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County Board

Gulf Branch Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary

Gulf Branch Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, the first public environmental and conservation center created in Arlington County was established in 1966 at the Gulf Branch Nature Center in a rare surviving 1920s fieldstone-and-quartz bungalow; and

WHEREAS, the Gulf Branch Nature Center, sited in the 38-acre Gulf Branch stream valley, initiated a larger and subsequent movement for park and greenspace preservation in Arlington County, and was followed by the establishment of the Long Branch Nature Center in 1972 and the Nature Center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in 1974; and

WHEREAS, the site of the Gulf Branch Nature Center has served many purposes through the ages, as a Native American fishing camp, as an early 20th Century woodland retreat and as a pioneering and living symbol of the conservation and environmental movement; and

WHEREAS, there has been strong and ongoing community support of Gulf Branch Nature Center and the Gulf Branch Nature Center continues to serve as a greatly valued community center for family and seasonal celebrations, environmental education and the enjoyment of nature that draws thousands of visitors each year; and instilling a love of nature in thousands of children and adults by providing a tranquil and protected wooded stream valley and innovative hands-on displays that provide for the exploration of nature by Arlington residents of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Gulf Branch Nature Center’s Native American Room is one of only two sites in Northern Virginia included in the Virginia Indian Heritage Trail, providing educational experiences for adults, school groups and casual visitors; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 12, 2016, as

Gulf Branch Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary

in Arlington County for its historic and unique role in protecting and promoting Arlington County’s parklands and greenspace, and for helping to build and enhance the community’s social, environmental and educational values for children, families and all county residents.