During Pull and Plant events, groups of volunteers are taught how to remove specific non-native invasive plants in CA Open Space and replant the area with native plant species. These events are offered throughout the year. Check out CA’s Events Calendar for upcoming Pull and Plant events and details.

The Weed Warrior program supplements CA’s efforts to remove non-native, invasive plant species in open space. Those residents interested in leading these efforts are trained and certified to supervise groups of volunteers on removing invasive weeds during designated events. Weed Warriors may also work independently if they prefer.

Weed Warrior training happens twice per year. To find out more, please email OpenSpace.ResourceRequests@columbiaassociation.org

The Adopt-A-Spot program recognizes areas that require invasive species management, providing an avenue for residents to manage a specific section of open space. CA will provide hand tools, gloves, contractor trash bags, first aid materials, and appropriate native plants for Pull and Plants.

To adopt your own spot, please fill out this form. Learn more about Adopt-A-Spot here.

CA’s Open Space team is always working to replant new trees in the spring and fall seasons, and we’re always looking for help.

To participate in a group tree planting event, visit CA’s Events Calendar or email Environmental Program Manager Natalie Yee at Natalie.Yee@ColumbiaAssociation.org to inquire about future events.

If you have an area that you would like to nominate for an upcoming tree planting, please email OpenSpace.ResourceRequests@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Columbia Cleans Day is an annual Columbia-wide event, giving everyone the opportunity to protect the environment in their own backyard. Each village holds its own trash pick-up and nature clean-up event in the beginning of May (unless otherwise noted), all sponsored and supported by CA.

Additional group trash removal events or stream clean-up activities can be scheduled by emailing OpenSpace.ResourceRequests@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

In a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, CA offers residents the opportunity to help sample the local streams. Each year in March and April, several Columbia stream sites are sampled for macroinvertebrates. These insects can provide an index of overall stream health. While on-site, we also remove litter, measure water chemistry and plant live stakes to reduce erosion.

To learn more about any stream wader opportunities, email OpenSpace.ResourceRequests@columbiaassociation.org.