Grow Solar BN Power Hour-Green Top Grocery-July 8 2025 (5:30-6:30 PM)
2025-07-08 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Green Top Grocery, 921 E. Washington, Bloomington, IL, 61701
The Ecology Action Center, in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), is excited to announce the return of Grow Solar BN, a group buy program for solar! This program is for residents of Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, and DeWitt County. We will be having Power Hour presentations throughout the summer to educate residents on the benefits of going solar, especially with group buy programs like these.
Join us on July 8th for a Solar Power Hour at Green Top Grocery in Bloomington, to learn more about how group solar can benefit your energy bills and your environment, and to answer any questions you may have about the program or solar in general.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3QOtROsDMVhahCiTdZ6HgtQtzlJF0Wa9dDOhRm5SGgxGCeA/viewform

Storm Drain Stenciling-June 30, 2025 (5:30-7:30pm)
2025-06-30 17:30 - 19:30
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 registration for this event closes at 8:00am the day before the event. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169*

Tree Re-Potting Workday - June 27, 2025 (9:30am-12pm)
2025-06-27 09:30 - 12:00 | EAC Nursery, Bloomington, IL, 61701
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.
Click here to sign up!

Vermicomposting Workshop- Thursday, June 26, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-06-26 17:30 - 18:30
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.

Rain Barrel Workshop: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-06-25 17:30 - 18:30
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.

Tree Re-Potting Workday - June 20, 2025 (9:30am-12pm)
2025-06-20 09:30 - 12:00 | EAC Nursery, Bloomington, IL, 61701

mCLEAN UP CREW: June 20, 2025 (Multiple Shifts)
2025-06-20
The June 20 mCLEAN Up Crew workday is in partnership with Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM). This month volunteers will be assisting in finishing the process of cleaning up near Sugar creek off of South Center Street in Normal.
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.

Backyard Composting Workshop: Thursday, June 19, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-06-19 17:30 - 18:30
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.

Summer Library Program Prep: June 17, 2025 (12:30-2:30pm)
2025-06-17 12:30 - 14:30
Help the Ecology Action Center prepare for summer library recycling programs. This year the EAC recycling program involves a craft where students can will make musical instruments out of recycled materials. The EAC is looking for volunteers to help prepare the materials for students. This involves using hammer and nails as well as box cutters. Volunteers work at their own pace and should be 18+ years old or 15-17 with parent/guardian present. Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet for up to 3 hours, and be comfortable utilizing the provided hand tools. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up.

CANCELLED: Storm Drain Stenciling-June 16, 2025 (5:30-7:30pm)
2025-06-16 17:30 - 19:30
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 is cancelled, check out ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering to see a current list of volunteer events*

Tree Re-Potting Workday - June 13, 2025 (9:30am-12pm)
2025-06-13 09:30 - 12:00 | EAC Nursery, Bloomington, IL, 61701
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.

Rain Barrel Workshop: Thursday, June 12, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
2025-06-12 17:30 - 18:30

CANCELED: Summer Library Program Prep: June 12, 2025 (1:00-3:00pm)
2025-06-12 13:00 - 15:00
Help the Ecology Action Center prepare for summer library recycling programs. This year the EAC recycling program involves a craft where students can will make musical instruments out of recycled materials. The EAC is looking for volunteers to help prepare the materials for students. This involves using hammer and nails as well as box cutters. Volunteers work at their own pace and should be 18+ years old or 15-17 with parent/guardian present. Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet for up to 3 hours, and be comfortable utilizing the provided hand tools. 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 canceled please sigh up for other volunteer workdays here*

CANCELLED: Storm Drain Stenciling-June 10, 2025 (5:30-7:30pm)
2025-06-10 17:30 - 19:30
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 registration for this event is closed. For questions, please contact 309-454-3169*

In the Spirit of Wetlands
2025-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | 805 S Cottage Ave Normal IL, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal
The book “In the Spirit of Wetlands” by Clare Howard and David Zalaznik explores a dozen locations in Illinois with either wetland restorations or constructed wetlands. Rather than dark, smelly, unproductive swamps, wetlands are environmental warriors nurturing diversity, cleansing water and mitigating flooding. People who own and work on these wetlands bring incredible and contagious commitment to this misunderstood and maligned environment. This presentation will highlight images of these Illinois wetlands and the people behind them.
Early settlers in Illinois destroyed wetlands before understanding them and before seeing their beauty. Now we have the scientific knowledge that wetlands are critical to a healthy ecosystem. What remains is to open our eyes to see their beauty and fall in love with this environment where land, water and air co-mingle in a world alive with diversity. We will protect what we love? Presented by Clare Howard.
*****
Note: This program will be held on June 9 at 7:00pm both in-person at 805 South Cottage Ave. in Normal, IL and by livestream. A link to join the livestream will be posted to the website below closer to program date. A recording of the program will be available on our YouTube channel.

Summer Library Program Prep: June 9, 2025 (3-5pm)
2025-06-09 15:00 - 17:00

CANCELED: Summer Library Program Prep: June 5, 2025 (3-5pm)
2025-06-05 15:00 - 17:00
Help the Ecology Action Center prepare for summer library recycling programs. This year the EAC recycling program involves a craft where students can will make musical instruments out of recycled materials. The EAC is looking for volunteers to help prepare the materials for students. This involves using hammer and nails as well as box cutters. Volunteers work at their own pace and should be 18+ years old or 15-17 with parent/guardian present. Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet for up to 3 hours, and be comfortable utilizing the provided hand tools. 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.*
