Woodend Nature Sanctuary

Visitors watch frogs & birds from the spacious, fully accessible viewing area overlooking the pond.

Nature Forward, Inc.

Quick Facts

Location:

8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Significance:

Woodend Nature Sanctuary, part of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Visitor Experience Network, is a 40-acre oasis showcasing forest and stream restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its historic mansion and diverse habitats highlight the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places, Partner

MANAGED BY:

Nature Forward, Inc.

Amenities

5 listed

Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Playground, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible

Woodend Nature Sanctuary, located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a serene 40-acre refuge within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, offering a hands-on opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about this vital ecosystem. As the headquarters for Nature Forward, this sanctuary blends environmental education, conservation, and recreation in a space where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature.

Visitors can wander through diverse habitats, including 29 acres of forest, wildflower meadows, and a restored woodland stream and pond. Accessible trails, including a ¼-mile loop, guide guests through these spaces, while interpretive signage and QR codes provide insights into the flora and fauna of the region, including native plants, birds, and small mammals. Woodend’s ongoing restoration projects highlight its role as a model for forest and stream health, teaching visitors about successful ecological practices and the impact of conservation.

Woodend is part of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways network, contributing to the broader mission of preserving and sharing the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, it serves as a unique demonstration of environmental stewardship and sustainability within a historically rich area.

To learn more about Woodend Nature Sanctuary, visit https://natureforward.org/.