Welcome
The OMI Green Team runs a number of public events within the Oakland Mills community each year as well as ongoing teachings on environmental issues such as native pollinator plantings, stormwater management, one-time usage plastics reduction/elimination and rain gardens. The OMI Green Team represents all five congregations at OMI: Bet Aviv, Columbia Baptist Fellowship, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Kol Nefesh and St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.
IMAGES OF IMPACT: THE WORK OF OMI GREEN TEAM also in photos
EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS Ages 2-82+
ONGOING EVENTS
Worksessions every Wednesday 8 am - 10 am
OMI work session/garden maintenance every 3rd Sunday Kids age 2+ always welcome!
Youth Green Team age 2+ every 1st Sunday
OMMS and other schools teachings (weekdays).
More info volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 3 - Tree Planting
Tree planting event for all ages. Join this family friendly event for ages 2-82+ to help plant in loosened soil, stake trees, mulch and water. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/omigreenteam-treeplant-Nov-3
10:30 AM - 3PM Bring your own refillable water bottles and wear clothes and close-toed shoes that can get muddy. All middle school and younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pizza will be served at noonish.
Oakland Mills Interfaith, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia MD 21045.
Sunday, October 20 Rain Barrel Workshop
Did you see your plants wither this summer? Get a rainbarrel and store rainwater for another dry day. We'll be giving out rainbarrels and diverters as well as instructions on how to install. Please remember you've got to take the rain barrel home; the 45 gallon one fits in the backseat but the others are larger.
Limited to 8 rainbarrels total - act quick! Please sign up for either a 2 or 3 pm slot you'll be out of there in an hour or less.
Saturday October 5
The OMI Green Team will be at the Oakland Mills Festival. Come see us and get your freebies!
September 5 - Post Card Writing Event with Third Act
Third Act is a community of
Americans over 60 who want to
empower older adults to protect the climate and strengthen our democracy.
Third Act along with The Environmental Voter
Project invites us to write postcards to
inactive environmentalist and transform them into consistent voters to build the
power of the environmental movement.
Postcards and stamps provided, just bring a pen.
At the 50+ Senior Center near the East Columbia Library, 1 PM in the Art room.
6/22 - Crisis in the Chesapeake: Ospreys in Peril
The Friends of Patuxent is offering a free public program: Crisis in the Chesapeake: Ospreys in Peril, on Saturday, 6/22, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM (light reception to follow), in the Patuxent Research Refuge's Visitor Center auditorium. Details and tickets (free but required due to space limitations), here:
https://friendsofpatuxent.org/event-5726783
Press Contact: Rich Dolesh: dolesh@gmail.com; mobile: (301) 848-8154.
4/20 - 7/13 - eARTh: How Sustainable is Your Habitat?
The Meeting House Gallery Exhibition will feature 2-D and 3-D artwork by 17 artists in a variety of media. A tapestry from "The Tempestry Project" will also be on display. Come explore what artists have to say about sustainability and our environment.
Meet the Artists Reception is June 9, from 2-4:30 pm. Reserve a free native perennial for pickup at the reception at https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/earth-omi_20240609 Gallery hours are 9am-5pm. https://themeetinghouse.org/art-gallery
6/2/24 Green Team Workday 9:30am - 3 pm
Help weed our existing gardens.We'll be planting swamp milkweed in garden #6 so bring rubber boots! No experience necessary and all kids ages 2 and up are welcome. Sign up at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com to let us know when to expect you.
6/6/24 The Story of Plastic Viewing
This virtual event is an opportunity to watch this powerful documentary "The Story of Plastic" that looks at the crisis of plastic pollution and its harm to all life on the planet.
Thursday, June 6 @ 7 PM Virtual Viewing Create a watch party at your congregation or watch during the viewing window of June 1-6, then join the IPC for a Q&A with the filmmaker, Deia Schlosberg. Register at www.InterfaithChesapeake.org/Green_Team_Webinar_June_2024
6/16/24 Green Team Workday 9:30am - 3 pm
Weeding is the focus of this work day for a number of the existing gardens. No experience necessary and all kids ages 2 and up are welcome. Sign up at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com to let us know when to expect you.
6/22 and 6/23/24 Coral Reef Encounter 8:30am - 5 pm
In its fourth year, the Coral Reef Encounter continues to be a spectacular, immersive art and science experience. It is the first and only time anywhere that a swimming pool has been turned into an artful, simulated reef filled with handmade, fanciful coral and fish. Please register for only one session. We have a limited number of slots!
Sign up to attend or volunteer at a two hour session at this FREE event https://www.coralreefencounter.org/
5/25/24 Yards Alive Garden Tour @ OMI
OMI is once again participating in the Oakland Mills Yards Alive Garden Tour from 2-5 pm. Join us to learn about the benefits of pollinator and rain gardens.
5/19/24 Green Team Workday 9am - 3 pm
Help plant perennials! No experience necessary and all kids ages 2 and up are welcome. Sign up at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com to let us know when to expect you.
The Story of Plastic Viewing
This in person event is an opportunity to watch this powerful documentary"The Story of Plastic" that looks at the crisis of plastic pollution and its harm to all life on the planet.
Friday, 7/26 @ 7 PM In person viewing at St. John's Episcopal Church 9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. Register at www.InterfaithChesapeake.org/Events
Bat Houses at OMI
Three bat houses will be installed on the lower parking lot to attract bats to help attain a balanced environment at OMI. Small brown bats live 30-40 feet above street level and hunt insects at night.
Two OMHS students, Mendel Cohen and Zoe Smolinski, designed this project in fulfillment of their capstone projects for the Youth Climate Institute. Contact the OMI green Team at omigreenteam@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you'd like a bathouse. Material costs for each bathouse is $45.
4/21/24 Green Team Workday 9am - 3 pm
We are preparing the gardens for spring by cutting back perennials, weeding, mulching and general cleanup. Remember to wear water resistant boots. Sign up at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com to let us know when to expect you.
4/7/24 Green Team Workday 9am - 3 pm
Join us at any time to help with planting, weeding and mulching. Sign up at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com to let us know when to expect you.
2/25 Sara Via on Food Impacts on Climate
Dr. Sara Via on “Food: What we eat and how much we waste has big climate impacts” Live In-person at Oakland Mills Interfaith aka Meeting House, Columbia, MD: more info when you register https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/what_we_eat20240225 or omigreenteam@gmail.com
2/4 Green Team Workday - PRUNING
OMI Green Team goes pruning - February is one of the best months for pruning so we'll prune a variety of trees. Tools and gloves provided but feel free to bring your own. Adverse weather date 2/18. More info at volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com
1/21 Tim Lattimer: The Decisive Decade:Global Challenges & Local Solutions
OMI Green Team presents Tim Lattimer, Administrator of the Office Of Community Sustainability in Howard County.
Registration at https://bit.ly/Jan21TimLattimeratOMI
12/10 DOUG TALLAMY live in person FREE
OMI Green Team presents Doug Tallamy PhD, author of Nature's Best Hope, at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD. More information and registration at https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/nature_s_best_hope
12/3 Youth Green Team & Work Session
OMI Green Team will be conducting a stormwater management walk through the Stevens Forest neighborhood, a 1.5 mile walk starting and finishing at OMI/ The Meeting House.
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/49HJD3b
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
11/19 Youth Green Team & Work Session
We will focus on mulching trees and plants at OMI in preparation for winter. We will also build a temporary fence around the new bioretention basin.
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/November19Mulching
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
11/5 Youth Green Team & Work Session
We will be planting new trees in pre-dug holes. Red maple, serviceberry, persimmon and redbud will be planted. If we have time we will plant some sweet bay magnolias. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the whole day. We will be providing lunch. REGISTER https://bit.ly/TREEPLANTINGNOVEMBER5
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
10/29 Work Session
Work session focusing on digging holes for new trees. We will be having a mechanical auger to do all the hard work just some cleanup needed but 20 some holes. This is hard work/going - come for a couple of hours or the whole day. Workboots please! We will be providing lunch.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
10/15 Work Session
Work session focusing on planting new native plants and plant maintenance. Come for a couple of hours or the whole day. Kids 2+ welcome! We will be providing lunch. If at all possible please preregister it helps us to plan https://bit.ly/GREENTEAMWORKDAYOCTOBER15
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
10/1 Youth Green Team and Work Session
Work session focusing on planting new native plants and plant maintenance. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the whole day. We will be providing lunch. Youth please preregister at https://bit.ly/YOUTHGREENTEAMOCTOBER1
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
9/3 Youth Green Team and Work Session
Work session focusing on removing nonnatives, weeding, watering (if needed) and other plant maintenance. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the morning.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
8/27 Work Session
Work session focusing on weeding, watering (if needed) and other plant maintenance. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the whole day - lunch will be provided.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
8/20 Work Session POSTPONED TILL 8/27
Work session focusing on weeding, watering (if needed) and other plant maintenance. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the whole day - lunch will be provided.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
8/6 Youth Green Team
Youth Green Team focusing on storm water management for ages 2 and up! We'll make demo rain gardens, look at plantings and for the older kids go on a stormwater walk.
Registration https://tinyurl.com/youth-green-team-August-6
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
6/18 Work Session
Work session focusing on maintaining gardens and small repairs. This is going to be a busy day - come for a couple of hours or the whole day lunch will be provided.
Registration opening soon!
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
6/4 Youth Green Team
Youth Green Team activities age 2 and up! June 4 we'll be focusing on planting native plants, weeding and identifying plants.
Registration https://tinyurl.com/omi-youth-green-team-June-4
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
5/21 Work Session
Work session focusing on planting "soft landing" beds and additional rain/pollinator garden plantings. This is going to be a busy day - we start at 9! - come for a couple of hours or the whole day lunch will be provided.
Registration opening soon!
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
5/7 OMI Green Spring Fling
An environmental education event featuring free native perennials for Mother's Day (with cards!). Other activities for all ages: EV frunk show, rain garden and stormwater tours, composting, short environmental talks, exhibits and much more!
More info: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
4/23 Movie Screening and Panel discussion @ OMI
Current Revolution, a series of three short films, explores the transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
Popcorn and hot beverages to be served.
Registration and more detailed info: https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/current_revolution_omi_20230423 watch movie online here
More info: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
4/16 OMI Work session
Work session will focus on (rain) garden maintenance especially readying for planting activities and setting up learning opportunities/demos for May 7. Drop in anytime, even an hour helps!
Register for tool list at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
4/2 April Youth Green Team Meeting: Rain Gardens
The Sunday April 2 Youth Green Team meeting will focus on rain gardens for ages 2-82+. Depending on weather and suppliers we will plant some trees/plants, make some model rain gardens, check percolation rates, etc. Hopefully it rains so we can check out the stormwater management at OMI. Registration open https://tinyurl.com/OMIGTApril2
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
3/19 OMI Work Session
Work session focusing on getting (rain) gardens ready for spring including soil amendment, removal of non-natives, etc. Work for an hour or the whole session. Register for tool list at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
3/12 March Youth Green Team -Plastic Reduction
Sunday event will focus around plastic reduction, recycling and composting for ages 2-82+. Event is rain or shine. Depending on age, programs can run from 30 min to 3 hours starting at 12:30. Be prepared to get dirty! Register at https://tinyurl.com/omigtMarch5
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
1/17 The Greening of OMI sponsored by Bet Aviv Sisterhood
Zoom presentation by members of the OMI Green Team on upcoming Green Projects at OMI, sponsored by the Bet Aviv Sisterhood. Open to everyone! Register at https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/2023_1_17_greening_omi
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
12/20 Green Team Shopping bags at OMI Baptist Fellowship Xmas Food Drive
Help with the OMI Columbia Baptist Fellowship Xmas Food Drive! We'll be using our brand new Green Team recyclable & recycled shopping bags.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
12/18 Solar Solstice Sunday and Green Team Information session at OMI
Always wondered about the various ways to save using solar power? Come join solar vendors and advocates to explore options. Bring a copy of your BGE bill and sign up on the spot! The OMI Green Team will present our accomplishments this outdoor season and present future plans.
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
12/4 Tree Maintenance at OMI
Our final outdoor session of the season. Please join us for tree maintenance, tree planting, mulch raking, watering, staking, seed collection and more! All ages welcome: 2- 80+
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
11/20 Pollinator garden planting at OMI
Note the new starting time. We need folks of all ages to come out and help us finish the gardens before winter really starts.
For more info see the 10/30 event!
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
11/13 Tree planting at OMI
OMI Green Team in cooperation with youth/volunteers of all ages will be adding trees to the existing raingardens at OMI. Rain or Shine. Two river birches and a black gum need to be planted. Additional tree work including deer protection will also be performed.
Depending on weather (rain)garden maintenance will also be performed. Bring shovels.
Register at https://forms.gle/YjkTu7FwbStUsAoU8
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
11/5 Pollinator garden plantings at Wilde Lake Interfaith
OMI Green Team in support of the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center Green Team will aid in planting pollinator gardens in newly prepared beds. Meet at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. Rain date November 12.
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planting-at-wild-lake-interfaith-center-tickets-414799435277 .
More info: omigreenteam@gmail.com
10/30 and 11/20 Pollinator Garden planting at OMI
OMI Green Team in cooperation with youth/volunteers of all ages will be planting pollinator gardens at OMI. 10/30 will be primarily planting with some mulching and 11/20 will be mulching and garden maintenance.
See flyer under documents tab.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/OMIPGE
More info at: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
Want to lead an activity? volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com.
10/16 Stormwater Drain Stenciling in Oakland Mills
OMI Green Team in cooperation with youth/volunteers of all ages will be stenciling stormwater drains in the Oakland Mills neighborhood, within walking distance of OMI. Stencils will indicate that stormwater drains empty into the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. Rain date 10/23. Wear painting clothes.
Sign up sheet at https://forms.gle/mKBs8qY2R96Mdgzi8.
Need more info: omigreenteam@gmail.com.
Want to lead an activity? volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com.
10/4 and 10/6 Building a garden at OMMS
Oakland Mills Middle School is building a school garden with both vegetables and pollinator friendly native plants. The Ecology Institute is taking the lead with construction, OMI Green Team will assist OMMS with maintenance. Please volunteer to help our neighbor teach the importance of a greener environment. Want more info? Register? volunteeratomigreenteam@gmail.com
10/2 Reverse Tashlich
OMI's Green Team in cooperation with CJC's Green Team invites you to celebrate the Jewish New Year with a cleansing of the waters. We'll meet at Talbott Springs Pool at 3 sharp.
Please register at https://www.repairthesea.org/rt2022 (or onsite) and select Maryland, Columbia Jewish Congregation as the sponsor. Further details will be distributed directly to you. Questions: omigreenteam@gmail.com. For more details https://www.columbiajewish.org/events/reverse-tashlich/
9/18 Tree Pickup at Meeting House
Pre-ordered trees will be available for pickup at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center aka Meeting House. We will email and text you as a reminder!
You want to plant your tree as soon as you receive it! Planting instructions at https://youtu.be/atFwgyrJmnI or https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/documents/containerized.pdf
9/7 Webinar
To Save The Planet, Your Money and Your Health - Electrification revisited. REGISTER here
8/11 - 9/1 TREE GIVE AWAY FREE
Howard County' s Office of Community Sustainability's Live Green Howard Initiative in cooperation with OMI Green Team is giving away eight different kinds of FREE native trees to OMI members and OM residents. More Info here. First come, first served. Pickup on September 18. Get a tree at https://forms.gle/nSSoVECCyLp6NZEA8 or email omigreenteam@gmail.com
8/27 A night of Environmental Education
At the Meeting House: an in person night of environmental education outside on the lawn: environmental organizations' tables, kids activities, movie shorts and more. REGISTER here.
8/18 Webinar
To Save The Planet, Your Money and Your Health - Electrification revisited. REGISTER here
ALL live events are held at the Meeting House/Oakland Mills Interfaith Center in Columbia, unless otherwise noted
Yards Alive! Oakland Mills Yard Tour
Join the in-person, self guided yard tour in Oakland Mills. See how these homeowners are replacing their turf grass for sustainable gardens. Homeowners/tour guides will be present to answer questions.
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