Audubon Naturalist Society551

The goal of the Audubon Naturalist Society is to foster stewardship of the region's environment by educating citizens about the natural world, promoting conservation of biodiversity, and protecting wildlife habitat. To this end, it manages three nature sanctuaries and offers a variety of activities, including family programs, children's classes, a nature preschool, birthday parties, summer camps, and more.

The Society's headquarters are at the Woodend Sanctuary, a 40-acre nature sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD featuring the Woodend mansion - on the National Historical Register - a wildflower meadow, meandering trails, and a pond. The Rust Sanctuary property in Leesburg, VA includes a manor house and 68 acres of land with a pond, forest, and meadow. The Webb Sanctuary's 20 acres are on the edge of Clifton, a restored 19th century railroad village in southern Fairfax County. Features include a small stream flowing by a meadow, native orchids, several amphibian species, and a good variety of birds. A self-guided trail winds through the property.

Birthday parties can be held at the Woodend Sanctuary. Families choose from one of seven nature and science-inspired themes. Birthday celebrants spend an hour exploring nature and participating in activities and games led by a naturalist, then have time for birthday food and cake. Contact Sarah Krizek at 301.652.9188 ext. 26 for more information.

The Audubon Nature Preschool is a morning preschool program for four-year-old children located at the Woodend Sanctuary. The preschool builds on children's inherent curiosity about the world by using hands-on, nature-based activities to foster social, physical, and academic skill development. The 40-acre outdoor environment and Edwin Way Teale Learning Center serve as natural venues for language, artistic, and musical expression as well as scientific observations and discoveries. Contact Stephanie Burpee at 301.652.9188 x41 for more information.

Offering unique nature programs for children ages four to 16, the Audubon Naturalist Society's summer camps are designed to foster environmental awareness and expand natural and cultural knowledge. Sessions are held at the Woodend and Rust Sanctuaries, are taught by experienced environmental educators, and maintain a teacher ratio of eight to one. Camps feature fun experiences with the natural world through hands-on activities, hikes, games, crafts, and experiments.

The Audubon Naturalist Society also offers school programs, Cub Scout and Girl Scout programs and children's and family programs. Please see the website for more information.