CANCELLED: Summer Program Prep Volunteering: May 19, 2026 (2:00-4:00pm)
2026-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Ecology Action Center, 202 W College Ave, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
With summer on the horizon, the EAC needs help preparing. Volunteers will assist with cutting up T-shirts for a summer children’s program and/or creating pop-tab keychains for a library program.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older, or 13+ with a parent or guardian present.
This volunteer event takes place in a seated, ADA-compliant setting, making it a great opportunity for individuals with limited mobility.

Planting hydrangeas at The Bridge
2026-05-22 09:00 - 2026-05-26 11:00 | IL
The Bloomington Normal Garden Club Community Projects Committee, headed by Chris Kraft, is helping create gardens at the new community known as The Bridge on Oakland Ave.
On May 15th from 9:00-11:00am volunteers will be planting the 20 hydrangeas purchased by the club to be placed on the outside of the westside fence. They could use your help getting all these bushes in the ground. If you can help, please bring your own shovel/gloves/garden tools.
The Bridge is located directly across from the old YMCA building at 104 E Oakland Ave, Bloomington IL 61701. Please park in that parking lot and cross the street (carefully) to the Bridge property.
Sign up required at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094FA4AA5-64031692-planting#/

Tree Planting Workday: Friday May 22, 2026 (9:30-12:00pm)
2026-05-22 09:30 - 12:00 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center plant small (1-3 ft tall) bareroot seedling trees to improve air quality, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and more!
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Tools and heavy equipment will be in use and all volunteers must be able to safely use hand tools, stay on their feet for 3 hours at a time and lift a moderate weight (~15 pounds). Volunteers must provide their own ride as planting locations are only accessible by car.
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots are required; no sandals or flip-flops. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up
*Sign up for this event has closed*

Conservation With COII
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Bloomington Public Library Community Room, 205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
Join COII on May 23 from 10-11am at the Bloomington Public Library for an interactive event with Developer Rebecca DJ, CEO and Founder of COII. Come learn more about Bloomington’s upcoming sustainable neighborhood. This presentation will include a discussion on water and energy conservation as well as native landscaping in the Maple Square development! Sneak peek at the www.coiicommunities.com website too! Make sure to register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9dmLQS9rs1qfisEPdJVrxm8eS5UB_yel-nxkNsBM-ycoUeA/viewform?usp=send_form

Grow Solar BN 2026 Virtual Power Hour
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00
Looking to go solar? Sign up for our virtual Power Hour presentation on the Grow Solar BN 2026 program, a solar group buy program run as a partnership between the Ecology Action Center and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. This Power Hour will go over the program, how solar works, available incentives, and whether solar is right for you. Register today using the website link below!

Rain Barrel Workshop: Thursday, May 28, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-05-28 17:30 - 18:30 | IL
The EAC’s rain barrel workshops teach attendees about the importance of rain water catchment in preventing storm water runoff pollution! Attendees will learn how to locate, install, and set up their rain barrel. We’ll also provide tips to transition downspouts for rain barrel usage, and information on proper winter storage. Workshops cost $60.00 for general public and $50.00 for EAC Members.
Throughout our workshop there will be ample opportunity for Q&A with EAC staff, who can answer questions about beneficial environmental impacts as well as practical everyday use of rain barrels.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a sound understanding of the individual and community benefits of having a rain barrel, and can be confident about next steps to install, use and care for one. Participants will leave with their very own rain barrel made from a repurposed food-grade 55 gallon drum.

*Workshop registration closes 3 days before the workshop start date.*
The Ecology Action Center will make reasonable accommodations for participation in public programs and services. To request accommodation, please call 309-454-3169×11 or go to ecologyactioncenter.org/accommodation. Please provide two weeks advance notice if possible.

The Bridge Tree Planting Workday: May 29, 2026
2026-05-29 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center plant larger (6-7 ft tall) container trees to improve air quality, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and more at Home Sweet Home Ministries, The Bridge property.
Tools and heavy equipment will be in use and all volunteers must be able to safely use hand tools, stay on their feet for 3 hours at a time and lift a moderate weight (~15 pounds).
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots are required; no sandals or flip-flops. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.
*Please note that this volunteer registration is closed. Please visit ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering to sign up for a different opportunity*

CANCELED: Tree Planting Workday: May 30, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-30 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center plant small (1-3 ft tall) bareroot seedling trees to improve air quality, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and more!
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Tools and heavy equipment will be in use and all volunteers must be able to safely use hand tools, stay on their feet for 3 hours at a time and lift a moderate weight (~15 pounds). Volunteers must provide their own ride as planting locations are only accessible by car.
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots are required; no sandals or flip-flops. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.
*Please note that this event has been canceled*

CANCELED: Tree Planting Workday: May 31, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-31 | IL

Wiggle and Learn: Summer Library Program at JT & EJ Crumbaugh Library in LeRoy
2026-06-02 10:00 - 11:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at JT & EJ Crumbaugh Library in LeRoy, IL to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12.

Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Library Program at El Paso Public Library
2026-06-03 18:00 - 19:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at El Paso Public Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Library Program at Gridley Library
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at Gridley Public Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12, or grades K-6th.

DIY Reuse Dog Toys with the EAC at the Normal Public Library
2026-06-04 15:00 - 16:00 | IL
Join the EAC at the Normal Public Library to learn about recycling, reuse, and community involvement during this pup-tastic program! By reading the picture book Pierre the French Bulldog Recycles by Kate Louise, attendees will learn about the benefits of recycling and reuse, and what Pierre the dog goes through to make sure his items are recycled instead of landfilled. Reused t-shirt fabric will be provided so attendees can then construct dog toys to be donated to our local Humane Society, who will bring along some 4-legged friends for a visit! This program is intended for kids and their caregivers. Registration is required and can be accessed through the Normal Public Library’s website at https://www.normalpl.org/event/diy-dog-toys-45294

Grow Solar BN 2026 Power Hour @ Bloomington Public Library
2026-06-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Bloomington Public Library Community Room, 205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
Grow Solar BN is back for 2026! A partnership between the Ecology Action Center and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Grow Solar is a group buy program to discount the cost of rooftop solar panels for homeowners in McLean County. Join us for a Power Hour presentation at Bloomington Public Library to find out more about the program, how solar works, available incentives, and whether solar is the right fit for you. Space is limited, so register today at the website link below!

Tree Storage Workday: June 5, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-06-05 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center prepare our excess bareroot seedling trees to be stored at the tree nursery. Work will involve potting trees in buckets and loading them into the truck. We may also do some equipment cleaning if time allows. Morning 9:30-12pm and afternoon 1-3:30pm shifts available.
This workday will be held at the shed that is not climate controlled so please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.

*Event Sign Up has closed*

Wild Ones: Illinois Prairie Chapter Program "Buffalo Tales and Tallgrass Trails"
2026-06-08 19:00 - 20:30 | 805 S Cottage Ave Normal IL, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal
Join the Wild Ones: Illinois Prairie Chapter and speaker Cindy Crosby on June 8 at 7:00pm for a free program about bison and how they have helped shape tallgrass prairies and how they are being restored to Illinois natural areas. Listen to their stories of connection to us; both historical and contemporary. Celebrate their inspiration for art, music, and literature as you enjoy viewing beautiful images of Illinois bison. In person (805 S Cottage Ave. Normal) and livestream option (https://youtube.com/live/cv-XOfAe-lI) available.

Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Reading Program at Danvers Township Library
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at Danvers Township Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

Backyard Composting Workshop: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (7:00-8:00pm)
2026-06-09 10:30 - 11:30 | IL
The EAC’s compost workshop will cover the basics of backyard composting. You’ll learn basic techniques to build your compost pile, discuss what materials to include, and talk about what to do with compostable materials that don’t work in a backyard setting. This workshop will additionally help participants understand how to monitor and maintain their compost, as well as how to know when their compost is done and safe to use!

Our educators will provide resources for help identifying jumping worms, and tips for using your compost bin, thermometer, and stirrer to keep them at bay. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a sound understanding of the individual and community benefits of composting, and can be confident about next steps to set up and monitor compost in their own backyard.
For $35 ($25 for EAC members) attendees get backyard composting best practices information and a basic compost bin from a repurposed 55-gallon drum to take home. For $110, attendees get this same compost bin, backyard composting best practices information, a large thermometer to monitor compost pile temperature, and an aerator for stirring their compost pile.

*Workshop registration closes 3 days before the workshop.*
The Ecology Action Center will make reasonable accommodations for participation in public programs and services. To request accommodation, please call 309-454-3169×11 or go to ecologyactioncenter.org/accommodation. Please provide two weeks advance notice if possible.

Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Library Program at Carlock Public Library
2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at Carlock Public Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Library Program at Towanda District Library
2026-06-09 15:00 - 16:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center at Towanda District Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems, how they work, what they can eat, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

Rain Barrel Workshop: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-06-09 17:30 - 18:30 | IL

Tree Support Install BNWRD: June 11, 2026 (9:30am-12pm)
2026-06-11 09:30 - 12:00 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center install tree guards to protect our newly planted seedling trees from deer at BNWRD! This will involve some hand tool use and a fair amount of walking and kneeling on uneven terrain. This workday will be Thursday June 11 from 9:30am-12pm.
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops. Wear long socks and pants to protect you from ticks and scratches. Volunteers 14 and under should be accompanied by an adult. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.
*Registration for this workday has closed, please visit ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering to see other volunteer options*

Summer Program Prep Volunteering: June 11, 2026 (10:00am-12:00pm)
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Ecology Action Center, 202 W College Ave, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
With summer on the horizon, the EAC needs help preparing. Volunteers will assist with cutting up T-shirts for a summer children’s program and/or creating pop-tab keychains for a library program.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older, or 13+ with a parent or guardian present.
This volunteer event takes place in a seated, ADA-compliant setting, making it a great opportunity for individuals with limited mobility.
*Registration for this workday has closed, please visit ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering to see other volunteer options*

CANCELLED: Tree Support Install BNWRD: June 12, 2026 (9:30am-12pm)
2026-06-12 09:30 - 12:00 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center install tree guards to protect our newly planted seedling trees from deer at BNWRD! This will involve some hand tool use and a fair amount of walking and kneeling on uneven terrain. This workday will be Friday June 12 from 9:30am-12pm.
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops. Wear long socks and pants to protect you from ticks and scratches. Volunteers 14 and under should be accompanied by an adult. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.
*This event has been cancelled due to low sign ups. Please consider volunteering for a different Tree Corps volunteer day at Tree-Corps.org*

mCLEAN Up Crew Workday
2026-06-13 09:00 - 12:00 | IL
Our local environment needs your help! Join the Ecology Action Center in picking up trash around McLean County for our June mCLEAN Up Crew Workday. Volunteers will use trash grabbers with safety equipment like high visibility vests and gloves to pick up litter around designated areas. Participants must be 18 years or older or 12-17 years old and accompanied by a guardian. Volunteers must be able to spend three hours on their feet and carry a weight of 10-15 pounds. A confirmation email and location information will be communicated 1-2 days prior to the workday. Please register each participant individually.
*Please note that signup has closed for this event*

Summer Program Prep Volunteering: June 16, 2026 (5:30-7:30pm)
2026-06-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Ecology Action Center, 202 W College Ave, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
With summer on the horizon, the EAC needs help preparing. Volunteers will assist with cutting up T-shirts for a summer children’s program and/or creating pop-tab keychains for a library program.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older, or 13+ with a parent or guardian present.
This volunteer event takes place in a seated, ADA-compliant setting, making it a great opportunity for individuals with limited mobility.
*This sign up has closed. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact hmckenzie@ecologyactioncenter.org*

ParkLands Foundation Nature Quest Challenge and Partner Events (June 20-July 26)
2026-06-20 - 2026-07-26 | IL
ParkLands Foundation invites you to get out and explore their premier preserves while documenting the nature you observe along the way. You’ll be using the iNaturalist app to identify and document the plants and animals that you see at the preserves. iNaturalist is a worldwide citizen science effort. Your observations help researchers and naturalists across the world.
Visit any of our 5 featured preserves (Letcher Basin, Chinquapin South, Merwin, Lexington Preserve, and Moon Preserve) between June 20th and July 26th and use the iNaturalist app to document the nature you see. The eBird app can also be used for recording bird observations.
Prizes will be awarded for most species observed in several categories. Visit our Nature Quest Webpage for more information as well as Nature Quest Partner Events to lookout for!
Don’t know how to use iNaturalist? Join us on June 20th at the Illinois Art Station for a kick-off meeting and iNaturalist training. After the presentation, we will practice entering observations in the iNaturalist app while exploring native gardens close to the Illinois Art Station.
For more information on the challenge, as well as the free Nature Quest Partner Events you can attend, visit our Nature Quest Webpage:
https://www.parklandsfoundation.org/nature-quest/

ParkLands Nature Quest Kickoff Event at The Illinois Art Station June 20 2026
2026-06-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Illinois Art Station, 101 E. Vernon, Normal, 61761
Don’t know how to use iNaturalist? Join the ParkLands Foundation on June 20th from 9:00-10:30am at the Illinois Art Station (located at 101 E. Vernon Avenue in Normal, IL.) for a kick-off event and iNaturalist training. At the event, Nancy Smith, iNaturalist Ambassador and Master Naturalist, will teach us how to sign up for the project and make good observations. After the presentation, we will practice entering observations in the iNaturalist app while exploring native gardens close to the Illinois Art Station.
Registration for the event is at https://www.parklandsfoundation.org/nature-quest/

Sugar Creek Stewards Workday
2026-06-20 09:00 - 12:00 | IL
Come join us for our June workday along Sugar Creek! We need help improving Sugar Creek in designated areas throughout Bloomington and Normal, by clearing invasive plant species and managing the non-invasive plants.
Volunteers must be 18 years old or older (or 14 and accompanied by a parent or guardian) and be able to hike along uneven terrain and safely use basic hand tools such as loppers and bow saws.
The Sugar Creek Stewards is part of the Ecology Action Center’s Clean Water programming, and is supported by the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District, the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal. For more information, contact us.
