Long Branch Nature Center

Does the Long Branch Nature Center count as a "museum"?  There are interpretive signs and live animal exhibits, so I'm going to say, wholeheartedly, "Yes!"  I've driven past the entrance to the Long Branch Nature Center, operated by Arlington County and located just off of South Carlin Springs Road, on numerous occasions, and this week I decided to take a probably-too-quick-to-be-altogether-safe and somewhat spontaneous turn into the park.  It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, the leaves on the trees are really starting to turn into all sorts of beautiful colors, and I just couldn't resist the opportunity to finally check out a place that had sparked my curiosity for so long.  So, after a leisurely drive down the long and narrow driveway, we arrived at the smallish parking lot at the end of the road.  Just up the hill is the nature center's main building, and we were pleasantly surprised to encounter several species of snakes and turtles native to the area  who have found their homes in the live animal displays.  Pick up a brochure about the center, which includes an excellent map of the surrounding 17 acre park.  You'll want to continue your visit outside.  But, before you venture out of doors, walk past the restrooms (changing table equipped) and check out the kid-friendly Discovery Room, stocked with coloring pages of local wildlife, an easel and chalk, and a play house filled with stuffed animals and bean bags.  Too cute.  Also, grab a calendar of events before you leave.  We signed up for a Tiny Tots program in mid-November.  (There's a $5.00 fee and reservations can be made online, and you do not have to be an Arlington resident to participate.)  

Diggory checking out the snakes.

Another snake.  This was a lively one, hence the blurry snake head!

Heading outside, we first checked out the bird feeding area and saw a few species of our little feathered friends.  Then we walked back down the path (paved, I might add, for those of you who bring your stroller) and walked through several special gardens - butterfly, fern, rose, etc.  There are some non-paved paths around a small pond and crisscrossing between some of the smaller gardens, but you can certainly stay on the paved trails and have an equally enthralling exploratory experience.  (Nice alliteration there, Lindsay!)  The main trail further into the park generally follows Long Branch Creek until you reach Glencarlyn Park and Four Mile Run.  There are two playgrounds within the larger park area - Tyroll Hills Park is located adjacent to South Seventh Road and South Dinwiddie Street, or up the hill and to the southeast from the nature center building, and the other is just across Four Mile Run from the parking area on South Harrison Street, which is also accessible off of South Columbus Street on the east side of Four Mile Run.  Have I thoroughly confused you?  Check it out online, and I'm sure it will make more sense.   

Hanging out in the backpack carrier and hiking with momma.

We should have ventured further into the park, as we were really only a few moments from reaching the George Washington (who once owned this land) survey monument positioned where Long Branch Creek meets with Four Mile Run, but, alas, we were already encroaching upon nap time, and I didn't want to deny my poor babe (or his mother!) of some much needed beauty sleep.  On our way back to the car, we did take a moment to check out the Domes Homes, three structures made from branches designed by area middle school students in conjunction with the Arlington Arts Center.  This public art installation will be on view indefinitely.   

As we always do, we had a wonderful time, and we'll be back again for some more outdoor explorations!