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27

FRIDAY

Jim “Catfish” Hunter. Greg “the Shark” Norman. Dr. Octopus. Some of the best—and, in the last case, most historically significant—nicknames have been dredged from the mysteries of the deep. But perhaps the most inspired (and most deserved) marine-related moniker belongs to the area’s very own Kendra “Walleye” Wilson, an interpretive naturalist and an expert on all things gilled. (Just so you know: A walleye is a North American freshwater perch.) Wilson specializes in “the Pohick plunge”—that is, leading curious youngsters into Pohick Creek and introducing them, face to face, to such beasts as “the streaking silverside” (a sparkly, lightning-quick minnow), “the mighty madtom” (a stream-type catfish with a bad attitude), and “the slippery eel” (your basic slippery eel). Wilson likes to entertain as well as educate; in fact, she warns those participating—ages 6 to 10, please—to “dress to get wet.” The adventure begins at 4 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. $2. For reservations call (703) 451-9588. (Sean Daly)