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

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*

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

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

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*

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*

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 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*

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 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*

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

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*

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.

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*

Backyard Composting Workshop: Thursday, May 14, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-05-14 17:30 - 18:30

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!

Tree Planting Workday: May 16, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-16
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 17, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-05-17

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.

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

Backyard Composting Workshop: Sunday, May 17, 2026 (1:30-2:30pm)
2026-05-17 13:30 - 14:30

Vermicomposting Workshop- Sunday, May 17, 2026 (3:00-4:00pm)
2026-05-17 15:00 - 16:00

CANCELLED: Summer Program Prep Volunteering: May 19, 2026 (2:00-4:00pm)
2026-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Planting hydrangeas at The Bridge
2026-05-22 09:00 - 2026-05-26 11:00
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
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
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

The Bridge Tree Planting Workday: May 29, 2026
2026-05-29
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
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*
