Department of Parks and Recreation
Nature Centers
Gulf Branch, Long Branch and Potomac Overlook Nature Centers provide visitors with wonderful opportunities to understand and appreciate our historic and natural resources. Each site features unique interpretive exhibits housed within the nature center and woodland trails that lead through forested natural areas. Our professional staff is available to provide technical expertise and answer your questions. The buildings and grounds are free and open to the public year round.
Arlington's Nature Centers offer a full range of educational programs on natural and cultural history topics. We specialize in captivating, hands-on learning that leaves a lasting impression. Organized groups can request a naturalist-led program by contacting the desired location. Arlington County manages both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority manages Potomac Overlook Nature Center.
The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones Current Publications
 | Programs for the general public are advertised through our quarterly publications, The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones. The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones are the quarterly calendars of public programs offered by the Conservation & Interpretation Section: Gulf Branch Nature Center, Long Branch Nature Center, and the Park Ranger Unit. Summer 2013
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The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones Previous Publications
Spring 2013
- The Snag - Spring 2013: PDF Version
- The Snag for Wee Ones - Spring 2013: PDF Version
Sign-up for Publications
Sign-up to receive our publications, The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones, electronically.
- Subscribe online for a quarterly email notification with a link to the publication. Electronic and PDF versions are available to view online or download.
You will find programs for families, school-aged children and adults listed in The Snag. The Snag for Wee Ones lists programs for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and tiny tots (ages 18-35 months).
The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones are produced quarterly:
- Spring edition (covers the months of March, April, and May) becomes available in early February.
- Summer edition (covers the months of June, July and August) becomes available in early May.
- Fall edition (covers the months of September, October and November) becomes available in early August.
- Winter edition (covers the months of December, January and February) becomes available in early November.
Programs and Registration
Whether you are looking for quality family programs or active adult forays, we have a hands-on educational program that is just right for you. Let us open the door to lifelong learning about Arlington’s wonderful natural and historic resources.
It’s easy to register! Most of the programs listed in The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones require advance registration through our Registration Office. However, some programs do not require registration and a few require registration directly with the program site. Please see the individual program descriptions for instructions.
There are THREE ways to sign up for programs that list a program number at the end of the program description:
- Web. Go to https://registration.arlingtonva.us/. If you've never registered on-line with us before, please check this link first: Online Registration – Tips for Success! and then register for programs.
- Phone. Call 703-228-4747.
- Walk-in. Registration Office located at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206.
Group Tours
Programs listed in The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones are for individuals and families. To schedule a naturalist-led program for your group at one of the nature centers or a historian-led program at Fort C.F. Smith Park, or to schedule a group self-guided tour of the nature center exhibits or the historic site at Fort C.F. Smith Park, please contact the site directly for details.
- Gulf Branch Nature Center 703-228-3403
- Long Branch Nature Center 703-228-6535
- 703-243-4342
Arlington County can provide upon request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Questions about access and inclusion should be directed to the Therapeutic Recreation Office at 703-228-4740 or TTY 703-228-4743. Likewise, Arlington County does not want fees to be a barrier for those who participate in County classes, camps or programs. Call 703-228-4747 to learn how to qualify for reduced fees.
ON THIS PAGE
• County Holiday Schedule
• Gulf Branch Nature Center
• Long Branch Nature Center
• Park Rangers
• Potomac Overlook Nature Center
• Weather Cancellations
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE!
Sign-up to receive our publications, The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones, electronically or via the mail.
There are two ways to sign-up to receive our publications, The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones:
- Subscribe online for a quarterly e-mail notification with a link to the publications (electronic, text-only versions or pdf versions available to view on-line or download); or
- Fill out a Registration Form (64 KB PDF) and return it to Long Branch Nature Center to receive a copy of the quarterly publications for a yearly subscription rate of five dollars.
You will find programs for families, school-aged children and adults listed in The Snag. The Snag for Wee Ones lists programs for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and tiny tots (ages 18-35 months).