Nature Center programs - Oct
Post date: Sep 15, 2013 3:59:44 PM
Birding: Battle of South Mountain
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Adults. The Battle of South Mountain was fought in 1862 just prior to the battle of Antietam in Maryland. Our program will visit several of the sites of the battle while also looking for birds and wildlife. We'll also stop at Washington Monument State Park and make a short hike up the hill to see the first monument dedicated to Geroge Washington, which also happens to be a good spot for hawk watching during fall migration. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch and a drink and snacks for the day. For more information call 703-228-3403. Meet at the Lubber Run Recreation Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$45 fee due upon registration.
Program #612843-B
Bird Walk
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 8:30 - 11:00 AM
Adults. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Gelncarlyn 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 #612943-B
Gemstone Club-Opal
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Ages 7 - 11. Register child only. Budding geologists and gem lovers are invited to join us for a year's worth of fun and collecting at the Gemstone Club. Attend one or all of the sessions; we meet once each month. We will learn about birthstones and the alternate stones for each month. There will be polished gems and uncut crystals to examine, and we will find out about the geology, mining, legends, and literature for each gem. All participants 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.
$12 fee due upon registration.
Program #612823-C
Survival Skills: ID Poisonous and Venomous
Friday, Oct. 4, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids 9 to 14. These hands on classes teach traditional survival skills. To survive, you need to know what plants and animals to use - but knowing which ones to avoid can be even more important! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$7 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-C
Wild Ones: Acorns to Oaks
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Children ages 6 to 10. Which oaks are red, white or black and what kind of acorns do they make? How do squirrels and blue jays spread oaks around and what is an acorn weevil anyway? Join us and find out! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center: 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-L
Gemstone Club-Opal
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Ages 7 - 11. Register child only. Budding geologists and gem lovers are invited to join us for a year's worth of fun and collecting at the Gemstone Club. Attend one or all of the sessions; we meet once each month. We will learn about birthstones and the alternate stones for each month. There will be polished gems and uncut crystals to examine, and we will find out about the geology, mining, legends, and literature for each gem. All participants 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.
$12 fee due upon registration.
Program #612823-D
Campfire: Insanely Cool Insects
Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
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 for lots of old-fashioned fun -including s'mores - as we learn about some cool creepy crawlies and fabulous fliers! Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at GBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612853-B
Nature Digital Photography
Sunday, Oct. 6, 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Children 9 to 14. Photograph nature inside and around Long Branch Nature Center 's park setting with your digital camera. Learn about local wildlife and learn some tips on how to take pictures. We'll take a short hike with our cameras and also have an opportunity to photograph some live nature center animals. Bring your own camera (camera phones are fine too). LBNC has a couple of digital cameras for loan. Bring you memory card, camera AV/USB cord, and camera manual. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$7 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-M
Wild Ones: Vultures
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids ages 6-10. Come scavenge for facts and clues about Vultures. We'll learn about the vital role they play in nature. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at LBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-N
Stargazing 101
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Adults. Whether paired with our Astronomy Quest, or just on its own, this program will improve your stargazing skills! Learn to find basic fall constellations, make a starfinder, and get a cosmic sense of perspective. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612843-F
Survival Skills: Purifying Water
Friday, Oct. 11, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids 9 to 14. These hands on classes teach traditional survival skills. You can go days without food - but drinkable water is a survival priority! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$7 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-D
See, Hear, Sketch: Autumn Leaves
Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Kids ages 5-9. register child only. By fall, every leaf has a story to tell. Learn to read some of them by observing closely, then try to capture the colors and details yourself. Art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612823-K
Astronomy Quest
Saturday, Oct. 12, 6:00 - 10:30 PM
Adults. Travel to the darker skies of the Shenandoah mountains to celebrate Astronomy! We’ll join other space cadets at Sky Meadows State Park as astronomy enthusiasts and experts share their knowledge - and telescopes - with the public. This is a great chance to see the universe! Participants are encouraged to take 'Stargazing 101' beforehand, but raw beginners are welcome too. Vans leave from Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$15 fee due upon registration.
Program #612843-G
Campfire: Popcorn
Saturday, Oct. 12, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
All ages. Register adults and children; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The whole family is invited to pop on over and join us at the Long Branch Amphitheater for lots of old-fashioned fun - and a maybe few corny jokes, too! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center: 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd; Arlington, VA 22204.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612953-D
Bone Tales
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Kids 7 to 10. Backbones, ribs and skulls - oh my! Unravel the mysteryof bones and join the BSI - Bone Scene Investigation. What do bones tell us about the animals that once owned them? Discover the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates, the five classes of vertebrates, and which group you belong to. Come read the clues and unearth the secrets of BONES! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-O
Second Sundays - Remove Invasive Plants!
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
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
Birding Trip: Blandy Farm and Sky Meadows
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Adults. Join us on this excursion to parks on opposite sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia where we'll look for fall migrants, including sparrows and raptors. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch and a drink and snacks for the day. For more information call 703-228-3403. Meet at the Lubber Run Recreation Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.
$45 fee due upon registration.
Program #612843-C
Graduate Gemologists - Tourmaline
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Ages 8 - 12. Register child only. Kids who have completed 12 months of the Gemstone Club at Gulf Branch Nature Center can add to their knowledge of gems and increase their collections at this monthly program. Tourmaline, October's alternate birthstone, occurs in an amazing variety of colors. The last empress of China adored the deep pink variety. Collect your own tourmaline at this program. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
$12 fee due upon registration.
Program #612823-H
Survival Skills: Knot Know- How
Friday, Oct. 18, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids 9 to 14. These hands on classes teach traditional survival skills. In Knot Know How, we'll learn a few basics that will help you out of a tangle. Then we'll tie ourselves into a giant human knot! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$7 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-E
Campfire: Snakes
Friday, Oct. 18, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
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 for lots of old-fashioned fun -including s'mores - as we learn about our local fork-tongued friends! Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at GBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612853-C
Designing a Sustainable Landscape
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
A beautiful and environmentally friendly home landscape grows from a workable design--one that you can comfortably implement and maintain. Whether you are doing it yourself or working with a designer or contractor, this program organized by Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will give you the knowledge to evaluate your site, identify your needs, and choose plants and materials appropriate for local conditions. The program is a great foundation for developing your own detailed plan in the January 2014 Making Your Yard Sustainable Workshop Series. $15 registration fee. Register by contacting the VCE Master Gardener Help Desk (703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com).
$15; see program description.
Fall Heritage Festival
Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Families, adults, scout troops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration needed. Each fall we gather around the Walker Log House to celebrate our nation’s heritage. Won’t you join us this year for a family friendly day of interactive fun? Step back into history and try your hand at some old time games and crafts. Bring your own old pants and shirt to make a scarecrow. Child size clothing works just great! Drop in anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Parking lot closed for the event. Park on Military Rd. or 36th Rd. North. Close in neighbors are encouraged to walk. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due at the program
Third Sundays - Remove Invasives!
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
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
Survival Skills: Cordage
Friday, Oct. 25, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Kids 9 to 14. These hands on classes teach traditional survival skills. Learn how to wrangle some rope and other natural stand ins so you'll never be left hanging! Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.
$7 fee due upon registration.
Program #612923-F
Campfire: Wildlife Folktales
Saturday, Oct. 26, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
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 for lots of old-fashioned fun -including s'mores - as we hear stories and 'tails' of local wildlife, and maybe meet a few! Information: 703-228-3403. Meet at GBNC.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612853-D
Notable Nature: October
Sunday, Oct. 27, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at long Branch for a lesson in nature journaling. We'll begin by constructing our own nature journal, then head out to reconnect and record nature's wonders… focusing on migrating ducks and geese! Information: 703-228-6535.
Free
Program #612953-G
Wild Ones: Terrific Toadstools
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Ages 6 - 10. Register child only. We'll search the woods for terrific -or terrifying - toadstools, strange shrooms like 'witches butter', make spore prints, and more. For more information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207.
$5 fee due upon registration.
Program #612823-O
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Editors' contact:
Cliff Fairweather