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Know the Science Behind the Flying V
 The temperature is dropping and the leaves are falling off the trees as nature is preparing itself for the change in seasons. Up from above you hear the honking and the familiar sight of the flying V. That's right, its migration time for many different species of ducks and geese (also known as waterfowl). But why do they fly in the V shape?
Scientists have found that migrating waterfowl choose the V formation for two reasons. The first is to conserve energy. Each bird flies slightly above the one in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. Each bird takes a turn flying in front of the flock and falls back when they get tired. This way the flock can fly a longer distance without getting tired and stopping to rest.
The second benefit of the V formation is that it's easier to keep track of each individual bird in the flock. Each bird can see one another which assists with communication and coordination. Why are there more birds on one side of the V than the other? The simplest answer in this case is the correct one. There are simply more birds on that side. For more information, click here. |
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Things That Go Bump in the Night
 You know they're out there. You hear them. You've seen the evidence. But what are they? Join us for our Family Nite Hike through West Neck Creek Natural Area on Saturday, December 10 from 7 to 8 pm. We'll explore the area, examine the evidence and find out what exactly is active in our parks while we sleep. This family-oriented hike includes opportunities to explore and discover as we hike to the Whitehurst-Buffington House, take in the night sky and enjoy a warm cup of cocoa. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your flashlight! There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Register soon as spaces are filling fast!
Family Nike Hike | 12/10 | 7-8 pm | No cost | #101659 - Register! |
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The Life Cycle of an Aluminum Can
 Just like clockwork, you place your full blue recycling bin on the curb for pick up on your assigned day. When you bring the bin back to your house, it's empty. We all know that the items have gone to be recycled, but have you ever given it a second thought beyond that? What happens to the materials that get collected?
For an example, let's take a look your aluminum cans. Did you know that an aluminum can is 100% recyclable? According to TFC Recycling, aluminum is one of the most sought after commodities for recyclers. After being dumped in the recycling truck, your cans travel to a recycling facility where they are sorted and separated from the other materials. The aluminum is compacted into bales, which are then loaded onto trucks and transported to manufacturing facilities. From there, they'll be shredded, melted down and eventually reshaped back into cans. The new cans are shipped to beverage manufacturing companies, refilled with your favorite liquid refreshment, readied for shipment back to store shelves and eventually make it back to your home. Within 60 days of leaving the recycling facility, that new can might be right back in your blue bin waiting by the curb and the cycle continues.
Learn more about the recycling process of aluminum in this article by TFC Recycling. |
Registration is now available for the 
