The Reston Association - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I heard that some of Reston's streams are going to be "restored." What does that mean and who's paying for it?
A: Restoring the stream means rebuilding the stream back to a natural channel. Because developments in other communities are impacting streams and wetlands in Northern Virginia, Reston's stream restoration work will be completed and traded as credits to those developers who cannot avoid impacting streams. This means Reston's streams are going to be restored at no cost to the citizens. Click here to view the Watershed Master Plan.

Q: Where does water and debris that washes into storm sewers go?
A: Our storm drains prevent flooding of roads and neighborhoods by carrying rain and snowmelt away from streets and sidewalks. Storm drains connect directly to our streams and empty into our lakes. Trash, pet waste, motor oil, paint and other materials dumped or washed into storm drains pollute our watersheds and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

Q: I see signs at the lakes saying not to feed the geese and ducks, but my children love to do it. What's the harm?
A: The large number of Canada Geese that congregate around our lakes and other natural areas are not native to this area. They destroy native vegetation and drive off native birds. Perhaps the worst damage is from their droppings which damage water quality and create slipping hazards on paths. Bread provides poor nutrition and discourages migration and other natural behaviors. For the sake of our environment, ourselves and the birds, please don't feed the ducks and geese!

Q: I saw some people with a big net in the stream near my home. They said they were counting "bugs." What did they mean?
A: Volunteers monitor many locations in the streams in Reston every season by netting bugs and identifying how many belong to pollution-tolerant species. A high percentage of pollution intolerant species indicates a healthy stream. For more information contact Reston's Watershed Manager, Nicki Foremsky at nicki@reston.org.

Q: Is swimming allowed in the lakes and ponds?
A: No, swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes or ponds due to safety concerns. Lifeguards are not available and water quality is not maintained for public swimming.

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Boating

Q: Can I use a boat on the lake near my house?
A: Yes. A member can get a free access permit (sticker) to use the hand-carried boat access points on each lake. Call 703.435.6530. No gas motors are allowed on RA lakes, but electric motors are allowed.

Q: Are there boats for rent on Reston's lakes?
A: Yes, boats can be rented at Lake Anne Plaza. From Thursday evening to Saturday evening, you can enjoy a journey across Lake Anne in a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or rowboat. Rental services begin June 1st and go until September 1st. The cost is $6 per boat for one hour. Purchase your boat rental ticket at Body By Geoff Health & Fitness Center, located on the plaza at 1609-B. You can call Body By Geoff at 703-464-5559 or go to www.bodybygeoff.com.

Hours of Operation:
Thursday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm

*Boat operator must be at least 16 years of age. A parent or legal guardian (18 years old or older) must sign a waiver agreement and accompany passengers under the age of 16. Swimming is not permitted. Pets are not allowed.

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Fishing

Q: Is fishing allowed on Reston's lakes and ponds?

A: Yes, but you must have a valid fishing license which can be obtained at places that sell fishing equipment like K-Mart and Dick's Sporting Equipment.

Q: Are Reston's lakes and ponds stocked for fishing?

A: Yes, the lakes are stocked with several species of game fish including large mouth bass and channel catfish.

Q: Why are some lakes posted "Catch and Release"?

A: Anglers are encouraged to release grass carp and large bass back into Lakes Audubon and Newport. The grass carp are instrumental in controlling the aquatic plants in the lakes and require a permit. The size of bass in the lake is important in maintaining and controlling the fishery. Click here for more information.

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Natural Areas

Q: What are those concrete posts behind my house?

A: Gray property markers are used to mark the property line between private homeowner or cluster property and the open space that is owned in common by Reston Association members and cared for by Reston Association. Newer posts have "RA" or a plaque that says "RA Property Marker."

Q: Who maintains the pathways and sidewalks in Reston?

A: RA maintains 55 miles of pathways throughout Reston. Sidewalks are maintained by clusters if they are alongside cluster roads or by VDOT if they are along main, state-controlled roads. A few sidewalks are part of the pathway system.

Q: Why maintain Reston's natural areas? If they are "natural," what kind of maintenance do they need?

A: Our natural areas are fragmented into relatively small parcels that suffer the abuses of adjacent development. Often they are encroached on by mowing, dumping of yard debris or the spread of ornamental plant species that out-compete native plants. Natural areas are routinely inspected for public safety, and hazardous trees are removed. Wooded buffers and meadows are replanted as needed.
Q: Are there any rules about using Reston's paths and natural areas?

A:

Stay on the trails.
Leave all plants and animals where you find them.
Deposit all litter in trash or recycling containers or carry it out with you.
Use extreme caution with lit cigarettes or matches.
Always keep pets on a leash and pick up their waste.

Q: Can I camp in Reston natural areas?

A: No, but camping is allowed in nearby Lake Fairfax Park. No fires are permitted in Reston's natural areas.

Q: Since leaves and other yard debris are natural, can I toss them into the natural area near my home and leave them to decompose?

A: Please, never dump yard debris in our woods and natural areas. Groundcover plants like ferns and wildflowers are smothered by such debris. Yard waste often contains seeds and clippings of non-native and invasive plants like Japanese Honeysuckle. And it upsets the delicate balance of nature. There are better alternatives. Fairfax County now requires trash haulers to pick up bagged yard debris at the curb for composting. Check with your trash hauler. Woody debris can be picked up by your hauler or taken to one of RA's monthly brush chipping locations which are listed in the A to Z Guide. It is against state and county laws to dump yard waste in Reston's natural areas.

Q: Can I compost yard debris in my back yard?

A: Yes! You can find more information in a composting brochure available as a PDF file. Click here to download the (PDF) file.

Q: I see signs in my neighborhood about Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Where can I get more information?

A: Backyard habitats provide food, water, shelter and a place for birds and other wildlife to raise young. Reston is one of the first communities in the nation to be designated a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For more information on this program and on how to create your own backyard habitat, click here to visit the National Wildlife Federation website.

Q: How do I rent a garden plot? And what is the difference between "organic" garden plots and others?

A: Reston's garden plots are very popular, so you might spend a season on the waiting list, but once you have a plot, you can renew your contract for that space on an annual basis. Plot rentals range from $20 to $120, depending on their size. Three of the four garden plot locations are all organic, meaning no pesticides or herbicides are allowed. Call Member Services at 703.435.6530.

Q: Who picks up the trash in Reston?

A: RA picks up trash at our recreational facilities and from cans placed along the pathway system. We also have a contract with VDOT that allows us to pick up trash before each roadway's mowing cycle. Therefore, please be aware that the frequency of trash removal and mowing is controlled by VDOT. Four primary trash haulers pick up trash in Reston on a contract basis with homeowners. If you need a yard debris pick up, contact your trash hauler to learn of their requirements. If you live in an apartment, condominium or townhouse, your management or cluster board is responsible for contracting with a trash removal service. Check with them for details. If you don't know how to contact them, call RA at 703.437.9580.

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Woods

Q: There are beautiful woods owned by Reston Association behind my home. Is there any chance they will be developed in the future?

A: All Reston Association open space is designated as permanent open space. In order for any development to occur, a referendum of the members would have to be held and would require participation by 30% of eligible voters. In addition, a development plan amendment (essentially a zoning change) would have to be approved by the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors after public hearings on the matter. Much of RA's property is subject to easements that further restrict the possibilities for future development.

Q: How old are the forests in Reston?

A: Reston's forest is predominantly made up of second growth oak, hickory and tulip poplar trees. Much of the land that we know as Reston was cleared for farming and logging activities between the 1800's and mid-1900's. The oldest trees are around 100 years old.

Q: What was here before Reston was built?

A: Since the Northern Neck Proprietary Land Grant was awarded to seven loyalists by Charles II of England in 1647, agriculture and commerce have lured people to the area now known as Reston. The land was once part of the original holdings of Lord Fairfax and has changed hands many times. Farming, dairy and cattle operations, logging, stone quarrying, a distillery, resorts, and even another planned town have been part of Reston's past. When Robert E. Simon, Jr. purchased the land from A. Smith Bowman in 1961, it was half wooded and half open fields traversed by clear running streams. Presently, the 11.5 square acres of land is home to over 60,000 residents who live, work and play in Reston.

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Trees

Q: I saw a sign that said Reston is a "Tree City USA." What does that mean?

A: Reston is proud of its Tree City USA designation awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To qualify for Tree City USA status, a community must meet four standards that indicate a viable tree management plan and program. They must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Trees are our "breathing buddies". They beautify Reston and protect our land and ecosystem.

Q: A tree has fallen across the path near my house. What should I do?

A: If the tree is on RA property or if you are not sure who is responsible, call RA at 703.435.6530. Reston has a full time arborist and an arborist assistant on staff.

Q: Can I plant a tree in memory of a family member?

A: Yes, you can. Plaques, stones and benches may also be designated as memorials. Call Reston Association at 703.437.7658 for more information.

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Wildlife

Q: What's being done to stop beavers from felling trees near our streams?

A: You can find excellent information about beavers, their behaviors and characteristics and RA's approach to friendly co-existence with them on the RA website. Click here for more information.

Q: Why is there wire fencing along the path near my house?

A: Low fencing with open gates is sometimes used to keep beavers out of homeowner property.

Q: There are squirrels in my attic. How do I get rid of them?

A: Fairfax County Animal Control or the local game warden may be able to help. An excellent article on co-existing with wildlife can be found on the RA website. Click here for more information.

Q: I love watching the birds in my yard. How can I learn more about the birds I'm seeing?

A: Check the RA website or stop by the RA offices to pick up a copy of our brochure, Checklist of Birds Seen in Reston Virginia. Also participate in a bird program, walk or count as advertised on www.reston.org and in the RA A to Z Program Guide.

Q: Are bird walks offered in Reston?

A: Yes, volunteers who are excellent birders lead walks from February through November in our parks and natural areas. These walks are listed in the A to Z Program Guide which is mailed to every residence in Reston. It is also posted on the RA website, and copies can be obtained at Reston Association offices.

Q: I found a baby bird in my yard. What should I do?

A: If the bird is uninjured but does not have feathers, try to find its nest and put it back inside of it. If you cannot find the nest, make a substitute nest in a small container lined with grass or pine needles, and place it in a nearby bush or tree. The parents will take care of their baby.

If the bird is feathered, uninjured and hopping on the ground, leave it alone. This is normal behavior for a young fledgling. Its parents will take care of it. Keep cats, dogs and people from disturbing the birds.

If you find an injured bird (bleeding, shivering, broken wing, etc.) or if parents do not return to their baby, place the bird in a