The Community Ecology Institute
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Our Initiatives

​Current Program and Project Areas

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Community Ecology Center at Freetown Farm
We are the stewards of a 6.4 acre organic farm in Columbia. We have protected this unique property from being developed and are creating a Community Ecology Center where people can learn through hands-on experiences about how they can lead happier, healthier, more connected and sustainable lives!  Please help us to raise the funds needed to secure make the most of this innovative, environmental education center!
Community Supported Education
The Community Supported Education (CSE) model takes inspiration from Community Supported Agriculture, where members make a commitment to the viability of local farms by paying into the season's crop and also helping with the work of farming in exchange for a share of the harvest. Community members are engaged, active participants that make contributions of both time and money to create a strong and flourishing learning ecosystem. CSE programs are place-based and offer nature-based experiential learning. 
CEI's CSE program is the Roots & Wings Learning Community.
Family Nature Clubs
Family Nature Clubs (FNCs) are community-based organizations that regularly bring families together to enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature. FNCs can essentially be created by anyone in any community. What FNCs have in common in their structure is that the events occur outdoors, are geared toward full family participation, and are designed to develop positive connections with nature through direct experience and informal learning opportunities.

CEI's has been running Columbia Families in Nature since 2014.
Freetown Farm - 8000 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
© 2020 The Community Ecology Institute. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Annual Reports
    • Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
    • Team Members
    • Board of Directors >
      • Advisory Committee
    • Our Partners
    • Press
  • Our Initiatives
    • Nourishing Gardens >
      • Nourishing Gardens Training Program
      • Nourishing Gardens Workshops and Events
      • Nourishing Gardens Fun Activities
      • Nourishing Gardens School Gardens
      • Special Offers
      • Nourishing Gardens FAQs
    • CFIN >
      • About
      • Memberships
      • FAQ
    • Roots & Wings Learning Community >
      • Roots & Wings Programs >
        • 2022/2023 Program Year
      • Roots & Wings Instructors
    • Community Ecology Center >
      • CEC Team
      • Agriculture
      • Environment
      • Education
      • Health
      • Heritage
    • Walkable Watershed
    • Transition HoCo >
      • Maker Space
      • Repair Care
  • Freetown Farm
    • Farm Fresh Food
    • Farm History
    • Farm Founders
  • Volunteer
    • Internships
  • Donate
    • Barnraiser >
      • Naming Sponsors
    • Goods and services
  • Connect
    • Job Openings
    • Resources
    • Contact Us
  • Blog