Howard EcoWorks kicked off the 2025 Spring season with strong community engagement and measurable environmental impact. Over the course of March and April, the nonprofit led dozens of environmental restoration projects across central Maryland, engaging volunteers and staff in meaningful conservation work.
One highlight of the season was Alternative Spring Break Week (April 14–19, 2025), during which EcoWorks mobilized 90 volunteers across six sites for hands-on forest management, invasive plant removal, garden maintenance, and tree planting. Together, these volunteers planted 283 native trees, contributing to the county’s canopy and habitat goals.
Overall, Howard EcoWorks planted 809 native trees across 48 project sites this spring. Additionally, 700 live stakes—cuttings from native woody plants that root directly into streambanks—were installed to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and protect local waterways after heavy rains.
“We are incredibly proud of our volunteers and team for the momentum we’ve built this spring,” said Lori Lilly, Executive Director & Founder of Howard EcoWorks. “Every tree planted represents a step towards more resilient and ecologically healthy watersheds.”
Howard EcoWorks is an environmental nonprofit organization based in Columbia, Maryland, dedicated to engaging and educating the community about environmental sustainability and restoration while creating pathways to green jobs through our workforce development programs. Through education, training, and community empowerment, Howard EcoWorks is transforming landscapes to support biodiversity and a rapidly changing climate.
To learn more about Howard EcoWorks and their ongoing efforts toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, consider visiting their website at https://www.howardecoworks.org.
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