FAQs

How do we visit Freetown Farm?
Freetown Farm is a small, private, heavily programmed property. Therefore, all visits are by appointment, event, program, etc. only. If you would like to schedule a tour, we would love to show you the property and share our work with you.  We have three standard times that are available for tours: Wednesdays between 3pm and just before sunset; Thursdays between 10 and 1; and the second Saturday (and sometimes fourth) Saturday of each month between 11 and 2. To schedule a tour, please contact schedule@cei.earth and expect to need to schedule at least two weeks in advance. 

Can we volunteer?
Yes, volunteers are essential to our work! We welcome both individuals and groups of volunteers. Please visit our Volunteer Page to learn more and get signed up on our volunteer management platform, Better Impact, to begin volunteering. If you have not yet visited Freetown Farm or volunteered with CEI, we encourage you to attend one of our regular “New to CEI” tours that occur on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month. Sign-up on our Flipcause page here.
 
How can I donate to support your work?
Thank you, our work depends on the support of people who value its benefits! You can make your donation online on this main page Donate - Community Ecology Institute or make a check to The Community Ecology Institute and mail it to 8000 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, MD 21044.
 
Can my group come out for a field trip?
Yes. We offer field trips primarily on Fridays. Our parking at Freetown Farm is limited to groups of no more than 15 cars or one bus. The details for field trips are planned on a case-by-case basis depending on the number and age of people involved and the extent to which the request requires additional preparation by our staff. Please email schedule@cei.earth to request a field trip and expect to need to schedule at least two to three weeks in advance. 

Do you all do speaking engagements?
Yes. Members of CEI board and staff are able to do speaking engagements on a variety of topics at the many intersections of education, environment, equity and health. We are able to speak within Howard County in person and virtually outside of our hometown. Details for speaking engagements are planned on a case-by-case basis. Please email schedule@cei.earth to request a speaker and expect to need to schedule at least three weeks in advance.