Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park
Announcement
Holiday Schedule:
Dec. 24 & 25 - Center Closed.
Dec. 31 - Center closing at 5 p.m.
Jan. 1 - Center closed.
About this Nature Center
Long Branch Nature Center hosts year-round programs and special events, including storytimes, hikes, nature walks, and campfires. The nature center features seasonal exhibits, a children’s Discovery Room, live animals, interpretive gardens, a viewing pond, space for birthday parties and an outdoor Nature Discovery Area.
Long Branch stream flows through the woods, past two ponds full of frogs and turtles. Long Branch’s wooded stream valley is home to a diverse population of wildlife including raccoons, foxes, flying squirrels, salamanders and more. A wide variety of butterflies and other invertebrates are also found. Trails at Long Branch connect to Glencarlyn Park and the W&OD Trail.
Programs & Room Rentals
- View available activities at Long Branch Nature Center. Center staff provide year-round programming for community members of all ages and abilities. Seasonal festivals and special events are also a highlight!
- Request a naturalist-led program for your school, scout troop, preschool, etc. Many of our school programs have been aligned with VDOE's Science Standards of Learning. To request a program, fill out our Long Branch Nature Center Program Request Form. Questions? Call 703-228-6535 or email longbranch@arlingtonva.us. Please request at least three weeks in advance.
- For a room rental reservation, please fill out our Room Rental Request Form. Fees are $35 per 1 hour for Arlington residents/groups. An additional $25/hr is added if your request time will take place outside of regular open hours.
Celebrate Your Birthday
Children 4 and up, join a naturalist at Long Branch Nature Center with up to 17 of your closest friends and discover some neat things about the animal of your choice and even meet a critter up-close and personal! Cost for room/amphitheater rental and a 30 minute Naturalist led presentation is $225, you may add a hike for an additional $50. All birthday parties are held on select Saturdays between 1-4 p.m., inclusive of setup and cleanup. To request a date for your party, fill out our Long Branch Nature Center Birthday Party Request Form, call 703-228-6535. Please request at least three weeks in advance.
Features
Seasonal exhibits, a children's Discovery Room, live animals, interpretive gardens, a viewing pond, a classroom (40 person capacity), an outdoor Nature Discovery Area, and a stream.
History
George Washington once owned the property where the center stands today and surveyed his “woods” in 1785. Long Branch Nature Center also was once the private home of Mae Hickman. Mae served for over 50 years as a wildlife rehabilitator and co-authored Care of the Wild Feathered and Furred. Long Branch Nature Center is Arlington County's second nature center and opened in 1972.
Volunteer
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
RiP – Long Branch Invasive Plant Removal
Do you like working outside? Join community volunteers in protecting the local environment from invasive plants. This is a continuing project on the third Sunday of each month to reclaim natural areas near Long Branch Nature Center from invasive plants. Learn more about this ongoing volunteer opportunity.
Directions Transit Parking
Parking: Limited
Park Map
Visit Long Branch on Facebook or Instagram
703-228-6535
TTY: 711
Inclement Weather Line: 703-228-4715
Learn Park Rules and Regulations. And remember, please don't smoke in our parks.
Volunteer
Location
625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204 View Map
38.859168,-77.12620100000001
625 S Carlin Springs Rd ,
Arlington, VA 22204
625 S Carlin Springs Rd ,
Arlington, VA 22204
Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park
Photo Gallery