Spring is coming. Lots of opportunities to volunteer. And, lots of opportunities to learn about Howard County in depth, plus how and where you could make a difference.
Let’s start with the volunteer naturalist programs. At the Howard County Conservancy where I volunteer, they are always on the lookout for new faces to help. Not just leading children’s hikes, but also some behind the scenes work. I, for one, love the opportunity to get outside and lead the children’s hikes. If that isn’t your thing, they also need office help, and gardening help.
Training for elementary school programs starts this Thursday. The secondary program training started today. For some reason, I had my calendar wrong and missed it. Never fear. Two more sessions if you would like to try your hand at something really new. Like, what happened on the farm during the Civil War. The training for this new pilot and the other training details are here.
When I first started volunteering I shadowed current leaders to learn. It is an easy way to see how much fun the hikes are. I also signed up that first fall to take the Howard Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment program training, and to give back hours to the Conservancy. The Conservancy is one of many county partners in this program.
The program has been revamped. There is no requirement to volunteer if you want to attend the training. The option to become a “HoLLIE” grad is still there, but if you are interested in continuous learning, there is a noncredit course being given that includes material we learned in HoLLIE. The visits to NASA to see the satellite data and hear world renowned scientists speak of their experience, tracking global climate events. Other lecturers on regional and local programs, like stormwater management. The training will be held on Thursdays in April and May. Info here.
last year’s class on a discovery hike
Greenfest is coming. April 13th at the community college. Earth Day activities including river clean up, twenty minute clean up, tree plantings are all being advertised. I hope to keep locals informed as I hear of new opportunities in the area.
As that commercial keeps telling us “Get Out There”. With all this coming up, spring is definitely right around the corner. Why waste it inside?
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AnnieRie Unplugged 
I’ll add my pitch for Days End Farm Horse Rescue, right off Rt. 70 in Lisbon. Especially if you have a child bugging you to buy her/him a horse. But even if you don’t, this is a great place and they are always looking for volunteers – helping in the barns, in the office, construction & maintenance, IT, etc. I’ve been volunteering in their office for almost 3 years and I love it. Very peaceful, great folks to work with.
(and the LIsbon Town Grille is very nearby if you have a hankerin’ for some really good smoked food!!)