Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. Members $12; nonmembers $16. Second person FREE.

REGISTER HERE.

Our workshops teach powerful toolkits for moving from upset to action on environmental issues in these polarizing times. What’s your environmental issue? Widening the Beltway. Lead in school water pipes. Threats to a park. Contributing to the discussion on new development coming to your neighborhood. Fighting climate change at the local level.

No matter the issue, come to ANS’ Advocacy 101 workshop to learn about how YOU can participate and make a difference. We will cover the key introductory advocacy skills of communicating your WHY, connecting environmental solutions with human needs, and introducing campaign skills that allow everyone to bring their strengths to the table:

• Researching issues and solutions
• Developing an action plan
• Communicating with decision-makers
• Building coalitions to broaden support for your issue

Bring your own scenario to work with or join to help brainstorm a partner’s. We will work through scenarios, use role-play and group and expert feedback, and actively practice our skills. 

What people are saying about our recent 101 Workshops:

“It advised what I’m already involved in by breaking down the structure of how advocacy works, the players, the coalition building, and especially highlighting the hows and whys as a way to focus outcomes.”

“I was very nervous about joining the workshop as it was outside of my comfort zone but it was wonderful! I leaned a lot, found the other participants very supportive, and feel ready to have a go!”

Instructor: Eliza Cava, ANS Director of Conservation. Virtual via Zoom. 

$20 members/ $30 non-members

Click here to Register

Have you ever wondered what makes spider silk so sticky and so durable? Join us to learn from an expert! University of Maryland Biology Professor Mercedes Burns will introduce you to her ongoing research on sticky biomaterials by focusing on spider silk. She will share her findings on the protein structure of silk, how spiders produce it, and what components make the silk sticky. You’ll also learn why humans find it so hard to replicate this miracle of nature in a lab!

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Discover when and where to find some of the Mid-Atlantic’s summer nature bounty, including electric-blue birds atop crayon-yellow sunflowers; itsy-bitsy green treefrogs with racing stripes and sticky toes; bedazzling bugs; backyard squirrels that “fly;” and a sea of native lotus blossoms, worthy of Monet.

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Join Garden Manager, Alice Sturm, in the exploration of the many native plant gardens Woodend has to offer. Learn what native herbs do well in certain conditions and gather ideas for your own home garden!

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Join naturalist and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Adria S. Zeldin, for a forest bathing walk as we explore the forests at Woodend through all our senses. Relax and take in the wonders that summer has to offer and learn about the mindfulness practice of forest bathing. Come explore, perhaps even rediscover, the wonders of Woodend with this relaxing mindfulness practice.

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Learn about the notable trees Woodend has to offer with Restoration Manager, Bradley Simpson. We will learn how to identify these trees and where you might find them in the wild. We will explore what wildlife uses these trees and how they benefit our native ecosystems.

REGISTER HERE.

There’s much more to bees and wasps than a buzz and a sting! We’ll explore the natural history of this ecologically and economically important group of insects during a lecture and a field trip, including identification of common families. You’ll also gain an understanding of some of the insects that take advantage of the fearsome reputation of bees and wasps by mimicking their appearance and behavior.

REGISTER HERE

Join ANS naturalists to explore the meadows, forests and stream at Woodend. Learn about the work we do to improve our native habitats for our local wildlife.

REGISTER HERE.