• Woodend Reports: Spotting the Lanternflies

    By Grace Dho In 2014, Lycorma delicatula was recorded in the US for the first time just outside of Philadelphia. In 2022, it had its own skit on Saturday Night Live. Lycorma delicatula, otherwise referred to as the spotted lanternfly (SLF), has become one of the most well-known invasive species on the East Coast. With…


  • Woodend Reports: Marching into Stream Monitoring

    Grace Dho As we enter springtime and warmer weather, one can find natural clues all around us that the seasons are changing. At Woodend, some of the first signs of spring can be found in and along our restored streams. We begin to hear the chorus of spring peepers on late February evenings, see the…


  • Woodend Reports: Tracking the Health of Woodend’s Forest 

    By Grace Dho With a new year comes new data! This past fall, restoration staff and volunteers began resurveying Woodend’s forest. The original, comprehensive forest survey of Woodend’s deer-protected area was completed between October 2019 and April 2020 by Habitat Manager, Bradley Simpson, and many dedicated volunteers. The forest survey team collected data within 67…


  • Water Protectors empowers community leaders!

    In 2023, Nature Forward completed the 3rd year of our Water Protectors of Little Hunting Creek outreach, working with communities along the Route 1 Corridor in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County, VA.). Thanks to funding from Virginia Environmental Endowment and in partnership with United Community, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District (NVSWCD),…


  • DC Environment Budget Testimony

    On April 6, 2023, Nature Forward submitted testimony on Washington, DC’s FY24 budget for the Department of Energy and Environment. We focused on the following key issues:  Out of the many issues addressed across DC’s climate community, we were overall pleased with the finalized budget for the District in FY 2024. Results: Thank you so…


  • Earth Day in Edmonston, MD

    Nature Forward held a fabulous bilingual Earth Day event with the Town of Edmonston in April 2023.


  • Maryland & Montgomery County Forest Wins

    Montgomery County and the State of Maryland have both just passed legislations to update their forest conservation laws. Both are historic wins for Maryland’s forests, and both expand protections for forests, moving us closer to the golden goal of no net loss, meaning no more loss of forests. We highlight the main updates in each…


  • Maryland General Assembly 2023 Wrap Up!

    April 10th marked the end of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly. We are excited to report that ALL of Nature Forward’s MDG23 priority bills passed and are now waiting for the Governor’s approval! Thank you all for your support in sending letters, talking with legislators, and advocating for a healthier, safer, and climate resilient environment…


  • Woodend Stream Restoration Project Overview

    Nature Forward worked with the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) to design a step pool system along 1,500 feet of what had been a perennial, spring-fed stream into the 1970s, but over time had become a deeply eroded ephemeral channel at Woodend Nature Sanctuary. After the restoration implemented by Stormwater Maintenance, LLC (SMC), 44 step…


  • Montgomery County Students Support a Bill to Reduce Food Waste

    Back row: Erica, Joe, Bavan, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, Gov. Wes Moore’s Director of Political Engagement Saif Ratul, Sanjana, Delegate Jared Solomon, Thomas, Khalila; Front row: Advika, Angelina, Pragna, Shrusti, Sophie This post written by Erica Weiss, member of the Coalition to Reimagine School Waste Students from around the state of Maryland are speaking up about the benefits…