and under)
Saturday Night, October 30 (Recommended for families with children 5 and over)
9th Annual reSton Home tour
Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Come tour five outstanding private Reston residences and the soon to be LEED certified, green Nature House.
Proceeds benefit the Reston Historic Trust and Reston Museum.
For tickets and information: www.restonmuseum.org
[email protected] 703-709-7700
Photo By: Jim Kirby
8 Branching Out Fall 10
