Gulf Branch Nature Center will be celebrating its 46th birthday this weekend.

The nature center was saved from potential closure and demolition in 2009 when supporters rallied to have it removed from a list of county budget cuts. Now, the nonprofit Friends of the Gulf Branch Nature Center organization is throwing the wooded outpost another birthday party.

The free event is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. The program includes:

• Live music by the New Old Time String Band
• Live animal encounters and nature fun for everyone
• “Open forge” with the Blacksmiths’ Guild
• Birthday cake

Photo via friendsofgbnc.org