Today I visited the Walker Nature Center in Reston which opened in 2009.
I have been to this nature center and park many times and enjoyed each visit.
The center has hiking trails, picnic areas and the parking is free.
Biking Path in Woods
Large Planted Crocks
The main building holds educational presentations on nature, and I believe there are some offices in it.
On the covered porches, they have an assortment of crocks overflowing with colorful plants and flowers.
Someone has added a small pumpkin to each crock in keeping with the fall season.
The pathways are clearly marked with fallen logs and branches so you can never get lost.
I started with the short hike loop which brings you back to the main building. This path is flat and easy to do.
The woods are gorgeous and pristine.
Large Trees in Woods
Elf Houses
I saw these cute “elf houses” in the woods.
I am not sure exactly what they are. They might even be a mini house for an insect or animal.
The elf houses are made out of wood harvested from the forest. The “homes” are decorated with small doors and windows. The roofs are made out of layers of tree bark.
Also on the small trail you can sit on a wooden bench by the fish pond.
The whole park is peaceful and very quiet even though there is a busy parkway not too far away.
There are actually quite a few benches at the Walker Nature Center so you can take a break if you want.
Fish Pond
After I competed the small loop trail, I decided to hike down to the pond.
On the way down, I saw a large deer in the woods.
View of Pond in Reston
Another View of the Pond
The photograph on the left was taken standing on the bridge and shows the large rocks lining the banks of the pond.
The falling fall leaves are beginning to dot the surface of the pond.
Adopt a Stream Sign
Pond View Through Trees
The above sign is an Adopt a Stream sign for the Snakeden Branch.
The Adopt a Stream program keeps neighborhood streams beautiful and trash free. They also keep track of water quality and stream conditions.
Wooden Composting Bins
After my hike to the pond, I returned to the main building.
Interesting to note, they have three wooden composting bins.
The bins have screens on top to keep the forest animals out.
They also have rain barrel system set up to save water for watering the plants.
It seems to be connected to the gutter downspout.
Rain Barrel
Large Porch Walkways
The building at the center has large porches.
Due to COVID-19, the bathroom is closed as well as the drinking fountains. The drinking fountains are covered with black plastic trash bags.
Closed Bathroom and Drinking Fountains
This section of the hiking trail is lined with wild flowers.
The yellow flowers are goldenrod.
Wild Flowers
Dirt Hiking Trail
So ends another blog and a great hike.
I hope you enjoyed the many photographs of the wonderful Walker Nature Center and perhaps someday you will get the opportunity to visit it.