Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park

About this Nature Center

Our nature centers are nestled in lovely park settings and are staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people. They provide interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups.

Programs

• View available activities at Gulf Branch.
• Request a naturalist-led program  for your school, scout troop, preschool, etc.

Features

Exhibits, classroom (20 person capacity), children’s Discovery Room, pollinator garden, live animal exhibit room, pond, restored log cabin and an observation bee hive. Learn about our Park Ranger Unit.

History

• From Woodland Retreat to Arlington’s Hidden Gem
• The Pola Negri Connection

Blacksmiths at Gulf Branch

The Blacksmiths Guild of Potomac meets the first and third Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature center. Meetings are free and open to the public. The guild also shares its craft at Gulf Branch quarterly at special events and programs.

Celebrate Your Birthday

Children ages 4 and up will love this chance to go wild on their birthdays. Parties include the use of our room for three hours, and a live animal show with a naturalist, featuring your choice of turtles, snakes or frogs. We also provide trail maps, scavenger hunts, and more ideas for naturally fun activities. Download the flyer for more info. To request a date for your party, 703-228-3403, or gulfbranchnaturectr@arlingtonva.us.