Gulf Branch 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. To search for nature center activities, visit the county calendar and select the “Environment” category and the appropriate audience group for the type of activities you are looking for. A full list of Nature & History activities can be found in the ENJOY catalog.

Hours of Operation

Sunday - Wednesday: Closed.

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Features

Exhibits, classroom (20 person capacity), children’s Discovery Room, pollinator garden, live animal exhibit room, pond, restored log cabin, observation bee hive, birthday parties (*Note, link goes to an external website).

Pollinator Garden at Gulf Branch Nature Center

Check out the pollinator garden at Gulf Branch Nature Center! It’s filled with plenty of nectar- and pollen-rich flowers and many plants that are native not just to Virginia, but also to the Arlington area. Native gardens like this are deer resistant, attract pollinators, tough and easy to maintain and look beautiful! 

History

Amenities

Public restrooms, water fountain, not wheelchair accessible

Blacksmiths at Gulf Branch

Blacksmith working

The Blacksmiths Guild of Potomac meets the first and third Friday at 7:30pm 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. The mission of the Guild to enhance and interpret ancient techniques for making beautiful and useful tools and treasures, to provide help and instruction to beginning and experienced smiths alike — and to share their love of blacksmithing with the general public.