### Environment
Environmental stewardship was one of founder Robert E. Simon's core principles for Reston, and it remains a defining feature of the community today.
* **Green Space:** The Reston Association manages over 1,350 acres of open space, including four man-made lakes (Anne, Thoreau, Audubon, and Newport), ponds, and streams. * **Tree Canopy:** Reston is heavily wooded, boasting a tree canopy coverage that is diligently protected by local zoning and community guidelines. * **Air and Water Quality:** Air quality generally mirrors the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area (mostly good, with occasional summer ozone alerts). Water quality in the local lakes is actively monitored and managed by the Reston Association for recreational safety and ecological health. * **The Walker Nature Center:** Serves as the hub for environmental education in Reston, featuring a LEED Gold-certified nature house and miles of interpretive trails. * **Sustainability:** The community actively promotes recycling, composting, and native plant landscaping. Reston has numerous EV charging stations, particularly in the Reston Town Center and near Metro stations.