Nature Forward

Today marks the 64th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s influential book, Silent Spring, that kickstarted the modern environmental movement.

Silent Spring details the harmful effects that pesticides, specifically DDT, have on wildlife, our ecosystems, and human health. Carson’s 1962 book had an overwhelming impact. Within the year, Silent Spring sold over 600,000 copies. Today, the count is over 2 million.

Silent Spring was an important catalyst in the formation of the EPA in 1970 and the U.S. ban on DDT in 1972 — a pivotal action that contributed to the recovery of species including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Pelicans, Peregrine Falcons, Robins, and Great Blue Herons.

Carson was a beloved board member and friend to many at Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society). She was a longtime resident of Silver Spring, and died just two years after Silent Spring was published, in 1964. Her legacy lives on, and the passages quoted from Silent Spring still ring true as we continue in our work to protect and advocate for nature🌱

In response to Governor Wes Moore’s executive order on data centers, Nature Forward called the EO a good first step, but urged a pause on data center development until the General Assembly enacts protections with teeth.

Read Nature Forward’s full statement here:

Press Release: MD Gov's Executive Order on Data Centers - Nature Forward Nature Forward inspires residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy.

What’s at Woodend this Wednesday? Late summer/early fall white flowers!
Common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is one of 17 Eupatorium species found in Maryland. It can be recognized by its perfoliate leaves 🌱, which wrap around the stem. This species was used in traditional medicine to treat fever symptoms; however, the medicinal properties have not been confirmed by formal scientific research.
A second species of boneset we have at Woodend is the late boneset (Eupatorium serotinum). This species provides late-season nectar for migrating monarch butterflies.
White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is a species that has previously been classified in the Eupatorium genus. Its flowers look similar to those of the bonesets. A major difference in these plants is that white snakeroot contains the toxin tremetol. Historically, humans have become ill by ingesting the toxin through milk from cows 🐮 that ate white snakeroot, but you can also become sick by eating the plant directly. There are only two species of Ageratina with A. altissima being more common. This species is usually smaller and found in more shady areas compared to the more diverse Eupatorium plants.
Come to Woodend to see these abundant white flowers!

We are hiring! Join our team as our new Education Administrative Coordinator🌱

Manage registration, payment processes, and data tracking for Nature Forward's wide variety of programming to a diverse community of nature lovers and environmental stewards.

Environmental education programs at Nature Forward include a licensed preschool, camp programs, school field trips, private birthday parties, adult classes and field trips, international nature travel and volunteer programs.

Learn more here:https://natureforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/EE-Admin-Coordinator-Job.pdf

Last Thursday, Nature Forward staff members participated in the 10th Anacostia River BioBlitz!

We got our waders on and worked with Anacostia Watershed Society to survey what aquatic animals are living in the Anacostia River. We had a great time getting muddy, exploring this beautiful habitat, and learning more about what kind of mussels are found in the Anacostia. Using scopes, we counted and identified different species of freshwater mussels. This valuable community science data will help us learn more about the health of this ecosystem.

A big thank you to Jorge from Anacostia Watershed Stewards for organizing this day and to everyone who participated in this past weekend’s BioBlitz🍄🐢🪷

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Take a look at some of our favorite photos from our 6th Naturally Latinos Conference that happened this past March🌱💚 We can’t believe that it’s already been six months!

This year’s theme, “Fortaleciendo comunidades y ecosistemas,” celebrated the work that many are doing to benefit our communities and bring nature back to urban spaces.

Urban ecosystems and our Latino community are under unprecedented stress. Finding opportunities to collaborate and create partnerships is crucial right now. That’s why everyone’s participation in our Naturally Latinos conference was such a wonderful gift! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

What’s at Woodend this Wednesday?
When you’re walking through the forest, you might spot a very peculiar looking plant. Its round, white fruits with a black dot on the end give the impression of little eyes looking in every direction from the red stalks they sit on. 👁️ This plant is white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), also commonly referred to as doll’s eyes.
The genus Actaea is in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Many plants in this genus are very toxic to humans. The specific chemicals present depends on species, but they typically interfere with heart function and can lead to death if consumed. The berries are not poisonous to their main seed dispersers, birds. 🐦‍⬛
There are 33 known species of Actaea, 3 of which are found in Maryland.
At Woodend, we have a second Actaea species in addition to the white baneberry called black cohosh (Actaea racemosa). The one pictured does not yet have fruits, but they will eventually develop dry, dark brown seed pods. There was a period of time when this species was in the genus Cimicifuga because the plants develop dry fruits rather than a fleshy berry. Due to recent genetic testing, all Cimicifuga species have been transferred to the Actaea genus.
Come to Woodend if you want to see some Actaea plants!

What’s at Woodend this Wednesday?
Goldenrods (genus Solidago)! 🌼There are 27 species of goldenrods in Maryland. Most species are found in open areas such as meadows.
In the meadows of Woodend, we have a few different species. Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia), rough stemmed goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), and tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima).
We also have a species in the meadow called flat topped goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), which used to be in the Solidago genus but is now not classified as a goldenrod.
Near the pond, we have a species called swamp goldenrod Swamp Goldenrod (Solidago patula). This species is rare in Maryland.
In the forest we have a blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia).
We have many species of goldenrods in bloom at Woodend. Be sure to come by to see them!