Friends of Gulf Branch are hosting a 43rd birthday party to celebrate the Arlington County Board’s decision to keep the Gulf Branch Nature Center open. The June 13th event from 2:00-5:00pm will feature fun family activities including face painting, nature contests, demonstration at the Blacksmith Forge and historical exhibits.  The New Old-Time String Band will be performing. And, of course, there will be birthday cake.

This event is also a fund raiser since Arlington County has stipulated that the community needs to raise at least $10,000 so as not to further reduce services at Gulf Branch in the coming year. Donations are encouraged from visitors through direct contribution and the purchase of raffle tickets. Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win.  Prizes will include wine, pastries, restaurant meals, and many more items donated through the generosity from several prominent local businesses.

Special guest for the festivities will be former Arlington County Board member Tom Richards whose vision in the 1960’s spearheaded efforts to acquire the land for today’s nature center.

Opened on June 12, 1966, Gulf Branch was Northern Virginia’s first Nature Center. Birthday celebration attendees are encouraged to bring pictures taken at Gulf Branch over the years; of special interest are historical photos from the 1960s-80s. A special scanning station will be available for the creation of this new collage exhibit. This is the kick of for the “Gulf Branch Community Collage Project” which will be unveiled at a Fall Gala (date to be announced).  Those interested in submitting photos can also email JPEGs to gulfbranchphotos@gmail.com.  Photos should indicate approximate dates, and names of individual in photos. 

Gulf Branch Nature Center is located at 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA  22207.

 For more information, or to volunteer, call the Nature Center at: 703-228-3403.

For information on how to donate to the Gulf Branch Nature Center call Burt Bostwick 703-527-5415.