Rain Barrel Workshop: Sunday, May 17, 2026 (12:00-1:00pm)
2026-05-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Queer Bird Outing
2026-05-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Ewing Park II, 1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington, 61701
Birder or not, queer or ally, doesn’t matter — all are welcome on the May 17 bird walk! The outing will be co-led by Ani Fox, a member of the local Grand Prairie Bird Alliance, and Michael Retter, editor of North American Birds (American Birding Association) and leader of the Queer Birders of North America. We want all of our bird outings to be welcoming, but this walk is intentionally celebrating our queer birding community members and LGBTQ+ allies. Please meet at Ewing II park on May 17 for a two hour walk starting at 8:00am.

Tree Planting Workday: May 17, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-17
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.
*This event registration has closed. Please sign up for a different Tree-Corps volunteer event at Tree-Corps.org*

Tree Planting Workday: May 16, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-16

Grow Solar BN 2026 Power Hour @ Keg Grove Brewery
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Keg Grove Brewing Company, 712 East Empire St, Bloomington, 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 our inaugural Power Hour presentation at Keg Grove Brewery in Bloomington 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!

Backyard Composting Workshop: Thursday, May 14, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-05-14 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 Program Prep Volunteering: May 11, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-11
With summer on the horizon, the EAC needs help preparing. Volunteers will assist with stuffing brochures for events, 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 volunteer event has closed. Please sign up to volunteer for a different event at ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering*

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Bird Outing
2026-05-10 08:00 - 10:00 | ParkLands Foundation Merwin Preserve, North Gate on Clarksville Road (2650 N)
With spring migration in full swing, there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird outing! Join local birdwatching experts for this bird outing at ParkLands Foundation Merwin Preserve — North Gate on Clarksville Road (2650 N) on May 10 from 8:00-10:00am.
The outing is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. There is no pressure to know anything about birds. We can give you some tips, and we even have loaner binoculars. We hope you can join us!
If you have questions about accessibility, please email grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

Tree Planting Workday: May 9, 2026 9:30am-12pm
2026-05-09
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).
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.
*Registration for this volunteer event has closed. Please sign up to volunteer for a different event at ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering*

Rain Barrel Workshop: Thursday, May 7, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-05-07 17:30 - 18:30

Tree Prep Workday: May 7, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-07
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.
*Please note this workday is closed, if interested in volunteering please visit Tree-Corps.org*

The Dirt on Composting: May 6, 2026 (6:00-7:00pm)
2026-05-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Library, 111 S. Hamilton St., McLean, IL, 61754
Want to learn more about how food waste impacts our environment and what you can do to help? Join the Ecology Action Center at Mt. Hope Funks Grove Library on May 6 at 6:00pm 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! You can learn more about international compost awareness week at compostfoundation.org/ICAW/ICAEW-Home.

Tree Planting Workday: May 3, 2026 (9:30-12:00pm)
2026-05-03 09:30 - 12:00
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).
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.
*Note this volunteer opportunity is closed. Please view Tree-Corps.org to sign up for other planting opportunities*

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Bird Outing
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Hidden Creek Park, 100 W. Sycamore, Normal, 61761
As spring migration continues, there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird outing! Join local birdwatching experts for this bird outing at Hidden Creek (100 W. Sycamore, Normal) on May 2 from 8:00-10:00am.
The outing is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. There is no pressure to know anything about birds. We can give you some tips, and we even have loaner binoculars. We hope you can join us!
If you have questions about accessibility, please email grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

Tree Planting Workday: May 2, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-02
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).
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 has closed for this event. Visit Tree-Corps.org to sign up for more tree planting workdays*

Tree Prep Workday: May 1 (Morning 9:30am-12pm)
2026-05-01
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.
*Sign up has closed for this event. Visit Tree-Corps.org to sign up for more tree prep workdays*

Central Illinois INaturalist ID Party
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 1613 East Emerson, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
Attend the first ever Central Illinois City Nature Challenge ID Party on April 28 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Bloomington located at 1613 E. Emerson in Bloomington or online. Attend in person or hop on the Zoom call with Central Illinois naturalists to make identifications together! No taxonomic experience necessary – everyone is welcome! The basic format will be a quick intro about how to ID observations and then you’ll work on them on your own while on the call or at the meeting room. We’ll hang out and chat about the cool critters people have found or the funny observations people have made.
Online Location: Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83087504777

Backyard Composting Workshop: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-04-28 17:30 - 18:30

Tree Planting Workday: April 26, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-26
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).
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 this tree planting workday is now closed. Please consider signing up for one of our other workdays at Tree-Corps.org*

Vermicomposting Workshop- Saturday, April 25, 2026 (11:30am-12:30pm)
2026-04-25 11:30 - 12:30
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.

Backyard Composting Workshop: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (10:30-11:30am)
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30

Future Home Living with COII
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Bloomington Public Library Community Room, 205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
“Future Home Living with COII” is a free public event occurring on April 25 at the Bloomington Public Library Community Room from 10:00am to 11:00am! We encourage those interested in sustainability, conservation, and wellness in the home to attend. If you are curious about new housing and innovative approaches to home design, this is for you! Ryan Reber, COII’s Lead Project Architect is going to guide us through an in-depth look at the COII home design. Rebecca DJ, CEO and Founder of COII will be introducing COII’s first community “Maple Square”. We will have a small gift for those who attend, we encourage you to register at www.coii.co/events
We look forward to seeing you there!

Earth Day Constitution Trail and Sugar Creek Clean Up: April 25, 2026 (9:00-12:00pm)
2026-04-25 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 25, 2026 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.
*Note this event has reached capacity, please consider volunteering for one of our other programs like Tree-Corps. For questions, please call 309-454-3169*

Rain Barrel Workshop: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (9:00-10:00am)
2026-04-25 09:00 - 10:00

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Bird Outing
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Schroeder Preserve, 16041 E 700 North Rd, Heyworth, IL
As spring migration continues, it is a great time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird outing! Join local birdwatching experts for this bird outing at Schroeder Preserve, (16041 E 700 North Rd, Heyworth). The outing is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. There is no pressure to know anything about birds. We can give you some tips, and we even have loaner binoculars. We hope you can join us!
If you have questions about accessibility, please email grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

Tree Planting Workday: April 25, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-25
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).
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.
*Registration has closed for this event. If interested in volunteering for this workday, please call 309-454-3169 ext. 13. Check out other volunteer opportunities at Tree-Corps.org*

Central Illinois 2026 City Nature Challenge
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-27
The Grand Prairie Master Naturalists would like to invite you and your network to join the City Nature Challenge 2026. From Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27, 2026, cities around the world will be using the iNaturalist app to find and photograph as many wild plants, animals, and fungi as possible. Our observations will help scientists and land managers better understand the species that thrive in our region.
No expertise is needed! Anyone aged 13+ can participate, and it’s completely free and easy.
How to Participate:

Download the App: Get the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone (available on the App Store or Google Play) and create an account. Training for using the app will be offered; please look out for training announcements in the future.
Find Wildlife: Explore your local park, backyard, neighborhood, or natural area and take pictures of any wild plants, fungi, or animals you find from April 24-27. (If it’s a garden plant or pet, please mark it as “captive/cultivated” in the app; these will not count towards the City Nature Challenge).
Share! Upload your observations to the iNaturalist app during the challenge period (April 24 – April 27). Observations within Central Illinois’ participating counties’ boundaries will automatically count towards our area’s total.
Help Identify: As the data is collected and submitted, you can help identify the species observed by other participants to build a better understanding of local biodiversity

Why Participate?

Learn: Discover the amazing organisms you share your city with.
Contribute to Science: Your observations provide valuable data for conservation efforts and scientific research.
Compete: Help Central Illinois rise on the global leaderboards for the most observations, species, and participants!

For more information and local events, email us at cicnc2026@gmail.com or the visit official website at citynaturechallenge.org.

Tree Prep Workday: April 23, 2026 (9:30-12:00pm)
2026-04-23 09:30 - 12:00
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.
*Note this workday registration is closed. Please sign up for one of our other workdays at Tree-Corps.org*

Earth Day Tree Planting: April 22, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-22
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).
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 below.

* Please note that this event registration has closed. Please consider signing up for one of our other volunteer opportunities at ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering*

Vermicomposting Workshop- Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-04-21 17:30 - 18:30
