We are making historic Woodend Nature Sanctuary into Washington's
oasis of SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY, NATURAL HABITATS
With its “Nature for All” projects, ANS aims to improve habitats, while also improving the visitor experience at Woodend.
A project currently under construction will:
• Stabilize the eroded banks of the stream channel,
• Upgrade the main trail to be accessible for people who rely on wheelchairs, walkers or strollers,
• And improve forest, meadow, and pond habitats with thousands of native plantings.
The main woodland trail will not be open to the public for a few months during stream and trail restoration work. Click the map (right) to view an alternative nature walk.
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The stream and trail restoration will vastly improve the most-visited parts of
Woodend Sanctuary’s natural areas. -
Restoration will stabilize the stream banks and slow down rushing storm water through a series of dams, mini-waterfalls and pools. Some of the dams will be made of stone.
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Other dams will be made from logs cut from trees that have fallen at Woodend. The restored stream will deliver water downstream gently and filter pollution while adding to groundwater.
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Clean Drinking stream at Woodend has been degraded by stormwater runoff caused by urbanization. By restoring the stream, we will reduce pollution flowing into Rock Creek and the Chesapeake Bay.
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Over time, the stream restoration will provide better wildlife habitat, especially for amphibians like this wood frog that lays its eggs in woodland pools every spring.
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The main nature trail at Woodend is also degraded by erosion. It will be repaired and surfaced with bonded gravel, making it safe and accessible for people of all abilities. The boardwalks at the pond will also be completely rebuilt for accessibility.
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Once the stream and trail are repaired, thousands of native plants will be added to the landscape to feed and shelter wildlife at Woodend.
What's Next?
ANS is seeking approval from the Montgomery County Board of Appeals to build a Nature Play Space to encourage students, teachers and families to learn and play together outdoors. Like our new trail, many of the features will be accessible for people with disabilities.
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- Accessible Gathering and Activity Area
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- Playhouses
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- Magical Touches
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- Accessible Lookout
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- Loose Parts Play
If you have questions about restoration at Woodend Sanctuary, please contact Alison.Pearce@anshome.org