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Step pools at Woodend Nature Sanctuary

Welcome to
Woodend Nature Sanctuary

Headquarters of Nature Forward

Woodend Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful 40-acre oasis for nature lovers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Our wheelchair-accessible nature trail traverses meadow, forest, stream, and pond habitats, and our Nature Play Space provides nature-based fun for children of all abilities. Follow this link to learn more about accessibility at Woodend.

You are invited to enjoy the serenity of wildflower meadows and native plant gardens. Explore aquatic life in our pond.

The sanctuary is free and open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Sign up for a guided tour or look for signs when you visit Woodend that let you use your smartphone to take a self-guided tour.

Also, don’t miss the unique items in the Nature Shop, housed in our historic Georgian mansion.

Click the map below to view or download a Woodend Nature Sanctuary Trail Map

Woodend Nature Sanctuary is becoming the Capital Region’s oasis of
SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY, NATURAL HABITATS

Select a topic to learn more!

A woman extending her hand to touch a large tree, and the headline Woodend Tours
Photo of a woman tending to native plants with the headline Native Plant Gardening
Historic photo of Woodend Mansion with the headline History of Woodend

Preview Woodend Nature Sanctuary

Making the most of your visit for yourself, for habitats, and for wildlife:

The diverse habitats at Woodend support innumerable species of insects that in turn feed many species of birds and other animals. What does that mean for you? It means there’s a lot to see, learn, and enjoy!

Woodend has an amazing collection of trees, some of which are Montgomery County “Champions.” Take our interactive Remarkable Trees at Woodend Tour to learn more, and brush up on your tree I.D. skills!

Special grates at our vehicle entrances deter deer that would destroy habitat. Crossing the deer grates on foot or by bike could result in injury, so please enter the sanctuary from the pedestrian gates.

Unfortunately, dogs and other pets can terrify the birds and animals living in the sanctuary. That’s why we require that you enjoy your tour without dogs or pets. You’ll improve your chances of spotting wildlife here.

If you bring your bike, please walk it through the pedestrian gates. Riding across the deer exclusion grates could result in your injury. Inside, please walk your bike along the trails to help preserve them, and keep everyone safe.

Visit Woodend Nature Sanctuary

8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Admission is free.

If you are in Northern Virginia,
you also can visit our Rust Sanctuary

Thank you for leaving dogs and other pets at home.