The Community Ecology Institute

09/03/2026

Visit CEI's Green Farmacy Garden! Step into the serene landscape of medicinal plants where you can learn about herbal remedies, plant care, and the history of the terraced garden.

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org/Volunteer

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

09/02/2026

This year, CEI's Green SEEDS interns completed projects involving food security, social justice, and conservation. Interns revitalized Freetown Farm's Peace Garden and transformed it from overgrown weeds to a beautiful spot to relax with a pond, archway, and mulched paths. Interns built structures for several CEI programs and partners including Roots and Wings and Garden 2 Garment. Interns also cultivated a garden that grew food for CEI's Free Fire, Food, and Friends dinners. They have learned so many helpful skills and gained resources during their time with Green SEEDS. We can't wait to see what they do next!

Join our Fall 2026 Green SEEDS cohort! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ4RILq_nKkFSLA4HUN_G1KM-Wbks-USw-p1ojB8qVILs2wA/viewform

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

09/01/2026

We had an amazing time at the Sustainability Partners Action Network meeting last Friday. We learned about what organizations within the Howard County Community are doing to promote sustainability and climate-consciousness. Thank you to the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability and the Columbia Association for hosting this event.

08/28/2026

Are you interested in growing a garden or want to fine-tune your skills? Join CEI's five-week Nourishing Gardens training, Beyond the Garden Bed! You'll get a chance to learn about permaculture, soil health, pest managment, and so much more!
Sign up at tinyurl.com/BeyondTheGardenBed

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

08/26/2026

We invite you to celebrate Ed Gould, a friend and partner of CEI, and his art with us on Saturday, September 19. From 1-3pm, walk through his pottery exhibit and enjoy his baking at the Columbia Art Center.

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

08/20/2026

We are so grateful to Patapsco Heritage Greenway for being a 2026 Harvest Gala sponsor. Thank you so much!

Help us grow another ten years! CommunityEcologyInstitute.org/Donate

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

08/19/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaching-artists-showcase-and-marketplace-tickets-1996671921466

Meet the professional artists behind community impact. Explore teaching artists, mini-workshops, & creative partnerships at TAMA’s Showcase!

08/19/2026

Do you want to learn more about caring for your Maryland landscape?
Join Nourishing Gardens for Beyond the Garden Bed — a workshop series designed to help you grow your knowledge and skills in design considerations, growing edible and native landscapes, and understanding food systems and sustainable living.
✨ Learn from experienced staff at CEI's Freetown Farm in Columbia, MD
🌱 Discover ways to garden with nature
🥕 Build practical skills for a more sustainable lifestyle
🤝 Connect with your community
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s something here for you!
Don’t just grow a garden. Grow your impact. 🌻

👉 Reserve your spot and learn more: https://tinyurl.com/BeyondTheGardenBed

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org

08/18/2026

Our Founder, Chiara, has spent the last several months on medical leave — and as part of her healing, she’s been focused on the nature art she’s been creating for over a decade. The result, Wildlight: A ChiaraScuro Collection, is 27 pieces currently on view at Sandy Spring Museum in Olney in the community gallery. You are invited to see it before it closes on the 23rd! You can learn more at https://chiaradamore.com/art. When Chiara returns to work in September she looks forward to bringing her renewed connection to creativity to CEI’s mission delivery.

08/18/2026

Thank you to 12 Bees Creative for BEEing a 2026 Harvest Gala sponsor. We can't wait to see you there!

Help us grow another ten years! CommunityEcologyInstitute.org/Donate

CommunityEcologyInstitute.org