Welcome to
Woodend Nature 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.
Woodend Nature Sanctuary is becoming the Capital Region’s oasis of
SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY, NATURAL HABITATS.
Learn more by clicking a topic below
Explore Woodend with our INTERACTIVE
STORY MAP
How to 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.” 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.
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