Part of Overlea’s charm, along with its historic homes, is the number of well-established trees we have. But many of them are threatened by English Ivy, a non-native plant that quickly takes over gardens, fences, and walls—and it climbs trees, smothering them and eventually killing them. (It will also damage your home, if you allow it to climb.)

If you have a tree covered in ivy, you can save it! Cut into the ivy stems until you reach the trunk, being careful not to damage the tree’s bark. Cut in two spots, one about 12 inches above the other, and remove the cut section. Do this all around the tree to clear a “window” in the ivy’s growth. Then uproot the plant to remove it from the ground. (The ivy still on the tree can be left to die in place.)

To protect Overlea’s trees—which increase property values, provide shade in summer, and make our neighborhood beautiful and livable—we can all start by removing English Ivy.

More Info:

• English Ivy – National Invasive Species Information Center
• How to Get Rid of Invasive English Ivy – Gardening Channel

Get Involved in Keeping Overlea Green:

• Overlea Greening Project

Hey Overlea residents-it’s time to shine with what’s cooking in your kitchen! Enjoy food and fellowship with your neighbors at the Overlea Pot Luck Dinner! Bring your family and a dish of your favorite food creation. For planning purposes, respond with how many are in your group and what you’ll be bringing to the buffet. RSVP to Doris at dfpoling18@yahoo.com.

When: Saturday, April 22nd, 5-8pm.
Where: The Natural History Society of MD-6908 Belair Road

It’s going to be a Tasty Night in Overlea! Come join us on Tuesday, August 1st, 6-8pm. Save the date and stayed tuned for more information in the next newsletter, on Facebook or in the Community Bulletin. This is a wonderful event and it’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors!

34 Elmont Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206

Holt Park is a jewel in our neighborhood. On your next visit walking the trails, make a point to stop by the Nature Center cabin to visit the critters. Ranger M. Tillery works with home school kids to support their science curriculum, and they have named the resident terrapin “Poppy.”

Until recently, Poppy’s habitat was a bit limiting. Alex Dusza from BSA Scouts Troop 16 has built a new habitat for our favorite neighborhood turtle as part of his Eagle Scout project. The new hundred-gallon tank includes a platform for Poppy to warm herself under the lamps, and plenty of water to swim in. Her habitat also includes some live clams to filter the water naturally and help keep Poppy healthy and happy. Thanks, Alex! The Nature Cabin is open on Saturdays from 12:00 – 3:00pm.

Make time to visit us and join in on the fun! Please pre-register for Holt Park programs on our website.

Save the dates for the 2023 season of this community treasure. The Overlea Farmers Market, organized by your Overlea Community Association, begins on Saturday, June 10 and runs every other Saturday through October 28. We’ll once again be in the parking lot of the Natural History Society of Maryland (6908 Belair Rd). So get those dates on your calendars now, and plan to support local farmers, bakers, and makers this season. If you’d like to help please email OCA president Melissa Davis: president@overleaonline.org.

Kids and teens now have their very own art show dedicated to them and their work! The 1st annual Youth Art Show will be on March 24th, 25th and 26th, 2023 at Holt Park & Center for the Arts, with a fun 3-day program of activities and entertainment.

The show is being produced in collaboration with Holt Park and local Girl Scout Troop 5335. All young artists between the ages of 6 and 15 living or attending school in Maryland are eligible to submit their artwork. Cash prizes and certificates will be given to the top winners. Art teachers and Scout leaders are welcome to connect with us at contactus@overleaartsfest.org to get involved.

Submissions are open through Monday, March 6th, so hurry! There is NO FEE to submit. Get all the details on our website.