Walker Nature Center
BRANCHING OUT
A LOOK INSIDE • Calendar 4 • Kids’ Corner 6 • Living with Mosquitoes 7 • Nature Camps 8
Nature Notes JUNE Meet the Team Behind By Pam Findley
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Eastern Red-backed Salamanders lay eggs. White-tailed Deer fawns are born. Butterfly Weed, Threadleaf Coreopsis, and Bee Balm bloom. Possumhaw and Mapleleaf Viburnums bloom. June 21-Summer Solstice-Longest Day and Summer begins.
JULY • • • • •
Fireflies and bats are active in the night sky. Eastern Ratsnakes lay eggs. Cardinal Flower and Sweet Pepperbush bloom. Ghost Pipe, which lacks chlorophyll, grows in deep woods. July 28-29-Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower peaks.
AUGUST • • • • •
Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies are seen. Black-eyed Susans and Coral Bells are in bloom. Listen for katydids and annual cicadas calling in the evening. Blackberries are ripe. August 31-Full moon will be a Super Blue Moon.
the Green By Susan Sims
The Walker Nature Center is a special place that provides habitat for native wildlife, gathering spaces for the community and educational opportunities for Reston residents. It takes a small and crafty team to manage the Center. Read on to learn more about the people keeping things green. We’re excited to announce the arrival of our new Walker Nature Center Manager, Ken Rosenthal. Ken brings over 20 years’ experience working in nature and outdoor education, community outreach, and program and park management. Some highlights include experience at Cleveland Metroparks, Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington, VA. Ken has a bachelor’s degree in biology, is an active member of the National Association for Interpretation and a Virginia Master Naturalist. Ken previously worked for the Walker Nature Center as the Naturalist eight years prior and is returning to carry on the torch. Ken is stepping into the role following the retirement of Katie Shaw who dedicated nearly 32 years of service to the Walker Nature Center and led the capital projects charge that resulted in Nature House’s construction in 2009. Her heart and dedication to the center are visible every day, and we wish her the very best in her next chapter. Ken stated, “I’m excited to be joining the team at Walker Nature Center and for the opportunity to carry forward the mission of education through programming and interpretive activities that build a lifelong love of nature.” He will ensure day-to-day operations, budgets, safety and strategic goals are implemented on behalf of the Nature Center.
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Summer | 23 | Volume Twenty-three