Walker Nature Center

 

Facility Overview

Welcome to the heart of Reston’s 1,300 acres of open space and the home of environmental education for all ages. Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking and restroom facilities from dawn to dusk. Check out our newsletter, Branching Out.

Nature House Hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays-Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sundays 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Closed to public on Tuesdays and on RA holidays.

Groups

If you would like to bring a group to the Nature Center, please write or call ahead to arrange your visit. Groups may request special programs at least three weeks in advance of their desired dates.

Outdoor Manners

Please follow these rules while at the Nature Center. 

  • Stay on the trail.

  • Keep pets on a leash.

  • Clean up after your pet.

  • Leave all plants and animals where you find them.

  • Put waste into trash cans or recycling containers or carry it out with you.

  • Do not smoke within 50 yards of the building, pavilion and fire ring.

About the Nature Center

The Walker Nature Center provides a variety of educational and interpretive resources, programs and facilities. Through direct experiences and interpretive media, our mission is to foster good environmental stewardship in the community. The Nature Center was named after Reston’s first Open Space and Nature Center Director, Vernon J. Walker who served from 1967-1982. Mr. Walker believed in a healthy coexistence of nature and people. 

Features

  • A LEED Gold education building known as Nature House

  • 72 acres of woodlands

  • One mile of loop trails

  • Picnic tables & pavilion

  • Pond

  • Fire ring

  • Trailside benches

  • Interpretive signs

  • Little Free Library

  • Memorial sundial

  • Demonstration meadow

  • Demonstration native plant gardens

  • The Glade Stream Valley Snakeden Branch stream’s entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon

Programs

The Nature Center conducts a variety of on-site and outreach programs for people of all ages. These nature programs support environmental education and action. Together we can conserve and enjoy Reston’s beautiful natural areas. Come hike, paddle, toast a marshmallow, or slosh in a stream with us! Visit RA’s WebTrac site for details and registration.

Special Request Programs

Arrange for the Nature Center to lead a program for your class, youth group or family upon special request. Read more about the following private program offerings. Contact naturecenter@reston.org or call 703 476 9689.

Nature Trunks are available on loan to teachers and youth group leaders. Bird Backpacks can be checked out for individual on-site use.

Rentals

Looking for the perfect spot for a family gathering, community meeting or business retreat? Affordable and attractive rentals of our multi-purpose room, pavilion and fire ring are available. For reservations, e-mail naturecenter@reston.org or call 703 435 6514.

Read more about our rentals rates.

Volunteers

Volunteers

Volunteers make the difference. Would you like to share your time, energy and skills with the Nature Center? Our volunteers serve as: 

  • Welcome Desk Attendants

  • Trail and Garden Assistants

  • Special Event Assistants

  • Guest Speakers and Instructors

Apply or learn more about environmental volunteer opportunities.

To access brochures and facility information click here.