Tree Prep Workday: April 18, 2025 (multiple shifts)
2025-04-18 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center prepare small (1-3′ tall) bareroot seedling trees for planting. These trees will help to improve air quality, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and more! Volunteers must be 18 years old or older or alternately 14 years or older and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tools and heavy equipment might 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. 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.
Select one (or both!) of the shifts below:
Morning 9:30-12:00pm shift
Afternoon 1:00-3:30pm shift

Tree Planting Workday: April 19, 2025 (multiple shifts) BNWRD
2025-04-19 | 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, or alternatively 14 or older if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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.
Sign up is now closed for this workday

Spring Migration Bird Walk
2025-04-19 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | IL
Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk! Join Mark and Nina Swanson at S.H. West Park northeast of Le Roy. This walk is co-sponsored by McLean County Parks and Recreation. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds! We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along with us and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 5 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com. More information can be found here: https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/92/Parks-Recreation.

Earth Day Tree Planting: April 22, 2025 (Multiple Shifts) Comlara Park
2025-04-22 | 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, or alternatively 14 or older if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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.
Select one (or both!) of the shifts below:
Morning 9-11:30am shift
Afternoon 12:30-3pm shift
*Please note that registration is required for this event. Registration has ended as we have met max capacity. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.*

ISU Earth Day Breakfast
2025-04-22 08:00 - 10:00 | Illinois State University Brown Ballroom (Bone Student Center), 200 N. University, Normal, 61671
The Earth Day Breakfast occurring on April 22 at 8:00am will include a sustainable selection of local foods, vegan options, Fair Trade coffee and teas and feature keynote speaker: Zahra Biabani.
Author and Climate Activist, Zahra Biabani, is a powerful voice for positive change. Her book, Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World celebrates the encouraging environmental trends and showcases communities pioneering unique solutions to the climate crisis. By focusing on progress, Zahra reminds us that optimism can fuel action – and inspire us to keep pushing for a more sustainable future. This timely conversation will inspire and uplift during challenging times.
Tickets can be purchased at sustainability.ilstu.edu. This event is $10 for ISU students and $25 for ISU Faculty, Staff, and General Public.

This event is sponsored by the ISU Office of Sustainability, and co-sponsored by the College of Business, the Department of Health Sciences, Department of Geography, Geology, & the Environment, and Leadership, Education, & Development (LEAD).

Earth Day Eco-Explorers
2025-04-22 09:00 - 15:30 | University of Illinois Extension – 1615 Commerce Drive, 1615 Commerce Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with the University of Illinois Extension and partners in an exciting day full of hands-on workshops designed to inspire young minds and foster a love for our planet! Children ages 8-13 are invited to join us for a series of engaging activities focused on sustainability, conservation, and environmental creativity. Hosted by the Parklands Foundation, Ecology Action Center, University of Illinois McLean County Extension, McLean County Ag in the Classroom, and Illinois Art Station, this event is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Workshop Offerings Include:

Save the Splash: Water Adventure – Dive into the wonders of water, one of our most important and abundant resources.
Trashion Fashion – Get inspired by Sydney-based artist Marina DeBris and make it work. Learn how to upcycle materials into unique wearables, reduce waste, and promote sustainability in the fashion industry.
Wonderful Wind Power – Explore the power of the wind and learn how it can be used to create energy in this hands-on workshop! Youth will get the chance to build their very own wind-powered device, learning the basics of renewable energy and how wind turbines work.
Squirm and Learn: Vermicomposting – Do you love playing in the dirt and all things bugs? Then come learn about everyone’s favorite underground creature, the worm! Learn about what makes a good habitat for worms, how worms are different from humans, and how worms help to turn food scraps into nutrients for plants. Students will get the chance to not only learn but put it into action as they help harvest compost from the worm bin and set up their new habitat.
Feathers, Fur, Scales, and Slime: Animal Exteriors – Animals don’t get to choose what covers their skin. Nature has decided. Their colors, patterns, and textures give them safety as well as style! Learn what animals wear and how that helps them survive.

Each workshop is designed to be fun, interactive, and educational, offering kids the chance to get their hands dirty and their imaginations flowing while learning how they can make a positive impact on the environment.
Each one-hour session is $5.00 per family.
There is a 30-minute lunch break. Participants attending a 1–2 PM session should bring their own lunch and stay during that time.

Sign up at: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2025-earth-day-eco-explorers

Tree Re-Potting Workday - April 25, 2025 (1-4pm)
2025-04-25 13:00 - 16:00 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center harvest and re-pot trees that are planted at our nursery on West Jefferson street so that they can be planted at other sites. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older or alternately 14 years or older and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tools and heavy equipment might 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. 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 registration closed for this event.*

Spring Migration Bird Walk
2025-04-26 08:00 - 09:30 | Ewing Park II, 1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington, 61701
Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk at Ewing Park. Leaders this week are Michael Retter and Bill and Mercy Davison. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds! We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along with us and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 5 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

Earth Day Constitution Trail and Sugar Creek Clean Up: April 26, 2025 (9-12pm)
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | The Chateau, 1621 Jumer Dr, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with the Ecology Action Center! Volunteer to help out at our annual Constitution Trail and Sugar Creek clean-up event on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon!
The EAC and our community partners Friends of the Constitution Trail need help cleaning up the trail from the Chateau west to Audubon Gardens.
A parent or guardian must accompany minors. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own work gloves if possible. Trash bags and trash grabbers will be provided. Pre-registration REQUIRED for all individuals (please sign up family members individually) – sign up below.
If you are not available to join us for this workday, but still want to help, you can create your own clean-up crew with your family pod or sign up for one of our mCLEAN Up Crew Workdays.
*Please note that registration closed for this event.*

3rd Annual Rivian 5k to Support EAC and Friends of the Trail
2025-04-26 10:30 - 14:00 | Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Road, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
Rivian is excited to host the third annual 5k at Heartland Community College to benefit the Ecology Action Center and Friends of the Constitution Trail. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At Rivian, Forever Starts Now. And while the products are designed to promote adventure forever, Rivian is dedicated to making a difference in the communities where they live and work. The Rivian Manufacturing team supports volunteerism as a way for teams to give back, get inspired, stay involved and make a positive impact today—both in the work done and the causes supported. Normal Pride extends beyond the walls of our facilities and into the communities where Rivian employees live and work It’s a partnership and Rivian is excited to see the communities grow, thrive and be part of the adventure.
Receive a Rivian Commemorative Pin and ornament upon completion of the race along with a plant from Reinhart Landscaping. Rivian 5K Shirts are available for purchase at the race. After the race; enjoy exploring some Rivian vehicles and light refreshments! There will be an after party with additional refreshments from Healthy in a Hurry for purchase at White Oak Brewery beginning at 1pm. A portion of proceeds from White Oak Brewery will benefit the two non profits.
We hope you will join us as we treat the community to a timed fun run. Thank you to Fleet Feet and White Oak Brewery for helping sponsor our race.
This event is taking place to support the Ecology Action Center and Friends of the Constitution Trail.
Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Normal/Rivian5k

Tree Planting Workday: April 27, 2025 Lake Bloomington
2025-04-27 | 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, or alternatively 14 or older if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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 registration closed for this event.*

Tree Planting Workday: May 4, 2025 (multiple shifts) Lake Bloomington
2025-05-04 | 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, or alternatively 14 or older if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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.
Select one (or both!) of the shifts below:
Morning 9-11:30am shift
Afternoon 12:30-3pm shift
*Please note that registration is closed for this event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.*

Rain Barrel Workshop: Monday, May 5, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-05-05 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 $55.00 for general public and $45.00 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 Dirt on Composting at El Paso District Library
2025-05-05 18:00 - 19:00 | El Paso District Library, 149 W 1st Street, El Paso, 61738, United States
Want to learn more about how food waste impacts our environment and what you can do to help? Join “The Dirt on Composting” presentation at El Paso District Library in El Paso, IL on May 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more and help celebrate International Compost Awareness Week! This presentation will be talking about how food waste breaks down in the landfill vs how food breaks down through composting. It will also discuss three different methods of composting (commercial/community composting, backyard composting, and vermicomposting) and how to get started diverting your food waste today!

mCLEAN Up Crew Workday: May 6, 2025 (9-12pm) @ ISU Farm
2025-05-06 09:00 - 12:00 | ISU Farm, 25578 ISU Farm Lane, Lexington, 61753, United States
mCLEAN Up Crew volunteers are a group dedicated to helping keep our community clean of trash. Volunteers will use provided trash grabbers, gloves, and trash bags to remove litter from the ISU Farm. The ISU Farm is where all Town of Normal yard waste goes to be composted. This means that any contaminates/trash that enter into the yard waste enters into the farm and can blow to surrounding farmers fields.
Volunteers must be 18+ years old or 12-17 with a parent or guardian present. 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 on the Monday prior to the workday. All equipment will be provided, but you will need your own transportation.

Squirm and Learn: A Kids Guide To Vermicomposting
2025-05-06 17:30 - 18:30 | Carlock Library, 202 E Washington, Carlock, IL, 61725
Squirm and learn: a kids guide to vermicomposting is hosted by the Ecology Action Center and the Carlock Public Library as part of International Compost Awareness Week. Bring children grades 2nd and up to the Carlock Public Library on Tuesday May 6, 2025 at 5:30pm to learn about vermicomposting! Students will get the chance to see these worms at work, learn about how worms differ from humans, and maybe even feel them squirm on their hand. No registration is required.

Bloomington Public Library History Reads Book Club: Living Downstream
2025-05-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Bloomington Public Library Community Room, 205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. for the second History Reads Book Club for 2025, in person at Bloomington Public Library or online via Zoom.
The second book to be discussed this year will be Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment by Sandra Steingraber.
Sandra Steingraber, biologist, poet, and survivor of cancer in her twenties, brings all three perspectives to bear on the most important health and human rights issue of our time: the growing body of evidence linking cancer to environmental contaminations. Her scrupulously researched scientific analysis ranges from the alarming worldwide patterns of cancer incidence to the sabotage wrought by cancer-promoting substances on the intricate workings of human cells. In a gripping personal narrative, she travels from hospital waiting rooms to hazardous waste sites and from farmhouse kitchens to incinerator hearings, bringing to life stories of communities in her hometown and around the country as they confront decades of industrial and agricultural recklessness. Living Downstream is the first book to bring together toxics-release data — now finally made available through under the right-to-know laws — and newly released cancer registry data. Sandra Steingraber is also the first to trace with such compelling precision the entire web of connections between our bodies and the ecological world in which we eat, drink, breathe, and work. Her book strikes a hopeful note throughout, for, while we can do little to alter our genetic inheritance, we can do a great deal to eliminate the environmental contributions to cancer, and she shows us where to begin. Living Downstream is for all readers who care about the health of their families and future generations. Sandra Steingraber’s brave, clear, and careful voice is certain to break the paralyzing silence on this subject that persists more than three decades after Rachel Carson’s great early warning.
History Reads meets quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Meetings are at 7pm and are typically* offered both in the Conference Room at the library and online via Zoom. People can join a book club at any time and do not have to attend previous book club meetings to participate.
Registration is ONLY REQUIRED for online participants and can be completed by clicking here, in person at the Adult Help Desk on the library’s second floor, or by calling 309.590.6168.
Contact the Adult Help Desk at 309.590.6168 or reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org to check out or reserve a print copy of the book. Digital copies of this book (eBook or eAudiobook) may be available through the Libby or Hoopla apps.

Composting Basics at Gridley Public Library
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Gridley Public Library, 320 North Center Street, Gridley, 61744, United States
Want to learn more about how food waste impacts our environment and what you can do to help? Join the Composting Basics presentation at Gridley Public Library in Gridley, IL on May 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more and help celebrate International Compost Awareness Week! This presentation will be talking about how food waste breaks down in the landfill vs how food breaks down through composting. It will also discuss three different methods of composting (commercial/community composting, backyard composting, and vermicomposting) and how to get started diverting your food waste today!
Contact the Gridley Public Library at (309) 747-2284 and let them know you’re attending!

Composting Field Trip to the ISU Farm: May 8, 2025 (10:00-11:30am)
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | ISU Farm, 25578 ISU Farm Lane, Lexington, 61753, United States
What happens to your landscape waste after it is picked up from the curb? In honor of International Compost Awareness Week, join Ecology Action Center and Jason Lindbom of the ISU Farm to learn how composting works, what gets composted at the farm, and what you can do to help keep the system free of contamination. We will then take a tour of the farm!
This event will take place at the Illinois State University Farm in Lexington. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please register at https://www.normalpl.org/event/composting-field-trip-isu-farm-35736

Backyard Composting Workshop: Thursday, May 8, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-05-08 17:30 - 18:30 | 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. For $120 ($100 for EAC members) attendees receive best practices information and a 275-gallon MEGA Composter made from a repurposed food-grade “tote” with durable plastic cube supported by heavy metal cage. Wooden slates added to help stir and remove compost.

*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.

Tree Re-Potting Workday - May 9, 2025 (1-4pm)
2025-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | IL
Help the Ecology Action Center harvest and re-pot trees that are planted at our nursery on West Jefferson street so that they can be planted at other sites. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older or alternately 14 years or older and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tools and heavy equipment might 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. 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 registration has closed at this time.*

Tree Planting Workday-May 10 2025 (Multiple Shifts)
2025-05-10 | 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, or alternatively 14 or older if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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 registration has closed for this event.*

Rain Barrel Workshop: Saturday, May 10, 2025 (9:00-10:00am)
2025-05-10 09:00 - 10:00 | IL

mCLEAN Up Crew Workday in partnership with HSHM: May 10, 2025 (9:00-12:00pm)
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | IL
The May 10 mCLEAN Up Crew workday is in partnership with Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM). This month volunteers will be assisting in cleaning up near Sugar creek off of South Center Street in Normal.
We thank you for offering your time to help clean a site that provides shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness. Please note that this site is home to members of our community, and as such, we ask that all volunteers approach this work with compassion, respect, and an open heart.
We kindly request that you leave any judgment or discrimination aside, recognizing that the residents here are human beings with unique stories and experiences. This volunteer opportunity is about creating a safe, clean, and dignified environment for all, and we appreciate your commitment to treating everyone with the utmost respect.
Your involvement is crucial in fostering a sense of community and supporting our collective well-being. We are grateful for your dedication and willingness to make a positive impact.
Volunteers will use provided trash grabbers, puncture proof gloves, and trash bags to remove litter. Volunteers must be 18+ years old for this opportunity due to possibility of sharps at the pickup location. 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 note that registration is required for this event. Registration will end at noon the day before the volunteer event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.*

Backyard Composting Workshop: Saturday, May 10, 2025 (10:30-11:30am)
2025-05-10 10:30 - 11:30 | IL

Vermicomposting Workshop- Saturday, May 10, 2025 (12:00-1:00pm)
2025-05-10 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
Love to cook and are looking for a way to compost your food scraps, but backyard composting isn’t an option for you? Try Vermicomposting or composting with worms! Vermicomposting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and stop food waste in your home. No backyard or large area required, so this is perfect for apartments, dorms, etc., plus it is basically odorless.
The Workshop costs $35.00 to participate and space is limited. Workshop fee includes all materials including worms, worm bedding, a bin to host your worm farm, and all the knowledge you need to start vermicomposting. We will specifically be going over the benefits of vermicomposting, how to start, how to harvest castings, and how to troubleshoot common problems. Registration is required and closes one week before workshop 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.

Storm Drain Stenciling-May 12, 2025 (7:00-9:00am): CANCELLED
2025-05-12 07:00 - 09:00 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center for some Storm Drain Stenciling! This volunteer activity educates residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution, and provides information on how to reduce individual contributions to storm water runoff pollution. Join us to stencil “Drains to Stream, Keep it Clean” at neighborhood storm drains and distribute informational door hangers to remind residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution and how they can prevent it. Participants must be 18 years or older or 12-17 years old and accompanied by a guardian.
More information regarding location and parking will be sent on the day before the volunteer day. This volunteer event needs a minimum of 6 people. Please register each participant individually. Please note that registration is required for this event. Registration will end at noon the day before the volunteer event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.
*Please note that this event has been cancelled due to low signups.*

Unique Adaptations in Prairie Plants
2025-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 | 805 S Cottage Ave Normal IL, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal
The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is one of the rarest ecosystems in the world. It’s home to plants uniquely adapted to their soil microorganisms, precipitation, pollinators, and light conditions. On May 12 at 7pm Sydney Metternich will talk about how prairie plant species are adapted to their soil microbial communities and consider how those communities change with the level of precipitation across the Midwestern United States. Hear about the performance of pale-spike lobelia (Lobelia spicata), round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) in recent research by the Byers Lab at Illinois State University. Learn how adaptations in prairie plants can shift our expectations to their future success and how this work applies to planting your own garden spaces.

Note: This program will be held in-person and by livestream. A link to join the livestream will be posted to the Illinois Prairie Wild Ones website below closer to the program date. A recording of the program will be made available to chapter members soon after the program.

CANCELLED: Storm Drain Stenciling-May 13, 2025 (4:30-6:30pm)
2025-05-13 16:30 - 18:30 | IL
Join the Ecology Action Center for some Storm Drain Stenciling! This volunteer activity educates residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution, and provides information on how to reduce individual contributions to storm water runoff pollution. Join us to stencil “Drains to Stream, Keep it Clean” at neighborhood storm drains and distribute informational door hangers to remind residents about the dangers of storm water runoff pollution and how they can prevent it. Participants must be 18 years or older or 12-17 years old and accompanied by a guardian.
More information regarding location and parking will be sent on the day before the volunteer day. This volunteer event needs a minimum of 6 people. Please register each participant individually. Please note that registration is required for this event. Registration will end at noon the day before the volunteer event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169.
*This event was cancelled due to low numbers*

Tree Planting with Friends of the Constitution Trail in Chenoa: May 16, 2025
2025-05-16 08:30 - 16:30 | IL
Friends of the Constitution Trail
2025 Spring Tree Planting in Chenoa, IL

Volunteers will use shovels and other tools to plant root-ball sapling trees – 6-8 feet tall. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older or alternately 12 years or older and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tools and heavy equipment will be in use and all volunteers must be able to safely use hand tools, stay on their feet for 2 hours at a time and lift a moderate weight (25 pounds). Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops.
Multiple two hour shifts available between 8:30am and 4:30pm on Friday May 16, 2025
Tree Planting shift sign up
