• Meet Atia, Our Maryland Data Center Intern!

    Hey y’all, my name is Atia Bailey! I will be joining Nature Forward this year as a Maryland Data Center Intern and I am so excited to contribute to the Conservation Team’s work! My role as a research and outreach intern is to stay aware of current and upcoming data center policy and to educate…


  • Creek Chronicles: Pinehurst Branch

    A group of water quality monitors has been monitoring this stream in Rock Creek Park for three decades–even in the winter.


  • Meet Our Maryland Data Center Intern, Calvin

    Hello Nature Forward! My name is Calvin Chrisfield (he/him), and I am excited to be one of Nature Forward’s new Data Center Interns! Over the next year, I will be supporting our Maryland Conservation Advocate and the rest of the Conservation Team to protect Maryland’s residents, ecosystems, and natural spaces from irresponsible data center development.  In addition to…


  • Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly will be different

    A lot has happened since the November 2025 state elections! Virginia’s General Assembly will be a bit different this year. Here’s a quick lay of the land: What else will be different? Key topics we’ll be monitoring Join us in Richmond for Lobby Days: February 4 & 9, 2026 Hop on a bus, join a…


  • Lighting the Way to a Safer DC: Shine Safely Act of 2025

    Washington, DC is taking an important step toward a healthier, more sustainable future, and your voice can help make it happen. The Shine Safely Act of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Brooke Pinto, and Charles Allen, aims to phase out the sale and distribution of mercury-containing fluorescent…


  • Final Push: Veto Override

    Update as of 12/16:  The General Assembly voted today to override the Governor’s Veto on the Data Center Study Bill! Thank you to the Senators and Representatives who voted today for transparency around data center development, and the hundreds of Marylanders who wrote and called demanding this override! Update as of 12/9: Governor Wes Moore has signed…


  • Fairfax County’s Policy Plan & substation ZOA must be stronger

    Tell our Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to Strengthen Data Center Regulations! Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors will be making two important data-center-related decisions on Tuesday, December 9. They will be (1) deciding which updated Policy Plan language to approve and (2) holding a public hearing on updating the electrical substation zoning ordinance amendment. The…


  • Creek Chronicles: Goshen Branch

    How has the macroinvertebrate population at Goshen Branch fared over the past several years—and what lies ahead in the future?


  • Speak up for data center protections in Fairfax County

    Before October 30: Tell our Fairfax County Planning Commission to Strengthen Data Center Regulations! Your voice has power! Please tell our Fairfax County Planning Commissioners to protect our communities from data center impacts. The Planning Commission held two important public hearings on October 15 and 16 – both outcomes could dictate county guidelines on data…


  • Prince George’s County Deserves Professionals, Not Negligence

    On October 21, Dr. Moki was confirmed in a 8-2 vote to lead the Department of the Environment. We applaud Eric Olson (District 3) and Tom Dernoga (District 1) for their dissent. 300 emails were sent to the County Council, voicing your concerns on the confirmation of Dr. Moki. 45 residents signed up to use…