Join our Team at Arlington Parks and Rec!
Gulf Branch Nature Center
Free and open to the public three days a week (currently). We are currently open Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm. See you soon!
Check out our live animals and exhibits, attend a virtual or in-person program, explore the park, and more! The park is open sunrise to sunset, 7 days/week. Set in a wooded stream valley, Gulf Branch Natural Area preserves and protects wildlife habitat while serving as an educational and recreational resource for the public. Staffed by friendly naturalists, the nature center houses exhibits about
Operating as usual
Update, the nest under the stairs has been removed. However, the stairs are dilapidated and should not be used. Therefore the area will remain roped off.
The lower section of Gulf Branch Trail to the Potomac is closed. Aggressive stinging insects in the area. We are taking steps to deal with the situation, but until then please use extreme caution if in the area.
Our team is looking for skilled leaders to help us bring the benefits of the outdoors to everyone. Join one of the Top 5 best park systems in the country.
Thanks to everyone that joined us on Saturday for . We had a great time. Be sure to care for birds and insects everyday!
Only one day until the Migratory Bird Festival at Lacey Woods Park. Come check out live birds, games, crafts and chat with Wildlife Rescue League, Wild Birds Unlimited, Diva Crows, Arlington Bluebird Monitoring and more. This is a free event. See you early birds at 10am
Migratory Bird Fest is next week! We are excited, but could use a few extra wings! If you would like to volunteer check out the link below.
Volunteer Arlington
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The Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award The Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award is given annually by the Arlington Park and Recreation Commission to honor outstanding volunteer efforts in support of the health, sustainability and functioning of Arlington’s parks.
Are you hearing an increase in bird song? It's peak migration for our area so we have a lot of birds passing through and moving in for the summer. If you want to know who is singing their heart out check out the Merlin app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology .
Celebrate with us on May 11th at Lacey Woods Park!
10am-1pm- Free!
Activitites, Games, and meet Live birds!
I 💜 you too Redbud. (Cercis canadensis)
Only 3 days left to order your native plants!
Flower, flower, flowers!
We can't help being excited about native plants for our community.
Have questions about what you should plant in your garden? Stop by Long Branch Nature Center on March 30th between 10 AM - 2 PM to talk to native plant knowledgeable Master Naturalists and nature center staff.
Tiny wood frogs are emerging! This one got a headstart inside the center this spring and is put back home again in the vernal pool.
Dangerous beauty... This wisteria may look beautiful, but sadly it often strangles and kills the trees it climbs. This plant is a horticulture escapee, spread by seeds and animals it can take over natural areas. Using natives in your landscape can help prevent foreign invaders into nearby yards and parks, plus they have many advantages to local wildlife.
Our box turtles have made the move! You can now find them outside the center for the season. Come say hi!
Fun in a park... you know we'll be there too! Come find us!
Family Fun Day The whole family is invited to our free Family Fun Day in the Park.
Here at Gulf Branch Nature Center we are also guilty on all accounts!
The native pinkster-bloom azaleas are blooming in front of Gulf Branch this week. Come see them in their full glory. Pop in and say hello to the naturalist as well.
They're here! Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have arrived in the area this week. This one is feeding on a native Coral honeysuckle (Linocera semprevirens). This is a favorite of the bird as it can bloom the entire season from April to October. They will feed on many other flowers as well or at a hummingbird feeder. Make your own nectar at 4 parts water to one part sugar ratio.
In World First, Scientists Share What Was Almost Certainly a Conversation with a Humpback Whale Humpback whales have very complicated vocalizing behaviors, but scientists were able to call an adult female over and have a short convo.
Wow! I learn something new about nature every day. I wish we had badgers around here to witness this!
We promised last year on this day that we would repost this reminder every year until everyone knows that...
COYOTES AND BADGERS GO ON LITTLE ADVENTURES TOGETHER SOMETIMES!!!
Coyotes and badgers will sometimes form a mutually beneficial relationship to get food. These unlikely besties are known to hunt together and can even be more successful hunting prairie dogs and ground squirrels when they work in tandem.
Check out the comments to learn a little more about the power couple everyone is talking about and their unique way of occasionally teaming up.
Photo of coyote with badger by Jason Rudolph (sharetheexperience).
It's a great week to garden! Join us at Gulf Branch on Wednesdays 10am to Noon. You can sign up here for Gulf Branch or Long Branch Nature Center link in the comments
The Nature and History Unit is looking for two new Visitor Center Assistants to work weekends and evening hours at any of our 3 sites. If you love animals, nature, history, and people, consider joining us!
Spring has arrived at our parks. Join us to get hands-on with our local plants on Wednesday mornings from 10am to Noon as we tend our native plant gardens.
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Opening Hours
Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
Friday | 10am - 5pm |
Saturday | 10am - 5pm |