The 14th annual Nature House 5K run/walk is slated for Saturday at the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive).

The event, open to all ages, benefits the Friends of Reston. The course mostly consists of paved walkways in neighborhoods as well as pathways at the Nature Center and through Glade Stream Valley Park.

The course is very similar to that of the Reston Sprint Triathlon, according to RA Parks & Recreation Director Larry Butler, making this a “great warmup race.”

T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered participants, and to walk-in registrants as supplies last. Post-race festivities will include an awards ceremony and a prize drawing, in addition to the presentation of overall and age group medals and prizes.

Registration is $30 for ages 13 and up, $20 for those 12 and under. Walk-in registration will begin Saturday at 7 a.m., with the race to start at 8.

The Friends of Reston is a nonprofit organization that works to support Reston Association in performing charitable, educational and scientific purposes. The Nature House, gifted to RA in 2009, is its flagship project.

Photos via Active.com registration page

April is here and the springtime festivities are right around the corner.

There is always a lot to do in Reston and the surrounding area, and this weekend is no exception. Kids and adults alike have plenty of options for fun as we welcome the calendar’s fourth month.

Here are just some ideas for what to do in the Reston area this weekend:

• Reston Community Center’s annual “Eggnormous” Easter egg hunt is Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Way). The free event is sure to be a big hit for all the kids. For more information, visit the Reston Community Center website.
• Also at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, volunteers are sought to help clean up the watershed. The event, one of nine at parks around the county, is set for 9-11:30 a.m.
• Dogs will be the guests of honor Saturday during the “Wag Fest” celebration in Reston. The event, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be at the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive).
• The last two performances of Reston Community Players’ “Rock of Ages” will be tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets for each performance of the show are $25.
• Reston Town Center will be host to an MS Walk on Sunday beginning at 9 a.m., with registration starting at 8.
• The annual April Fool’s Day prank at Reston Town Center will be taking place all-day Saturday at Fountain Square.
• Other events at Reston Town Center this weekend include the Rings for Spring bridal event, Easter egg decorating at Williams-Sonoma, kids’ cooking class at Il Fornaio and more.
• The A Bridal Show will also be taking place in Reston this weekend, Sunday at the Bechtel Conference Center (1801 Alexander Bell Drive).
• The Tidewater Guitar Quartet will play Sunday at 4 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center St.). Tickets are $20.
• The children’s book sale at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.
• The Friends of Reston’s Environmental Film Series will show “Hometown Habitat” tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive).
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music tonight, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., from Innertwined. DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits Saturday night.

Arbor Day may not officially be until the end of April, but that didn’t stop volunteers in Reston from marking the event a little early.

Friday morning at the Old Trail Natural Area, 70 volunteers and Reston Association staff participated in the community’s an Arbor Day tree planting. The event was a collaboration between Volunteer Reston and the National Wildlife Federation.

According to volunteer supervisor Ha Brock, RA celebrates Arbor Day earlier in the spring so it can stand alone from other Earth Day festivities in the community.

“A big thank you to all our volunteers,” Brock said. “Our work would not be possible without the work of our dedicated volunteers.”

A video showcasing the morning’s work is available on the Volunteer Reston Facebook page.

It’s the first weekend of spring and the weather forecast is looking fantastic. Here are some ideas for how you can get out and enjoy yourself.

• Reston Association has an “open house” event slated for Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Ave.). Members are invited to come find out more about what RA has to offer.
• Islamic Relief USA’s “Skate for Syria” is tonight from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at SkateQuest (1800 Michael Faraday Court). Tickets are available online for $12; they will be $15 at the door. Proceeds from the fundraiser support Syrian Humanitarian Aid.
• Reston Town Center is hosting “Family Fun Saturdays” throughout March to benefit Opportunity Neighborhood: Reston. This week’s schedule features mini train rides, caricature and balloon artists, free “sweet treats” and more. The event will go from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Other events at Reston Town Center this weekend include an art workshop at Greater Reston Arts Center, a cooking class at Il Fornaio, cupcake-making demonstrations at Williams-Sonoma and live music at World of Beer.
• ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center St.) will host its Best of FAVS showcase from 7-9:30 p.m. tonight. The event showcases several films from George Mason University’s Film and Video Studies program. There will be a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers as well. Tickets are $20.
• There will be a community rummage sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Berthold Academy (11480 Sunset Hills Road). Proceeds from the event will go toward class trips for students.
• Reston Community Players’ will put on “Rock of Ages” tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday at 2 p.m. at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets for each performance of the show, which will run through April 1, are $25.
• Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.) will host storytime with author Anne Marie Stephens on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
• The Diva Central prom dress giveaway will be Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Lake Anne location (1609A Washington Plaza N.) of Reston Community Center. The giveaway is open to any current middle school and high school student who is in need of a formal dress, shoes, jewelry and other accessories.
• An all-ages nature workshop involving spring bulb containers will happen at Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) from 2-3 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $7 for RA members and $9 for non-members.
• The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington will present its Suite Serenade at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive).
• There will be a free Montessori music class and information session at Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave.) from 6-8 p.m. Sunday. Parents are invited to learn about Little Oaks Montessori Academy.
• Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will have its YA Book Club on Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music tonight, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., from Throwing Plates. DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits Saturday night.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here is a sampling of what’s available in Reston:

• As previously reported, there will be a protest of Reston Town Center paid parking from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. The group plans to march on the perimeter of the Town Center. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
• Reston Town Center will host “Family Fun Saturdays” throughout March to benefit Opportunity Neighborhood: Reston. This week, there will be carousel rides from noon to 5 p.m., free s’mores and hot chocolate, a performance by the Fairfax Jubil-Aires and free ice skating from 1-4 p.m.
• Also at Reston Town Center this weekend are kids’ cooking classes at Il Fornaio and Williams-Sonoma, South Moon Under’s spring launch party, Girl Scout cookie sales and more.
• Youth Art Month at the Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) officially kicks off Saturday with an opening reception and Family Day from noon-4 p.m.
• The Reston 10-Miler race is Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive).
• Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Road) will host an all-ages nature program on raptor exploration Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
• This will be the final weekend “For the Love of Color” will be on display at the Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609A Washington Plaza N.).
• Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will host events for kids including a computer coding workshop (Saturday, 11 a.m.) and a visit from the South Lakes High School robotics club (Saturday, 1 p.m.). For adults, the lecture series on World War I continues Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have music from the Josh Allen Band tonight.
• Jeff From Accounting will play a concert Saturday at 10 p.m. at World of Beer (1888 Explorer St.)
• New Love Animal Rescue plans an animal-adoption event Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Pet Valu (1422 North Point Village Center).

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here is a sampling of what’s available in Reston:

• At the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Road), children can learn about gourmet treats for birds on Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon. For the grown-ups, a “Wine and Design” painting event is slated for Saturday night, 6:30-9.
• Events at Reston Town Center this weekend include Girl Scout cookie sales, a cooking class at Il Fornaio (11990 Market St.) and special skating events at the ice pavilion.
• At the Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609A Washington Plaza N.), “For the Love of Color” remains on display.
• At CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road), Irish musicians Lúnasa return to the stage tonight at 8. This show is sold out, but patrons are invited to the box office after 7 p.m. to get on the waiting list.
• Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will host events for kids including a “Minute to Win It” game show event (Saturday, 11 a.m.), chess club (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.) and YA book club (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.). For adults, cinema classic “Il Postino” will be shown Saturday (2 p.m.) and the lecture series on World War I continues Sunday (2 p.m.).
• Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) will have the reception for its February art exhibit, “From the Heart,” on Saturday from noon-1 p.m.
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have music from the Holly Montgomery Band tonight and DJ Kram on Saturday night.
• Spectrum will be performing tonight at World of Beer (1888 Explorer St.) beginning at 10 p.m.
• Dewey Animals is planning an animal adoption event at Pet Valu (11160 South Lakes Drive) Saturday from 1-3 pm.

Fairfax Police to Test Out Body Cams — County officers are expected to begin testing body-worn cameras later this year, once the police department completes (and the Board of Supervisors approves) a set of guidelines governing their use. [WTOP]

‘OK, Campers, Rise and Shine!’ — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, predicting six more weeks of winter. Monday and Tuesday at Walker Nature Center, a shadow play and activities will help kids understand more about the groundhog. [Walker Nature Center]

Groundhog Day for Grownups — For a more adult way to celebrate Feb. 2, check out the American Tap Room today for their “See Your Shadow” specials. [American Tap Room/Facebook]

Local Theater Students Compete in Georgia — Kids from Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School recently took part in the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta. The students won an award for excellence in ensemble work, and Kendyl Florence was honored for student choreography. [Reston Connection]

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia will be displaying the Audubon’s top photos of 2016 beginning this weekend at the Walker Nature Center in Reston (1145o Glade Drive).

The top nine photos of the year were chosen from more than 7,000 submissions to the Audubon Photography Awards by about 1,700 photographers. The exhibit also includes three honorable-mention winners, for a total of 12 photos.

Criteria included technical quality, originality and artistic merit. The photos cover a range of bird species and geographic locations.

An open house for the exhibit is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the nature center, with the photos to be on display until Feb. 14.

Along with the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Walker Nature Center, Friends of Reston is also co-sponsoring the show. Light refreshments, short bird walks and hands-on bird activities will also be part of the open house.

For more information, call 703-476-9689 or email [email protected].

Reston residents can get a little holiday cheer while enjoying a “joyous afternoon of songs, crafts, and merriment” this weekend.

The Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) is scheduled to host a “Holiday Open House” event this Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1-3 p.m.

“Making weekend plans? Come get in the holiday spirit with Walker the Woodpecker and the rest of the Nature Center crew,” the nature center wrote in a Facebook post. “See you at the Nature Center on Sunday, December 4th from 1-3pm for a joyous afternoon of songs, crafts, and merriment.”

The event is set to include:

• Live holiday music provided by MSE Productions (with a sing-along at 2:30 p.m.)
• Book signing with Kristina Alcorn, author of “In His Own Words: Stories From the Extraordinary Life of Robert E. Simon, Jr.”
• Free refreshments and handmade shopping bags from Virginia Green Baggers
• Photo opportunities with Myrtle the Turtle and Walker the Woodpecker
• Ornament making with natural materials

For more information, email the nature center or call them at 703-476-9689.

Photo via Walker Nature Center

Reston residents will have a chance to get outside and shake off that turkey coma this weekend.

Reston Association’s Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) is scheduled to host a “Turkey Trail” scavenger hunt this Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m.

During the event, attendees can breathe in the crisp fall air, marvel at the trees’ changing colors and search for clues along the trails near the nature center.

Organizers say a “wild turkey” has gone on the loose and left behind clues that families will need to decode in order to follow the “turkey trail.” As they do so, families will learn some fascinating facts about the beautiful Thanksgiving birds.

Registration by tomorrow is encouraged. The cost is $5 for RA members or $7 for non-members.

Photo: An American turkey, credit to “Lupin” on Creative Commons.

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Friends of Reston, the nonprofit that supports Reston Association, is trying to determine which bird best represents Reston. The organization is asking citizens for vote for a bird.

The finalists were chosen by Friends of Reston based on their year-round presence here and ease of recognition, says Katie Shaw, executive director of Friends of Reston.

“In recognition of Reston’s 50^th anniversary this year, it seems like a good time to honor one of the wonderful wild neighbors in our diverse community,” says Shaw.

 The five nominees: Read More