Welcome to Woodend Sanctuary

Headquarters of Nature Forward

Woodend Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful 40-acre oasis for experienced nature lovers and new explorers of all ages and abilities. Our new wheelchair-accessible nature trail traverses meadow, forest, stream, and pond habitats.

Come enjoy the serenity of our wildflower meadows. Visit our native plant gardens. Explore the aquatic life of our pond.

The sanctuary is free and open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk.

Also, don’t miss the wonderful selection in our Woodend Nature Shop, which is housed in our historic Georgian mansion.

Explore Woodend with our INTERACTIVE STORY MAP

Woodend Nature Sanctuary is becoming Washington’s oasis of
SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY, NATURAL HABITATS.

Learn more by clicking a topic below

Forest

Stream

Wildlife

Meadow

Garden

History

Ways you can make 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.” CLICK THE ICON ABOVE to use our interactive Woodend Remarkable Tree Tour to learn about tree species here. It can help you brush up on your tree I.D. skills, too!

Special grates at our vehicle entrances protect the sanctuary from deer that would destroy habitat. For your safety, please enter the sanctuary through the pedestrian gates. Crossing the deer exclusion grates on foot or on a bike could result in injury.

We are ALL animal lovers. Unfortunately, our beloved dogs and other pets can terrify birds and animals that live in the sanctuary. That’s why we require that you enjoy your tour without dogs or other pets. You’ll definitely improve your chances of spotting some of the wildlife here.

If you bring your bike, please walk it through the pedestrian gates when entering and exiting. Riding across the deer exclusion grates could result in injury. Inside, please walk your bike along the trails to help preserve them, and for everyone’s safety.

Visit Woodend 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