Nature Forward’s Taking Nature Black Conference, themed “Reclamation & Resilience,” happens March 5 – 8, 2025.

Keynote speakers include Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus; applied behavior scientist Jylana L, Sheats, PhD, of Tulane University; storyteller and cultural geographer Carolyn Finney, PhD; Matt Scott, director of storytelling and engagement at Project Drawdown; and climate activist Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist.

You can join us from anywhere around the world for interactive, virtual conference sessions on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6. In-person conference activities 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. Click this link to complete the subscription form.


Howard Hughes Medical Institute logo
Trust for Public Land logo
Montgomery Parks logo

Chesapeake Bay Office

The Campbell Foundation logo
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Casey Trees logo
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection logo
National Parks Conservation Association logo
Piedmont Environmental Council logo
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter logo

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.

Some of the Keynote Speakers from previous Taking Nature Black Conferences