Summer-2012 

June, July, August

In the News: Weekend Hours at Nature Centers Restored

Hip-hip-hooray!  Funding for weekend hours has been restored for both Long Branch and Gulf Branch Nature Centers in the Arlington County Board’s budget for fiscal year 2013.   For the last several years, Gulf Branch’s weekend hours have been funded by the Friends of Gulf Branch, and Long Branch has only been open on Saturday afternoons.  Beginning July 1st, both Nature Centers will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.  We are deeply grateful to all those who worked to make this happen.

Summer Festivals:  Every month this summer, there’s a chance to celebrate nature!  Kick off the season in June, at Gulf Branch’s 46th birthday party with cake, critters, and more.  Then in July, explore the night-time world and learn more about everyone’s favorite beetle - the firefly - through walks, games, crafts and more at Fort C.F. Smith.  Then in August, flap on back to Gulf Branch and attend Bat-Fest.  Find out what bats do for you, what you can do for them, and even meet some real, live bats!   See page 3 of the Snag for more information on these great events.

Why “The Snag”?  A snag is a standing dead tree and a magnet for wildlife.   Bats sleep under hanging sheets of bark.  Beetle larvae mature in holes drilled in decaying wood.  Woodpeckers come in search of insects and to excavate nests.  Flying squirrels take advantage of empty holes for their winter dens.  We hope our own “Snag” draws in fans of wildlife, seeking great nature programs! Of course, a snag is also something that might catch your attention - and we hope to do that too!

Farewell Old Friends, Hello New Faces!

They say "Moss never grows on a rolling stone." That is certainly true at the nature centers; staff are always on the go. One tried and true member of our staff is certainly going places; Alonso Abugattas will be moving into his new position,  Natural Resource Manager! Alonso has already started in his new role in his new office at 2700 S. Taylor St. So while you will no longer see his face here at Long Branch, be assured he's still doing fantastic work in the county. 

We also have some new faces at both centers. Cliff Fairweather has joined the staff at Long Branch. Cliff is an Arlingtonian and is passionate about stream ecology, insects and conservation in the urban landscape! Gulf Branch also has a new member, Ms. Owl, who now resides in a brand new change next to the Gulf Branch terrace. So be sure to stop and say hello to Cliff and the owl.  

Want to know where you can find what classes are taking place at the Nature Centers this week? Check out our home pages Long Branch and Gulf Branch ! 

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