Thank you for subscribing to The Snag and The Snag for Wee Ones 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.

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 register for programs that list a program number at the end of the program description:

1. Web. Go to https://registration.arlingtonva.us.
2. Phone. Call 703-228-4747.
3. Walk-in. Registration Office located at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206.

You will find all of our programs for Summer 2013 listed below. You may browse the entire list or use the links below to jump to sections of interest.
To view the previous publications for Spring 2013, please visit our Nature Centers page.

The Snag - Summer 2013 Registration begins 8:00 AM, Tuesday, May 14 for Arlington residents; 8:00 AM, Thursday, May 16 for non-residents. Select a Snag Program...Birding TripsAdult and Teen ProgramsPrograms for Kids and Families OR...Download The Snag (PDF)

The Snag for Wee Ones - Summer 2013 Registration begins 8:00 AM, Tuesday, May 14 for Arlington residents; 8:00 AM, Thursday, May 16 for non-residents. Select a Wee Snag Program...Tiny TotPreschool OR...Download The Snag for Wee Ones (PDF)

Birding Trips

Birding: Flag Ponds & Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Tuesday, Jun. 4, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adults. Join us on an excursion to search Calvert County, MD for nesting summer residents such as summer and scarlet tanagers and hooded and Kentucky warblers. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drink and snacks for the day. The trip will include walking over uneven terrain and gentle slopes. For more information: 703-243-4342. Meet at Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$40 fee due upon registration
Program #642843-E

Bird Walk
Wednesday, Jun. 5, 8:30 - 11:00 AM
Adults. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of resident birds. Beginning and experienced birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. For information:703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center parking lot., 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204.
Free
Program #642943-B

Birding: Shenandoah National Park
Tuesday, Jun. 11, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adults. Join us on an excursion to the mountains in search of nesting songbirds at Shenandoah National Park. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drink and snacks for the day. The trip will include walking over uneven terrain and gentle slopes. For more information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$40 fee due upon registration
Program #642943-C

Birding the Delaware Bay
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adults. Join us on an excursion to search the eastern shore in search of migrating shorebirds along the Delaware Bay, as well as tidal and freshwater marshes. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drink and snacks for the day. For more information: 703-243-4342. Meet at Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$40 fee due upon registration
Program #642843-F

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Adult and Teen Programs

Citizen Science: Firefly Watch
Tuesday, Jun. 4, 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Teens and Adults. Can you spend 10 minutes a week watching fireflies in your backyard? Help scientists learn more about the distribution of fireflies, and the environmental factors affecting them. We'll walk you through the simple steps it takes to participate in this great program. For more information visit https://legacy.mos.org/fireflywatch/ or call 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. $5 fee.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642843-A

Northern Virginia Mineral Club
Monday, Jun. 24, 7:45 - 10:00 PM
Join the Northern Virginia Mineral Club on the 4th Monday of each month. The club is focused on educating and sharing it's interests in geology, mineralogy, lapidary arts and related sciences. Everyone is invited to come. This month we’ll have Dr. John Grant from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum speaking about the Mars Rover Curiosity. Meetings are held at Long Branch Nature Center.

Show & Tell: 
Teens and Adults. Come learn about our favorite field guides to the natural world. What do we find most helpful, informative and easy to use? Bring your own favorites to share. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. Free.
Free
Best Field Guides
Thursday, Jun. 27, 7:30 - 8:30 PM Program #642843-B
Best Nature 'Apps'
Saturday, Jul. 13, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Program #642843-C

Citizen Science: Katydids Count!
Thursday, Aug. 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Teens and Adults. Every summer we are serenaded by crickets and katydids. Learn to identify their different calls, how and why they sing, and more. Then help us census Arlington's cricket and katydid populations as we monitor our parks and backyards for 8 different species. The survey, or CRICKET CRAWL, will take place the evening of AUGUST 23rd, weather permitting. For more information visit www.discoverlife.org/cricket/DC or call 703-228-6535. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. $5 fee.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642843-D

About Bees and Wasps
Saturday, Aug. 10, 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Adults. How do you tell bees from wasps? Which ones live in colonies and which ones lead solitary lives? What roles do they play in our ecosystems? What are the common families in our area? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this lecture and field exploration. Meet at LBNC. Fee $5.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642943-A

Remove Invasive Plants!
Adults, families, and teens. Keep the park free of destructive invasive plants. Work parties are held every month and are making a real difference. We are starting to see the return of wildflowers in areas once covered in ivy. Join us! Maybe you'll want to adopt an area of your own! No registration required. Free. Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
Free
Second Sundays – at Gulf Branch
Sunday, Jun. 9, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Sunday, Jul. 14, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:00 - 4:30 PM

Third Sundays – at Long Branch
Sunday, Jun. 16, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, Jul. 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, Aug. 18, 2:00 - 5:00 PM

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Programs for Kids and Families

Gulf Branch’s 47th Birthday
Saturday, Jun. 8, 1:00 – 4:00PM.
Come one and all to celebrate at Gulf Branch. We’ll have games, crafts, and cake. Don’t miss the owl presentation by the Raptor Conservancy. Event sponsored by Friends of Gulf Branch. Information: 703-228-3403.

The 5th Annual Firefly Festival
Sunday, Jun. 30, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
All ages. Celebrate summer’s natural night lights with us at Fort C.F. Smith. Have fun and learn all about the critters that light up the night. Events include bug hunts, games, crafts, walks, and talks about fireflies. Bring your picnic blanket and dinner to enjoy as we wait for the sun to go down and the lights to come out. Cancelled if Raining. For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington, VA 22207.
$7 fee per person, preregister or pay at event.
Program #642953-A

Flying Flowers
Sunday, Jun. 9, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Families, age 6 and up. Butterflies take the colors of flowers into the air! We’ll look for butterflies in flight, nectaring on flowers, basking in the sun and doing the other things butterflies do. Along the way, we’ll learn about butterfly life cycles, common butterflies in our area and just what makes those butterfly colors. Meet at LBNC. Fee $5.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642953-B

Precious Metals: Bronze
Wednesday, Jun. 12, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Bronze was very expensive when it was first made, so it was used for important items such as armor and weapons. It soon became a favorite for use in sculpture. Kids will learn about bronze through experiments, crafts, and other hands on activities at this program. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
$10 fee due upon registration.
Program #642823-D

Gemstone Club
Ages 7 - 11. Register child only. Budding geologists and gem lovers are invited for a year's worth of fun and collecting. Attend one or all of the sessions; we meet once each month. Children will learn about each month's birthstone and the alternate stones. There will be polished gems and uncut crystals to examine. We will find out about the geology, mining, legends, and literature for each gem. Every child will take home a beautiful gemstone in a protective display box. Collect a year's worth of gems, as well as an attractive color photo card to go with each month's birthstone. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
$10 fee due upon registration.
- Pearl
Wednesday, Jun. 5, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-E
Saturday, Jun. 8, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642823-F
- Ruby
Wednesday, Jul. 3, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-G
Saturday, Jul. 6, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642823-H
- Peridot
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-I
Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642823-J

Graduate Gemologists
Ages 8 - 12. Register child only. For kids who have completed 12 months of the Gemstone Club. Young gem lovers who have collected all the birthstones can add another gem to their stash. June's Graduate gem is a lovely lemon color, one of the most beautiful of the quartzes. Participants will get a hands-on look at other varieties of quartz: onyx, agate, carnelian, and more. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
$10 fee due upon registration.
-Quartz
Wednesday, Jun. 19, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-K
- Spinel
Wednesday, Jul. 24, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-L
- Chrome Diopside
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-M

Survival Skills: Kids 8 to 12. These hands on classes teach traditional survival skills. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$10 fee due upon registration.
-Bandanas
Friday, Jun. 7, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642923-D
-Cordage
Friday, Jun. 14, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642923-E

Bug-of-the-Month Club: 
Children age 7 and up. Join us as we learn about – and hunt for – a different kind of insect each month this summer. Come to any session or all three. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at LBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
-Bees & Wasps
Sunday, Jun. 23, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Program #642923-A
-Grasshoppers & Crickets
Sunday, Aug. 18, 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Program #642923-C
-Beetles & True Bugs
Wednesday, Jul. 10, 3:00 - 4:00 PM. Program #642923-B

Cool Creek Critters
Kids, ages 5 and up. Register children only, but an adult must attend as well. Dress to get wet as we spend some time exploring waterfalls, trying to catch water striders, and taking a closer look at some creek critters. What do they have to tell us? Be prepared for your kids to want to keep playing in the creek when the program ends… For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Friday, Jun. 28, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-A
Friday, Jul. 26, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-B
Friday, Aug. 30, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642823-C

Campfires
All ages. Register adults and children; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring or Long Branch Amphitheater for lots of old-fashioned fun -including s'mores. $5 fee due upon registration.

Meet at GBNC

Three Owls Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 1, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-F
Buzzy Bees Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 15, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-G
Fabulous Fawns Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 29, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-H
Terrific Turtles Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 13, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-I
Rascally Raccoons Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 27, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-J
Stories in the Stars Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-K
High Flying Hawks Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 31, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642853-L

Meet at Long Branch

Insect Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-C
School's Out Campfire
Friday, Jun. 21, 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Program #642953-D
*$8 fee due upon registration.
Beautiful Birds Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 22, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-E
Snakes Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 6, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-F
Arlington Animals Campfire (Bilingual)
Saturday, Jul. 20, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Program #642953-G
Skulls and Bones Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 3, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-H
Daddy Long Legs Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-I
Insect Orchestra Campfire
Sunday, Aug. 25, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642953-J

Who Dwells in Shells?
Saturday, Jun. 29, 11:00 - 12:15 AM
Families ages 7 and up. A registered adult must accompany child. Learn about shells and the animals that live in them. We'll talk about these freshwater, saltwater and land dwelling mollusks and have some shells on hand to investigate. Bring your own to identify and share, too! For information call: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center,3608 Military Rd. Arlington 22207
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642853-E

Summer Scavenger Hunt
Friday, Aug. 23, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Ages 6-12. Register child only. School’s almost out and summer is nearly here. The evidence is all around if you know where to look. Have fun as we search for signs of summer. For more information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642923-F

Bat Fest Arlington
Saturday, Aug. 24,  Enjoy a thoroughly batty evening and add to your knowledge of local night life! Registration for one of our four live bat talks required. All other activities are on-going: habitat walks, games, crafts and more - all while learning lots about our favorite furry bug zappers. Halfway through the evening, everyone is invited to join in a festive lantern parade as well! Live bat shows will be presented by Leslie Sturges, Director of The Save Lucy Campaign, established to protect and conserve bats in this region. For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207. Register children and adults; children under 14 must register with an accompanying adult.
$7 fee due upon registration.

6:00 - 6:30 PM. Program #642853-A
6:35 - 7:05 PM. Program #642853-B
7:25 - 8:10 PM. Program #642853-C
8:15 - 9:00 PM. Program #642853-D

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Tiny Tot

Ages: 18 - 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide a wonderful opportunity to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each fun and educational program will engage your child with hands-on learning, and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme, but themes are not published ahead of time so that we have flexibility in exploring and incorporating all of the amazing and changeable aspects of the park and its wildlife into our programs. The theme for each program is repeated during the month, so please register for only one program at each nature center per month. Adults must remain during the entire program. $5 per child due at registration.

Gulf Branch Nature Center

June
Saturday, Jun. 1            10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-A
Wednesday, Jun. 5       10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-B
Thursday, Jun. 6           10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-C
July
Tuesday, Jul. 9              10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-D
Wednesday, Jul. 10       10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-E
Friday, Jul. 12                10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-F
August
Tuesday, Aug. 6            10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-G
Wednesday, Aug. 7       10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-H
Thursday, Aug. 8           10:00 - 10:45 AM #642813-I

Long Branch Nature Center

June
Tuesday, Jun. 4             10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-A
Friday, Jun. 7                 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-B
Saturday, Jun. 8            10:30 - 11:15 AM #642913-C
July
Thursday, Jul. 18           10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-D
Friday, Jul. 19                10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-E
Saturday, Jul. 20           10:30 - 11:15 AM #642913-F
August
Thursday, Aug. 1           10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-G
Friday, Aug. 2                10:00 - 10:45 AM #642913-H
Saturday, Aug. 3           10:30 - 11:15 AM #642913-I

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Preschool

For children 3-5. These are highly interactive programs where your child will participate as part of a group. Programs may include stories, crafts, and short hikes. Parents are invited to stay and observe, or those with small children may visit the rest of the building during the program. However, parents must remain on site. $5 Fee.

Gulf Branch Nature Center

Flickering Fireflies
Tuesday, Jun. 4             1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-J
Wednesday, Jun. 5        1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-K
Thursday, Jun. 6            1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-L
Friday, Jun. 7                 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642813-M

Summer's Cicadas
Tuesday, Jul. 9              1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-N
Wednesday, Jul. 10       1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-O
Thursday, Jul. 11           10:30 - 11:30 AM #642813-P
Thursday, Jul. 11           1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-Q

Earth Waters
Tuesday, Aug. 6            1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-R
Wednesday, Aug. 7       1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-S
Thursday, Aug. 8           1:00 - 2:00 PM #642813-T
Friday, Aug. 9                10:30 - 11:30 AM #642813-U

Long Branch Nature Center

Finny, Flippy, Funny Fish
Wednesday, Jun. 12     10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-J
Wednesday, Jun. 12     1:30 - 2:30 PM #642913-K
Wednesday, Jun. 12     3:30 - 4:30 PM #642913-L
Thursday, Jun. 13         10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-M
Thursday, Jun. 13         3:30 - 4:30 PM #642913-N

The Buzz About Bees
Wednesday, Jul. 17      3:30 - 4:30 PM #642913-O
Wednesday, Jul. 24      1:30 - 2:30 PM #642913-P
Thursday, Jul. 25          1:30 - 2:30 PM #642913-Q
Friday, Jul. 26               10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-R

Insects Sing
Tuesday, Aug. 13          10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-S
Thursday, Aug. 15         10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-T
Thursday, Aug. 15         3:30 - 4:30 PM #642913-U
Friday, Aug. 16              10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-V
Saturday, Aug. 17         10:30 - 11:30 AM #642913-W

Wee Snag – Stories
Ages 2-10. Register child only. Slither over to Long Branch to hear some snake stories, songs, tales and tails. For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
Free. Register at https://registration.arlingtonva.us.

June Bugs Story Time
Tuesday, Jun. 18            4:00 - 4:40 PM. Program #642923-G

Turtles Story Time
Thursday, Jul. 11            4:00 - 4:40 PM. Program #642923-H

Snakes Story Time
Thursday, Aug. 22          10:00 AM - 10:45:00 AM.  Program #642923-I

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