Dana's Bench on The Loop Trail at Lake Audubon

On May 26, 2023, we all lost an incredible light in this world, Dana Andersen Schreiner. She was many things to a lot of different people - a wife, a mother, a second mother, a friend, an actor, an artist, a fantastic cook, a kind neighbor; the list goes on, but to anyone who was fortunate enough to know her, there is one thing that remains certain: she was loved. It’s hard not to love a person like Dana.

Dana had an immense appreciation for the natural beauty around her. While living in Reston, Virginia, she frequented the trails surrounding Lake Audubon daily, and was known to collect leaves, bark, sticks, flowers and other natural treasures that she foraged along her walks. Later, she would bring them back to life by creating beautiful pieces of art. Dana had an ability to see the beauty and magic in the world that the rest of us often overlook.

In honor of our nature-loving Dana, we are raising funds to install a bench at her favorite spot on the Reston trails along the stream that feeds into Lake Audubon. Dana could spend hours here watching Luna splashing in the water, cooling off on a hot summer day. Our fundraising goal will help cover the costs of the bench (installed and maintained via Reston Association), as well as go towards a dedication ceremony (to be announced at a later date). Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Any excess funds will be donated to the Dana scholarship at the Studio Conservatory.

Dana will always be with us - she’s the wildflowers dancing in the wind, the sun peeking through a clearing in the woods, the waves breaking on the sand; this is Dana. We hope the bench will help everyone take a moment to slow-down, pause their busy lives and embrace the beauty surrounding us, just as Dana did at this special place in the woods.