The Walker Nature Center is urging residents to keep be on the lookout for an invasive insect. Officials in Pennsylvania and other states are urging residents to kill the insect, which is called a Spotted Lanternfly.
“If you find one here, please put it in a ziplock bag and bring it to the nature center,” the center recently tweeted.
The insect has red and block inner wings and outer wings with black spots.
We are worried about the invasive Spotted Lanternfly coming to Reston. If you find one here, please put it in a ziplock bag and bring it to the Nature Center. https://t.co/D4TvkpcEqV
— Walker Nature Center (@restonnature) October 18, 2019
The insect is native to China, Bangladesh and Vietnam. It is known to cause major damage to trees, including. Oozing. Sap, wilting, leaf turning and tree dieback, according to officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services established a quarantine for Frederick County and the city of Winchester in late May to slow down the spread of the insect.
Here’s more from state officials:
Spotted Lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes, apples, stone fruits, hops and Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), which is its preferred host. It poses a threat to Virginia’s peach, apple, grape and wine industries. Spotted Lanternfly can also be a nuisance pest to homeowners when numbers are high.
The spotted lanternfly was first detected in Winchester in January 2018. Subsequent surveys conducted by VDACS indicate that the pest has become established in the city of Winchester and spread into Frederick County, just north of Winchester. Prior to the January 2018 detection in Virginia, the only Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) found in the U.S. was in Pennsylvania. Populations are now established in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and northern Virginia.
The Walker Nature Center is located at 11450 Glade Drive in Reston.
Photo by Ray Copson
Reston’s own Beverly Cosham, an entertainer known for her work in the local theatre and cabaret scene, returns to Reston Community Center’s stage tomorrow (Saturday).
Cosham presents her personal interpretation of the Great American Songbook at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Reston residents and $20 for all others.
Tomorrow (Saturday)
- Hispanic Heritage Literary and Culture Fair (1-5 p.m.) — Celebrate Hispanic heritage month at this festival at Reston Regional Library, which features local authors who share selections of poetry and stories.
- STEM Club (10:30 a.m. to noon) — Children between ages 5 and 10 can enjoy hands-on engineering activities at Reston Regional Library. Registration is required online.
Sunday (Oct. 6)
- Picture This! (1-4 p.m.) — Children between ages 6 and 11 can drop in and create an illustration inspired by an excerpt provided by the library. Supplies are available at Reston Regional Library.
- History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Hatty Butowsky of George Mason University kicks off his six-part lecture series on the war at Reston Regional Library.
- Fall Favorites (2-3 p.m.) — Families, couples and individuals can complete hands-on activities at the Walker Nature Center. Registration is $8 for Reston Association members and $10 for all others.
Plant lovers can take advantage of a local sale for native shrubs this month. All orders for the Walker Nature Center’s annual native shrub sale must be placed by September 27.
All shrubs are sold a pre-order basis and are native to Virginia. All sales are final and orders must be picked up on October 5 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m at the nature center.
The following plants are available for $32 in three-gallon containers:
- American Beautyberry
- American Witchhazel
- Fragrant Sumac
- Inkberry Holly
- Possumhaw Viburnum
- Summersweet
- Virginia Sweetspire
Orders can be placed online.
File photo
It’s that time of year again: the Walker Nature Center will host Reston Association’s annual Spring Festival on Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
The festival is free and features entertainment, craft-making, display from local environmental groups and other activities. It will take place at the center (11450 Glade Drive)
Attendees can also rent canoes and kayaks on Lake Audubon for $5 for thirty minutes. A native plant sale and fishing activities are also planned.
This year’s entertainment schedule, which is sponsored by Reston Community Center, is packed with an animal show from 1:30-2:15 p.m., a mad science interactive show from 2:45-3:15 p.m., and Bob Brown Puppets from 4:15-4:45 p.m.
Song Garden, the Stewart Sisters and Lindsey Hirshfield will play acoustic music throughout the event. Parking is available along Glade and Soapstone Drives and near the Glade Pool.
Photo by Volunteer Reston
Fatal Pedestrian Crashes Exceed Murder Rate in Fairfax County — Local officials are asking the public to avoid distracted driving in order to help prevent cyclists and pedestrians from being killed on the road. [WTOP]
‘Before the Flood’ Screening Tonight — The film follows actor Leonardo DiCaprio as he interviews scientists, activists and world leaders about climate change. The screening, which is part of an annual environmental film series, takes place at the Walker Nature Center from 7-9 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. A donation of $5 is suggested. [Reston Association]
County Proposal to Pay Legal Fees for Residents Facing Immigration Enforcement –– “As the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approaches the May 7 deadline for budget adoption, one of the more intriguing, and potentially polarizing, items under consideration is a pilot program that would fund legal representation for county residents subject to federal immigration enforcement actions.” [Fairfax County Times]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Overturned Truck on Dulles Toll Road Causes Delays — “An overturned truck on Va. 267/Dulles Toll Road just after Route 7 in Vienna, Virginia, caused significant delays starting Wednesday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m., the overturned ready-mix concrete delivery truck prompted lane closures and traffic reroutes.” [WTOP]
Dollars and Sense Today at Reston Regional Library — Join a monthly group discussion about business leaders and markets from 7-9 p.m. This month’s session covers “Moneyball” by Michael Lewis. The event is free and open to the public. [Reston Regional Library]
Live from the Den — In the continuing saga about a local fox family, the Walker Nature Center releases another live video from the den. [Walker Nature Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Herndon Planning Commission Meets Tonight — The commission takes another dive into establishing regulations for Airbnb-style rentals and creating new architectural guidelines for the Herndon Transit-Oriented Core. [Town of Herndon]
Tips on How to Sell Your Home — Mark Sierakowski, a realtor with Long and Foster, offers tips on how to sell your home in this free workshop at Reston Regional Library today from 7-8 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]
Kiddar Investors Gain Control of Herndon Office Building — “The investor group that backed Kiddar Capital’s acquisition of a Herndon office building entangled in a larger securities fraud case has been granted control over the 4.8-acre site.” [Washington Business Journal]
Earth Day with the Walker Nature Center — Celebrate Earth Day by sprucing up the nature center with new plants and fresh woodchopper tails. The event is organized by the Walker Nature Center and Reston Association. [Walker Nature Center]
Some of the Area’s Largest Veteran-owned Companies are in Reston — With 82 employees and $502.8 million in total revenue last year, ThunderCat Technology (1925 Isaac Newton Square) is the second largest veteran-owned company in the District area. Other Reston companies also topped the list. [Washington Business Journal]
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Candidates’ Forum Set for Tuesday — Reston Citizens Association is hosting a candidate forum from 7-9 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center (1609-A Washington Plaza N). Dennis Hays, RCA’s president, said the organization is “very excited to resume our long tradition” of hosting a candidate forum. [Reston Citizens Association]
Fox and Kits Get Some Attention — A red fox and her kittens have built a tiny home in Autumnwood area. A video of the mom calling to her babies has generated some attention online. [Walker Nature Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Plan to break a sweat this Saturday (April 13) during the Nature Center 5K Run and Walk. Although online registration for the annual run — now in its 16th year — closed on Wednesday, participants can still register on-site at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Walkers are welcome, but pets and strollers are not.
The race begins and ends at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) and will start promptly at 8 a.m. Runners will be greeted with refreshments, music and prizes at the finish line. Funds raised by the race will help support the Walker Nature Center.
Tomorrow (April 13)
- EGGnormous Egg Hunt (10-11:30 a.m.) — Eggspect lots of entertainment, including a strolling magician, games and moon bounces, during this egg hunt at Sunrise Valley Elementary School. Don’t forget to bring a basket to carry your eggs, a camera for photo opportunities, and a picnic to enjoy outdoors.
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Sing Books (10:30-11 a.m.) — “Sing Books with Emily” is back to sing illustrated songs with kids for all ages at Reston Regional Library.
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Hena Khan (2-3:30 p.m.) — Khan, the author of “Under My Hijab,” goes beneath the veil with this author talk and book signing at Reston Regional Library. The program is made possible by Reston Regional Library and Scrawl Books. Her books feature Muslim characters and portray Islamic culture. Herndon senior Nura Behgoman will moderate the discussion.
- Lake Anne Brew House Third Anniversary Party (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) — An all-day celebration is brewing at the Lake Anne Brew House. The family-friendly celebration will feature an extended lakefront beer garden, live music, outdoor games, and more. Owner Melissa Romano says she’s “proud to be part of such an amazing community.”
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Pictures with Easter Bunny (Noon to 3 p.m.) — Bring the little ones to take pictures with Easter Bunny during this free event at Reston Farm Market. Each child will get an Easter gift bag and a one-day pass to the market’s fall festival.
Sunday (April 14)
- Fairfax Veg Fest (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — In case you need a reminder to eat your greens, this inaugural event “showcases the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle,” according to event organizers. The festival takes place on the surface parking lot between the Northwest Federal Credit Union (200 Spring Street) and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
- History of World War II (2-4 p.m.) — Harry Butowsky of George Mason University nears the end of his six-part lecture series on the history of the war. The talk at Reston Regional Library is geared toward adults and teens.
Photo by Flickr user vantagehill
“Babes in the Woods” — Parents can bring their toddlers up to 35 months of age for craft time and sing-alongs at the Walker Nature Center. Tickets cost $7 for Restonians and $9 for non-residents. [WebTrac]
Target increases paychecks — “Target workers in Reston are about to see their paychecks go up. The retail giant announced Thursday that all of its workers will make at least $13 an hour beginning in June as part of its commitment to have a $15 minimum hourly wage by 2020.” [Reston Patch]
Screen safety PSA — The fire department wants residents to remember that screens keep bugs out but won’t keep the kids in. “Screens DO NOT prevent children from falling out. Windows must operate easily for emergency exits in case of fire, but should be made ‘childproof'” — which the fire department has tips about. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]
Auditing action — “Some places in America are significantly more likely to get audited by the IRS than others. Unfortunately, Reston is one of them. That’s according to a new interactive map created by the folks at Pro Publica… According to the map, an estimated 7.9 per 1,000 filings in Fairfax County were audited.” [Reston Patch]
Restonian tried to get gun past TSA — “Federal security officers spotted an unloaded 9 mm handgun in a [Reston] man’s carry-on bag at a Baltimore Washington International Airport security checkpoint April 5… The gun owned by a Reston man was not loaded and was spotted in the checkpoint X-ray machine. Maryland Transportation Authority Police confiscated the gun and arrested him on a state weapons charge.” [Reston Patch]
Artsplay at the library — A Wolf Trap teaching artist and library staff will share music, drama and movement to encourage self-expression and imaginative play in a series of five classes at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. Today’s class runs from 1:30-2:15 p.m. [Fairfax County]
Arbor Day — Restonians can plant native trees and shrubs in various locations around Reston, which is a certified Tree City USA. A presentation and flag-raising ceremony will take place at 11:45 a.m. at the Walker Nature Center, followed by a free pizza lunch for volunteers. The event last from 9:30 a.m.-noon [Reston Association]
Open mic poetry — Author Sid Gold and poet Sally Zakariya will share their work at an open mic from 7-9 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon. [ArtSpace Herndon]
Mark your calendars for April 13 if you plan to break a sweat in the Nature Center 5K Run and Walk.
Registration for the annual run — now in its 16th year — recently opened. The price increases by $5 for kids and adults on Monday, April 1. (Currently, it is $25 for adults and $15 for kids.)
Online registration closes on Wednesday, April 10, but participants can still sign up at the 7 a.m. walk-in registration on race day. While walkers are welcome, pets and strollers are not.
The race, which begins and ends at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive), is set to start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 13.
The course spans paved paths and woodchipped trails through the forest and neighborhoods. Runners will be greeted at the finish line with refreshments, music and prizes.
Awards will be given to overall finishers and men’s and women’s categories in 10-year increments, according to a press release. Three team categories — “Corporate,” “Friends” and “Family” — were added this year.
Racers will also have the chance to win prizes in random drawings. Kids under the age of 13 will receive a participation prize.
The funds raised by the race will help support the Walker Nature Center’s facility enhancements, educational exhibits and programming, the press release says.
Photo courtesy Ken Plum
Valentine’s Day is come and gone, but Scrawl Books plans to keep spreading love with a fundraiser this Sunday (Feb. 17).
The post-Valentine’s “Galentine’s Party” — which originated from an episode about female friendship on the show “Parks and Recreation” — will benefit Cornerstones and the Laurel Learning Program.
Authors Orly Konig and Erika Marks will discuss books, writing and life, according to the event description. The fundraiser will also have raffles and giveaways.
Interested? The fundraiser runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 11911 Freedom Drive. Scrawl Books asks for a $10 suggested donation at the door.
Tomorrow (Feb. 16)
- Raptors Up Close (11 a.m.-noon) — Locals can join naturalists at the Walker Nature Center for programs designed for a mix of ages. Participants will be able to take an exploratory hike, explore outside or participate in an indoor Nature House program to learn about the natural world. Costs range from $7 to $9 per person.
- Glowing LED Artworks (2-3 p.m.) — Observe light and sculpture using LED’s, batteries and art materials. and then create your own at the Reston Regional Library. The event is for kids ages 6 to 11.
- Astronomy Festival (6 p.m.) — The Observatory at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls will have guided stargazing, telescope viewing and listening to ancient stories about constellations around a campfire. Hot chocolate and snacks will also be available for purchase. The cost is $8 per person if you register online before the event and $10 at the door.
- Stage Reading “Haint So” (7:30-9:30 p.m.) — The original work explores “the rich tradition of folklore, superstition and the mystical spirits of the dark mountains in Virginia,” according to the event description. Intrigued? Register for the ArtSpace Herndon event.
Sunday (Feb. 17)
- Walk or run (8 a.m.) — Join the group for either a 3- or 6-mile walk, a 10-mile run or a 12-mile trail run. Bring your running shoes to the South Lakes Village Center.
- Herndon Library Board Games (1-2:30 p.m.) — Adults are invited to play classic board games. No registration is necessary.
- Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire (5:30-7:30 p.m.) — Locals can explore nature while a naturalist guide will point out signs of creatures in the woods at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Participants can enjoy a campfire with s’mores after the hike. The cost is $9 per person.
File photo
There’s plenty to do around Reston and Herndon this weekend. Audubon enthusiasts can enjoy a recently opened exhibit showcasing award-winning bird photography.
The Audubon Photography Awards Show opened today (Feb. 8) at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive). The exhibit displays the winning bird photographs from the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards, which were selected from more than 8,000 entries submitted by photographers across the country, along with opportunities to learn more about local birdlife.
The exhibit is set to have a free open house on Sunday (Feb. 10) from 1-3 p.m. where visitors will be able to meet representatives from Nature’s Best Photography, which helped to judge the international competition. Visitors can take part in bird walks and activities, along with enjoying refreshments.
“We were thrilled to be selected as a host site of this amazing traveling show for a second year,” Nature Center Manager Katie Shaw told Reston Now, adding that the partnership with Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has many Reston members who share a passion for “the feathered wonders of this beautiful world.”
The exhibit focuses on the many bird species protected under the 100-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It will run until Feb. 27.
“We know that everyone who comes over to see the exhibit will get a fresh view on a some familiar species as well as an eye opener to species perhaps never seen before,” Shaw said.
Tomorrow (Feb. 9)
- Handmade Valentine Card Workshop (9:30-11 a.m.) — The Greater Reston Arts Center will lead a workshop for participants to create cards. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians.
- 10th Annual Fine Art Photography Competition Reception (7-9 p.m.) — Arts Herndon is presenting an exhibit featuring finalists in the annual Fine Art Photography Competition.
- Bookworms Club! with Sue Fliess (11 a.m.) — Head to Scrawl Books for a book club event for young readers. Sue Fliess will read her new book “Ninja Camp” and others.
- “In Their Own Words: STRETCH curator’s talk” (3 p.m.) — Co-curators Erica Harrison and Don Russell will discuss the process of organizing “STRETCH” and their thoughts on trends in contemporary art practice. The event is free.
- Ride with Reston Bike Club (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) — Join the Reston Bike Club for a bike ride starting from ArtSpace Herndon’s parking lot.
- An Evening with Broadway Legend Baayork Lee (8 p.m.) — Lee will talk about her career, the state of Broadway today and her work with the National Asian Artists Project, a nonprofit which showcases works by artists of Asian descent, at CenterStage. Tickets cost $15 for Restonians and $20 for everyone else.
Sunday (Feb. 10)
- Walk or run with Reston Runners (8 a.m.) — Join the Reston Runners for either a 3-mile walk, 6-mile walk or 10-mile run starting from the Sunset Hills Commuter Lot.
- Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels can learn how to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz at RCC Hunters Woods. Partners are not required. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.
- Country Western Dance (5:30-8 p.m.) — Participants can take part in line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing to popular country western tunes played by RCC’s DJ at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets cost $5 for Restonians and $10 for everyone else.
Photos courtesy of Nature CenterÂ
Basic knitting —Â People ages 16 and up can learn the only two stitches you need to knit anything. Head to the Reston Regional Library for the event, which runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. [Reston Regional Library]
“The Marvelous Moon” —Â Families, couples and individuals can take an exploratory hike and have some outdoor fun with Walker Nature Center’s naturalists tonight from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets costs between $6 to $8. [WebTrac]
Creative printmaking — Learn how to carve and create your own prints from handmade plates to carved blocks. The class at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street) runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight. [ArtSpace Herndon]
Former Reston Hospital Board chair died —Â Alix Daniel Laurent died at home on Nov. 27. He opened a urology practice at Reston Hospital in 1987 and was a member of the medical staff who chaired the Reston Hospital Board of Trustees for eight years. [Herndon Patch]
Photo via Ray Copson