30 Seconds Outdoors: Stinging Nettle
Channel: potomacoverlookpark
Date: 2012-06-07

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http://www.nvrpa.org/park/potomac_overlook/

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More Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Parks to discover:
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Those who brush up against the stem of the stinging nettle plant usually feel a powerful burning sensation followed by intense itching which can last for hours or days. Nettles have fine hair like protrusions on their stems called tricomes that act hypodermic needles, injecting a combination of histamine, formic acid, and serotonin into those unfortunate enough to come in contact with the plant.  

Although known for its painful sting, stinging nettle has also been used throughout the world as a medicinal plant for thousands of years.  Nettles have been used to treat ailments including arthritis, rheumatism, and a host of other problems.  They are also an excellent food source, as they provide large amounts of protein and other important nutrients and vitamins to hungry animals and humans.

On the Potomac Palisades in north Arlington, Potomac Overlook offers 70 acres of peaceful woodland, trails, educational gardens, a small picnic area and a Nature Center. The Nature Center features brand new exhibits called the "Energerium", offering visitors a fun and accessible way to learn energy basics and ways they can help create sustainable energy solutions. The displays blend lessons from ecology, Earth Science, physics, chemistry and other topics in clear, understandable ways. The Nature Center also houses live animals and natural history exhibits and is the office for NVRPA's naturalist staff.

The Nature Center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park was converted from a house built in 1912. It contains a variety of exhibits on local human and natural history and is the office for the Park Authority's naturalist staff. Energy efficiency and renewable energy systems are also featured. 

An auditorium, holding up to 30 people around tables or 50 people seated in rows, can be rented for birthday parties or group meetings as the park's schedule allows. The center's energy efficiency and renewable energy systems are also featured.