"Friends of Gulf Branch" are a group of concerned citizens who came together in the spring of 2009 to save Gulf Branch Nature Center (GBNC) from an Arlington County government proposal to eliminate its funding and permanently close its facilities. Due to the community's strong, vocal opposition to closing this valuable community resource, the Arlington County Board rejected the proposal, but provided reduced funding and staffing. The Board further announced that unless the community raised $10,000 by December, the nature center would be open only 4 (rather than 5) days per week in 2010.

In June 2009, a new nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, "Friends of Gulf Branch Nature Center" was formed to provide a mechanism for fundraising and long-term support by the community. This Yahoo-group list-serve continues to be an important vehicle for communications among supporters of GBNC about ways to support our beloved Gulf Branch Nature Center so that it will stay open and operating.

Please join our group!