Department of Parks and Recreation
Nature Discovery Area at Long Branch
Welcome to the Nature Discovery Area at Long Branch Nature Center
The Long Branch Nature Center Staff and Friends of Arlington Parks are pleased to announce that we have received a Park Enhancement Grant from Arlington County for a total of $11,539 to put in a Nature Discovery Area here at Long Branch.
The project will start in the New Year after the funding is approved by the County Board on January 12, 2012. Once we have the funds to start work, we will also need some helping hands to make this a successful project.
We'll need volunteers to remove unwanted plants, put play features in place, come up with a great name, spread the word, maybe start a blog, and maintain the Nature Discovery Area once completed.
As you can see, there is much yet to be done. If you'd like to help in any way or be updated on our progress, please let us know. We'd love for you to be a part in creating Arlington's first natural play area!
Keep checking back on the website for updates, or send us an email to join our email list.
Area Map
The area map shows where in the park the Nature Discovery Area will be located. (Click to enlarge.)
Diagram
This diagram gives an overview of what we are looking at creating the space. (Click to enlarge.)
Photos
More progress of the Nature Discovery Area.
The first rock of many. (click to enlarge)
The dragonfly is our first visitor to our new climbing rocks! (click to enlarge)
Our space is shaping up! These trees are from Long Branch that came down during summer storms, a great way to reuse! (click to enlarge)
Billy Goats welcome. (click to enlarge)
This sandbox was installed as an Eagle Scout Project. (click to enlarge)
Entrance & trail meeting (click to enlarge)
View from back onto trail (click to enlarge)
Border (click to enlarge)
View from paved trail (click to enlarge)
Cut trees (click to enlarge)
Cut trees (click to enlarge)
Construction Photos
Site clean-up (click to enlarge)
Site clean-up (click to enlarge)
Videos
- Bobcat work in Nature Discovery Area
- Nature Discovery Area Site Cleanup Fall 2011
- Nature Discovery Area Site Cleanup-2 Fall 2011
Purpose
The purpose of the space is to encourage kids to play and explore outside. This area will provide a designated space to allow kids to interact with natural features of the landscape, to use their imagination, test physical abilities, explore nature, and just be kids!
UPCOMING EVENTS
CONTACT US
Long Branch Nature Center
625 S. Carlin Springs Road
Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-6535
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).
BIRDS BIRDS BIRDS!
Nature abounds at Long Branch Nature Center and Park! Check out these beautiful photos of birds at Long Branch taken by photographer Paula Sullivan. View Photo Gallery! (Note: By clicking on the link, you will be taken outside the County website. Arlington County is not responsible for images and content contained therein.)
GROWING NATIVE
Did you know that Long Branch Nature Center is a collection site for the Growing Native program? Growing Native is a year-round volunteer project that collects hardwood seeds and plants trees to help restore and protect rivers and streams in the Potomac River watershed. Find out more!