About: 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 Talk
Join a tree expert from Davey Tree to explore everything from tree care and maintenance, pressing issues like oak decline and beech leaf disease, and the importance of healthy soil for newly planted trees. All questions are welcome from root to crown!

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!

Directions and Parking
Entrance to our driveway is at 14270 Burntwoods Rd, across from Brantly Rd. Please park in the designated area, the grassy area across from the barn.

Guests are not required to register; however, registration allows the attendee to add this event to their calendar and receive automatic email reminders. By attending this event, you agree to our liability and photo release waiver. In summary, you agree to follow any safety instructions provided by staff members of EcoWorks, and understand that staff members may be taking photos or videos during this public event.

RSVP for the main event at this link: https://www.howardecoworks.org/event-details/holly-hills-fall-festival

If you would like to participate in the volunteer activites, register here: https://www.howardecoworks.org/event-details/volunteer-activities-at-holly-hills-fall-festival