Nature Forward is excited to announce the dates for the 6th Taking Nature Black Conference.

Themed “Reclamation & Resilience,” Taking Nature Black 2025 will be a four-day event happening March 5 – 8, 2025. Wednesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 6 will feature interactive, virtual presentations focused on the needs and interests of Black nature professionals, environmental justice advocates, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts.

In person conference activities will take place on Friday, March 7 at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring, MD. Saturday, March 8 will feature inspiring outdoor nature experiences in the DC region.

Stay up to date on conference news and announcements by joining our Talking Nature Black mailing list and offer your ideas about conference speakers and topics by completing this quick form.

Launched in 2016, Nature Forward’s flagship Taking Nature Black Conference is among the nation’s premier forums showcasing diversity, inclusion, and equity in nature.

Although the conference centers primarily on issues impacting the Capital Region, the recurring focus on environmental justice, empowerment, and belonging in nature resonates with diverse nature professionals and advocates from coast to coast. Our largest conference attracted more than 925 people with the last event engaging audience members from more than 30 states.

Nature Forward’s Taking Nature Black Conference takes place every two years alternating with our Naturally Latinos Conference.

Outdoor Afro’s Rue Mapp delivered a keynote presentation at the last Taking Nature Black Conference in 2023. Watch more videos on Nature Forward’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@gonatureforward
Some of the Keynote Speakers from previous Taking Nature Black Conferences
US Forest Service logo
Howard Hughes Medical Institute logo
REI Co-op logo
Trust for Public Land logo
The Campbell Foundation logo
The Nature Conservancy logo
Potomac Conservancy logo
Montgomery Parks logo
Bonsai Leadership Group, LLC
Chesapeake Bay Trust logo
American Bird Conservancy logo
National Wildlife Federation logo
Rock Creek Conservancy logo
Chesapeake Bay Program logo
Maryland Department of Natural Resources logo
Southern Environmental Law Center logo
Piedmont Environmental Council logo
Casey Trees logo
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection logo
Fairfax County Park Authority logo
Choose Clean Water Coalition logo
National Parks Conservation Association logo
Chesapeake Bay Legal Alliance logo
Safe Healthy Playing Fields
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter logo
Montgomery County Green Bank logo