About ANS

Welcome to the Audubon Naturalist Society, the oldest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC region. A pioneer in linking conservation activities with environmental education, ANS:

• Reaches more than 9,000 children each calendar year through its nature preschool and family, scout, school, and camp programs 
• Offers adults a rich variety of natural history classes, local outings, and national and international travel experiences
• Works with a network of civic and environmental groups on conservation issues, such as transportation, watershed and rural lands protection, and climate change 
• Has two nature sanctuaries: Woodend (Chevy Chase, MD), and Rust (Leesburg, VA) Rust Sanctuary is a partnership between the Audubon Naturalist Society and NOVA Parks 
• Hosts numerous special events, including author and speaker events, member meetings, and the Bloomin’ Birdathon
• Publishes the Naturalist Quarterly four times a year and broadcasts the Audubon eNEWS monthly
• Operates a Naturalist Shop at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD, with a great selection of birdseed, bird feeders & houses, natural history and environmental books, binoculars, spotting scopes, gifts, jewelry,  note cards, coffee, and children’s items.