Department of Parks and Recreation
The Snag & The Snag For Wee Ones
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:
- Web. Go to https://registration.arlingtonva.us.
- Phone. Call 703-228-4747.
- Walk-in. Registration Office located at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206.
You will find all of our programs for Summer 2012 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 2012, please visit our Nature Centers page.
| The Snag - Summer 2012 |
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Adult Programs
Bird Walk
Wednesday, Jun. 6, 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Adults. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. Information: 703-228-6535. Registration required. Meet in the parking lot at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
Free
Program #642942-E
Heron Hunt
Saturday, Jun. 2, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
For explorers ages 9 and up. Register adults and children. Search for all three species of these amazing birds, and other denizense of the Potomac Floodplain. Bring water and a lunch and dress to get muddy as we explore off-trail. Participants will receive directions to our meeting spot near Chain Bridge. Information: 703-228-3403.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642852-I
Birding: Flag Ponds & Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Tuesday, Jun. 5, 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.
$35 fee due upon registration
Program #642842-A
Birding: Shenandoah National Park
Tuesday, Jun. 12, 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.
$35 fee due upon registration
Program #642942-D
Birding the Delaware Bay
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 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.
$35 fee due upon registration
Program #642842-B
Volunteer
Second Sundays - Remove Invasive Plants!
Adults, families, and teens. Help improve wildlife habitat! Join us at our monthly work parties to remove destructive invasive plants, and make a real difference. We are starting to see the return of wildflowers and young trees in areas once covered in ivy. No registration required. Free. Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
Free
Sunday, Jun. 10, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Sunday, Jul. 8, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, Aug. 12, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Third Sundays - Remove Invasives!
Ages 9-Adult. Not all plants are good for the environment. Kids and adults will learn what these trouble-some beasts look like and can help rescue the park from these alien invaders! No registration required. Free. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204.
Free
Sunday, Jun. 17, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, Jul. 15, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, Aug. 19, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Book Club
Nature Lover's Book Club
Adults. Every month we read and discuss a book or essays about the natural world. Join us every fourth Thursday for a fun conversation. You'll also enjoy a little extra experience inspired by the book each time – an object to examine hands-on or an animal to meet. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
Free. Call to register.
Thursday, Jun. 28, 7:30 - 8:30 PM- Essays By E.O.Wilson
Thursday, Jul. 26, 7:30 - 8:30 PM- Cricket Radio: Tuning in the Night Singing Insects
Thursday, Aug. 23, 7:30 - 8:30 PM- Essays on Plastic
Learning
Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Experiences
Saturday, Jun. 23, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Developed with preschool educators and early childhood specialists, Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood includes over 130 experiences that engage children in outdoor play and exploration and is specifically designed for educators who work with children ages three to six. Topics include exploring nature with five senses, meeting neighborhood trees, and experiencing trees through the seasons. An accompanying music CD features songs from children's musician Billy B. Brennan that encourages children to sing, dance, and move.
$10 fee due upon registration includes book and CD.
Program #642942-A
Project Learning Tree: K - 8 Environmental Education
Sunday, Jun. 24, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adults, K- 8 educators Master Naturalists. Bring this interdisciplinary, award winning environmental education program to your students! Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities help students connect classroom concepts to the real world through a variety of hands-on activities. Participants will receive a copy of the PLT K-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide packed with 96 activities tailored to specific grade levels and correlated to VA SOLs. Please bring a bag lunch, reusable mug and water bottle. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at LBNC. Free
Free
Program #642942-B
Families & Children
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 Brnach Amphitheater for lots of old-fashioned fun -including s'mores! For information call the corresponding nature center.
$5 fee due upon registration. $20 max per family.
GBNC
For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
First Fireflies Campfire
Friday, Jun. 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642852-A
Magical Minerals Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 23, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Program #642852-B
Pocketfull of 'Possums Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 7, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Program #642852-C
Slitherin' Snakes Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 21, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642852-D
Marvelous Moths Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 4, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642852-E
Masked Bandits Campfire
Friday, Aug. 31, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642852-F
LBNC
For more information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
Bloodsuckers Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 2, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Program #642952-A
Toadally Frogsome Campfire
Friday, Jun. 15, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Program #642952-B
Bats About Campfire
Saturday, Jun. 30, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Program #642952-C
Bone Tales Campfire
Saturday, Jul. 28, 7:00 - 8:15 PM. Program #642952-D
Insect Orchestra Campfire
Friday, Aug. 10, 7:00 - 8:15 PM. Program #642952-E
Spider Campfire
Saturday, Aug. 25, 7:00 - 8:15 PM. Program #642952-F
June
How Much is That Tree?
Saturday, Jun. 16, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Does money really grow on trees? Is that big oak worth more or less than your car? Walk in the woods and talk about trees and their connections with people, wildlife and the environment. Measure some trees and calculate their tree eco-benefits using some cool online tools! Did you know that living trees are so valuable to our community? For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
Free
Program #642822-M
Cool Creek Critters
Saturday, Jun. 23, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Families, ages 5 and up. School's out! What better way to welcome summer than by playing in the creek? Dress to get wet as we spend some time exploring waterfalls, building dams, trying to catch water striders, and taking a closer look at some creek critters. Be prepared for your kids to want to keep playing in the creek when the program ends - so why not pack a picnic lunch? For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642852-J
July
Animal Detectives
Saturday, Jul. 7, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Families, with kids ages 5 and up. You don’t always need to see an animal to know it’s around. How? By detecting the clues -- tracks, nests, scat (aka “poop”), holes and other signs -- of what animals are out there when we’re not looking. Become an animal detective as we prowl around for clues and identify our suspects. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at LBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642952-G
ID that Tree!
Saturday, Jul. 14, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Adults, 14 and above. Summer Solstice just passed us and the leaves are creating great shade. Learn to identify the trees of Arlington parks by their bark, leaf and shape. Dress for the weather we will be outside the whole time. Meet at LBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642942-C
Cool Creek Critters at Turkey Run
Sunday, Jul. 15, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Families, ages 5 and up. Sizzlin summer days are here, so cool off in a creek! Dress to get wet as we spend some time exploring waterfalls, building dams, trying to catch water striders, and taking a closer look at some creek critters. What do they have to tell us about streams? How does Turkey Run compare to Gulf Branch? For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at the Turkey Run parking lot - directions will be sent to registered participants.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642852-K
The 4th Annual Firefly Festival
Sunday, Jul. 15, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
All ages. Celebrate summer’s natural night lights with us at Fort C.F. Smith. Well have lots ways to have fun and learn all abouth 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.
$5 fee per person, $20 max per family, payable at the festival.
Height of Summer Stream Hike
Tuesday, Jul. 31, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Families, 10 and above. Look for signs of animals and insects that are in and around our streams. Explore the insects and amphibians of our streams. Wear clothes that can get wet and closed toed shoes that can get wet. We will be outside the whole time. Meet at LBNC. $5 fee.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642952-H
August
Bat Fest Arlington
Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012
Adults and Families. Register children and adults; children under 14 must register with an accompanying adult. Registration not required for children age 2 and under. Enjoy a thoroughly batty evening and add to your knowledge of local night life at this bat conservation and appreciation program. See a presentation with live bats from 6:30-7:15 pm. All other activities on-going: go on a walk to see bats flying and to hear their echolocation calls, learn about foods that are pollinated by bats, play bat games, make a bat craft, take a bat quiz or visit our bat art gallery, all while learning lots about our local furry bug zappers. Live bat shows will be presented by Leslie Sturges, Director of 'Save Lucy, A Little Brown Bat' , an organization established to promote the conservation and protection of bats in this region. Parking lot closed for program. Please park on Military Rd. or 36th Rd. N. No refund of registration fee after August 6. For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration
Saturday, Aug. 18, 6:30 - 7:15 PM Program #642852-G
Saturday, Aug. 18, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Program #642852-H
Spineless Wonders
Sunday, Aug. 19, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Families, 5 and above. Not everyone has bones on their insides! Join us as we search for worms, caterpillars, slugs, beetles, snails and other animals with “bones” on their outsides or even no bones at all. Along the way, we’ll learn a little about their lives. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at LBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642952-I
Civil War Discovery: Artillery
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Children ages 7 to 11. Register children only. Learn to work as a team to load and aim a replica Civil War cannon. We'll discuss the various artillery pieces used in the Civil War and "bombard" a replica fortification. For more information: 703-243-4342. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th Street, Arlington, VA 22207
$5 fee due upon registration
Program #642722-A
Critters in the Cool Creek
Saturday, Aug. 25, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Kids, ages 5 to 100. School will be starting all too soon, so make the most of summer and cool off in the creek! Dress to get wet as we spend some time exploring waterfalls, building dams, trying to catch water striders, and taking a closer look at some creek critters. Be prepared for your kids to be reluctant to leave… so why not bring a picnic lunch. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642852-L
Milkweed Safari
Sunday, Aug. 26, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Families, ages 5 and up. Register adults and children; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The whole family is invited to join us as we explore the milkweed jungle! From crawling caterpillars to prowling preying mantids to beautiful butterflies, a whole community lives in -and on - these native plants. Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #642852-M
Civil War Discovery: Build a Fort
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Ages 6 - 11. Register children only. We'll begin our program by investigating how and why fortifications were built in Arlington in the Civil War. Then, using "Lincoln Logs" and dirt we'll design and build replica forts. For more information: 703-243-4342. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th Street, Arlington, VA 22207
$5 due upon registration.
Program #642722-B
Series Programs
Wild Ones
Kids ages 6 to 10. Join Northern Virginia Mineral Club member, Barry Remer, for a journey learning about minerals, the 3 classes of rocks, and how they make up our world. We'll also be taking a side trip to the creek to see what we can find - maybe we'll even find a few fossils! $5 fee due upon registration.
GBNC
For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
Mysterious Marsupials:
Wednesday, Jun. 27, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-J
Horde of the Flies:
Wednesday, Jul. 18, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-K
Crayfish n Crawdads:
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 3:00 - 4:00 PM. Program #642822-L
LBNC
For more information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
Geology Rocks:
Wednesday, Jun. 13, 3:30 - 4:30 PM. Program #642922-A
Fabulous Feathers:
Wednesday, Jul. 11, 3:30 - 4:30 PM. Program #642922-B
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. 6, 4:00 - 5:00 PM . Program #642822-A
Saturday, Jun. 9, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642822-B
Ruby
Saturday, Jul. 7, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642822-D
Thursday, Jul. 5, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-C
Peridot
Wednesday, Aug. 1, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-E
Saturday, Aug. 4, 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Program #642822-F
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. 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 Gemstones
Wednesday, Jun. 20, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-G
Spinel
Wednesday, Jul. 25, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-H
Chrome Diopside:
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Program #642822-I
| The SNAG for Wee Ones - Summer 2012 |
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
Wednesday, Jun. 13, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-A
Thursday, Jun. 14, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-B
Tuesday, Jun. 19, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-C
July
Wednesday, Jul. 11, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-D
Thursday, Jul. 12, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-E
Friday, Jul. 13, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-F
August
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-G
Thursday, Aug. 9, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-H
Friday, Aug. 10, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642812-I
Long Branch Nature Center
June
Saturday, Jun. 2, 10:30 - 11:15 AM #642912-A
Thursday, Jun. 7, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-B
Friday, Jun. 8, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-C
July
Saturday, July 21, 10:30- 11:15 AM #642912-W
Wednesday, Jul. 25, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-D
Thursday, Jul. 26, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-E
August
Thursday, Aug. 2, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-F
Friday, Aug. 3, 10:00 - 10:45 AM #642912-G
Preschool
For children ages 3-5. Highly interactive nature programs where your child will participate as part of a group. These programs may include stories, crafts, and short hikes. Parents are invited to stay and observe, or those with younger siblings may visit the rest of the building during the program. However, parents must remain on site. $5 fee.
Gulf Branch Nature Center
Rascally Raccoons
Friday, Jun. 1, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642812-J
Friday, Jun. 1, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-K
Saturday, Jun. 2, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642812-L
Tuesday, Jun. 12, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-M
Slitherin' Snakes
Tuesday, Jul. 10, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642812-N
Tuesday, Jul. 10, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-O
Thursday, Jul. 12, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-P
Friday, Jul. 13, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-Q
Calling Crickets
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642812-R
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-S
Friday, Aug. 10, 1:00 - 2:00 PM #642812-T
Tuesday, Aug. 14, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642812-U
Long Branch Nature Center
Colors of the Rainbow
Tuesday, Jul. 17, 1:30 - 2:30 PM #642912-M
Wednesday, Jul. 18, 3:30 - 4:30 PM #642912-N
Wednesday, Jul. 25, 1:30 - 2:30 PM #642912-O
Friday, Jul. 27, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-P
Tuesday, Jul. 31, 1:30 - 2:30 PM #642912-Q
Stupendous Starfish
Tuesday, Jun. 5, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-H
Tuesday, Jun. 5, 1:30 - 2:30 PM #642912-I
Wednesday, Jun. 6, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-J
Wednesday, Jun. 6, 3:30 - 4:30 PM #642912-K
Thursday, Jun. 7, 3:30 - 4:30 PM #642912-L
Super Spiders
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-R
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 3:30 - 4:30 PM #642912-S
Thursday, Aug. 23, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-T
Friday, Aug. 24, 10:30 - 11:30 AM #642912-U
Saturday, Aug. 25, 4:00 - 5:00 PM #642912-V
ON THIS PAGE
• Fort C.F. Smith
• Gulf Branch Nature Center
• Long Branch Nature Center
• Potomac Overlook Nature Center
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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).
