Join Howard EcoWorks, an environmental nonprofit serving Howard County and the surrounding region, for a family-friendly fall festival at Holly Hills. This free community open house celebrates two years of stewardship at the 16-acre property and offers visitors a chance to explore the site, learn about environmental conservation, shop for native plants, meet local conservation partners, and participate in hands-on activities.
Holly Hills serves as Howard EcoWorks’ headquarters, training site, and home of Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery. The property is also an important part of our green workforce development efforts, providing a place where people can gain experience in environmental stewardship and conservation.
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Location: Holly Hills, 14270 Burntwoods Rd, Glenwood, MD 21738
- Main Event: https://www.howardecoworks.org/event-details/holly-hills-fall-festival
- Volunteer Registration: https://www.howardecoworks.org/event-details/volunteer-activities-at-holly-hills-fall-festival
EVENT SCHEDULE
10:00–11:30 AM | Acorn & Nut Collection Volunteer Activity
Help collect acorns and other nuts from native trees, in support of Gather & Grow, while learning about growing trees from seed. Activity includes air-pruning tables and best practices for producing healthy trees.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Biochar Burn Demonstration
Participate in a biochar demonstration and learn how biochar can be produced and used in landscapes.
1:00–1:30 PM | Tree Maintenance Workshop
Learn the basics of tree and forest maintenance and how proper care can support healthy, thriving trees and ecosystems.
1:30–2:30 PM | Forest & Tree Maintenance Volunteer Activity
Put the workshop into practice with hands-on forest and tree care at Holly Hills.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Native Plant Sale
Shop Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery’s selection of native perennials, shrubs, and trees, including plants grown from Mid-Atlantic local ecotypes.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Open House, Self-Guided Tours, & Partners
Explore Holly Hills and learn about completed projects, work currently underway, and plans for the future. A site map and informational materials will help visitors explore at their own pace. Additionally, check out tables and information from our visiting partners!
10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Snacks & Birthday Treats
Enjoy refreshments and help us celebrate two years at Holly Hills!
MORE DETAILS
The Holly Hills Fall Festival is an opportunity for the community to see environmental stewardship in action. Visitors can explore the property, learn about native plants and conservation practices, connect with local organizations, and get involved through hands-on volunteer activities.
The festival will highlight the many ways Holly Hills supports Howard EcoWorks’ work, from growing native plants at Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery to providing hands-on training opportunities for people pursuing careers in environmental conservation.
ABOUT HOWARD ECOWORKS
Howard EcoWorks is an environmental nonprofit working to build healthier communities and ecosystems through environmental restoration, native plants, green workforce development, education, and community engagement. Through programs and partnerships across Howard County and the surrounding region, EcoWorks connects people with opportunities to care for the places where we live, work, and play.
Holly Hills is an important part of that mission. The 16-acre property serves as Howard EcoWorks’ headquarters and training site and is home to Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery. The site provides space for conservation projects, workforce training, native plant production, community events, and hands-on environmental education.
