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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for 
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T183000
DTSTAMP:20260716T163937Z
CREATED:20260716T163937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T163937Z
UID:10001045-1786469400-1786473000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Vermicomposting Workshop- Tuesday\, Aug. 11\, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
DESCRIPTION: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! \nThe 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. \n \n \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/vermicomposting-workshop-tuesday-aug-11-2026-530-630pm-2/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Compost Workshops,Workshops
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T120000
DTSTAMP:20260722T172235Z
CREATED:20230815T150856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T172235Z
UID:10000472-1786784400-1786795200@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Sugar Creek Stewards Workday
DESCRIPTION:Come join us for our August workday along Sugar Creek on August 15 from 9:00am to 12:00pm! We need help improving Sugar Creek in designated areas throughout Bloomington and Normal\, by clearing invasive plant species and managing the non-invasive plants. \nVolunteers 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. \nSign up at https://ecologyactioncenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer?opportunityId=561 or at the button below. \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/sugar-creek-stewards-workday/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Sugar Creek Stewards,volunteer
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T183000
DTSTAMP:20260730T205750Z
CREATED:20260730T205512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T205750Z
UID:10001053-1787074200-1787077800@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Solar Power Hour (In-Person) at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal (5:30pm)
DESCRIPTION:Learn more about the Grow Solar program! Registering for a Power Hour does not obligate you to participate in the program. \nGrow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Ecology Action Center\,  property owners in DeWitt and McLean counties can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable. \nGrow Solar partners with an advisory committee of local stakeholders that independently vets and selects a solar installer to service the program. This year\, StraightUp Solar was selected to be the program’s installer.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/solar-power-hour-in-person-at-the-unitarian-universalist-church-of-bloomington-normal/
LOCATION:Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal\, 1613 E Emerson St\, Bloomington\, 61701\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260822
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260823
DTSTAMP:20260706T144105Z
CREATED:20260706T143944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T144105Z
UID:10001039-1787356800-1787443199@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:HHW Volunteering: August 22\, 2026 [Multiple Shifts Available]
DESCRIPTION:Please sign up to volunteer for the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on August 22\, 2026. Volunteers will assist in various functions with the McLean County Household Hazardous Waste collection event with the primary need being traffic control. The work requires spending the entire shift on one’s feet\, clear communication with event participants\, some possible light lifting with equipment setup/take-down. This is a high traffic event with moving cars and equipment so all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age in order to participate. \nConfirmation details and meeting location will be provided to all registered volunteers prior to the event. \nPlease sign up at https://ecologyactioncenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer?opportunityId=560 or at the button below.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/hhw-volunteering-august-22-2026-multiple-shifts-available/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:volunteer
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T150000
DTSTAMP:20260706T142731Z
CREATED:20260706T142617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T142731Z
UID:10001038-1787385600-1787410800@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:McLean County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/hhw/hhw-donate/
LOCATION:IL
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T170000
DTSTAMP:20260527T160321Z
CREATED:20260527T160321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T160321Z
UID:10000997-1787392800-1787418000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Sweet Corn Circus [Multiple Shifts]
DESCRIPTION:The Ecology Action Center needs 2 volunteers per shift to help us at our booth at the Sweet Corn Circus. Volunteers will help alert Sweet Corn Circus attendees to composting services provided by the Ecology Action Center. Volunteers will also help at the booth ensuring materials are being disposed of in the correct bins. \nVolunteers need to be 16 years or older\, and able to stand on their feet for multiple hours at a time. Work will be outdoors\, so volunteers need to dress appropriately for the weather.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/sweet-corn-circus-multiple-shifts/2026-08-22/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Trash Clean Up,volunteer
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T140000
DTSTAMP:20260805T184741Z
CREATED:20260805T184636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T184741Z
UID:10001055-1787482800-1787493600@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:First Presbyterian Church Prairie Celebration
DESCRIPTION:First Presbyterian Church of Normal will hold a celebration event for its new prairie beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday\, August 23\, at 2000 E. College Ave. in Normal. The event is free and open to the public and will include prairie tours\, activities for kids\, and information about the development and next steps for the project. \nThe project has transformed more than two acres of turf grass into a diverse habitat of native wildflowers and grasses\, providing long term ecological and educational benefits for the congregation and the community.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/first-presbyterian-church-prairie-celebration/
LOCATION:IL
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_0678-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T163000
DTSTAMP:20260527T160321Z
CREATED:20260527T160321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T160321Z
UID:10000998-1787482800-1787502600@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Sweet Corn Circus [Multiple Shifts]
DESCRIPTION:The Ecology Action Center needs 2 volunteers per shift to help us at our booth at the Sweet Corn Circus. Volunteers will help alert Sweet Corn Circus attendees to composting services provided by the Ecology Action Center. Volunteers will also help at the booth ensuring materials are being disposed of in the correct bins. \nVolunteers need to be 16 years or older\, and able to stand on their feet for multiple hours at a time. Work will be outdoors\, so volunteers need to dress appropriately for the weather.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/sweet-corn-circus-multiple-shifts/2026-08-23/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Trash Clean Up,volunteer
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T183000
DTSTAMP:20260716T173252Z
CREATED:20260716T173252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T173252Z
UID:10001046-1787851800-1787855400@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Rain Barrel Workshop: Thursday\, August 27\, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThroughout 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. \nBy 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. \n \n*Workshop registration closes 3 days before the workshop start date.* \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/rain-barrel-workshop-thursday-august-27-2026-530-630pm/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Rain Barrel Workshops,Workshops
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T120000
DTSTAMP:20260805T185521Z
CREATED:20260805T185411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T185521Z
UID:10001054-1788951600-1788955200@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Maple Square Planning CE Tour: Health | Water Reclamation | Sustainable
DESCRIPTION:Maple Square Planning CE Tour: September 9\, 2026  from 11:00am to Noon \nRegister at https://givebutter.com/MapleSquarePlanningCETour  \n \nThis course will walk you through the sustainability goals of the Maple Square pocket neighborhood being developed in Bloomington\, IL. We will be discussing topics like Passive House principles\, high performance goals\, air quality with CERV\, and our water reclamation system. Maple Square is a first of it’s kind development; incorporating a large variety of sustainable features for wellness focused living for people and the planet. Our goal is to inspire you to think about the importance of incorporating a variety of features into the home building and neighborhood designs. You will also gain special insight on water reclamation in new home construction. This course will reach a wide range of audience members from beginning learners to those with experience in the sustainability fields of architecture and/or development. \nSubmitted for 1 (One) Hour Continuing Education Units (CEUS) in \n\nGreen Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) – General\nLEED Accredited Professional in Homes (LEED APH)\nAmerican Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW)**\nBuilding Performance Institute (BPI) – All Credentials\nPassive House US\, PHIUS – CPHC\, Builder\, Rater & Verifier\nGHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy\, Health\, Materials\, Water\, Place\nAmerican Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)\nBuilding Science Institute (BSI) Verifier\nSociety of American Registered Architects (SARA)\n\n**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable \nSpeakers: \nRebecca D. Johnson-CEO/Founder/Developer-Bio: Hi! I grew up in the Chicago area; going to visit Frank Lloyd Wright homes\, Disney Parks\, and lived in a pioneering home (we had the first apple computer). With these and other influences I took my passion for people\, nature\, and innovation and wanted to find solutions to many current issues with traditional housing. Next I brought my vision to local architects and builders. Our team of local experienced professionals has been hard at work for several years meticulously designing homes and a community that is sustainable\, wellness focused\, and innovative. We are thrilled to be bringing the first COII Community to Central Illinois! I am a successful small business owner and educator in the Bloomington/Normal community for 19 years. Raising my son is where I spend most of my time aside from work. We love walks\, building things together\, playing Chess\, and traveling! Especially traveling to Disney World. \nRyan Reber-Lead Project Architect for COII-Bio: Ryan Reber is an architect from Central Illinois and joined COII in December of 2024. Since then\, he has been a pivotal part of COII’s vision\, leading in the design of COII’s homes and developments with CEO/Founder Rebecca DJ.\nRyan has over 20 years of architectural experience involving residential\, commercial\, institutional\, and historic preservation projects\, running his own practice since 2014. Ryan has a deep passion for sustainable focused design. His talent\, knowledge\, and experience shows in his work with COII. He is committed to bringing energy-efficient high design to local residential construction. Ryan enjoys time with his family\, working in their garden and orchard; also brewing beer\, cider\, and mead with his wife at her family’s microbrewery. You can learn more about Ryan’s work on his website http://www.ryanreberarchitect.com/ \nLearning Objectives: \n1. Understand that prioritizing high air quality through technologies like demand controlled ventilation significantly contributes to the health and well-being of residents in sustainable neighborhoods while adding to LEED Residential v4.1 credit Environmental Quality – Enhanced Ventilation \n2. Analyze the safety benefits of incorporating Passive House principles to ensure energy efficiency and reduce risks associated with poor building performance. \n3. Introduce innovative water reclamation systems in home construction to enhance the welfare of the community by promoting resource conservation and environmental stewardship while gaining LEED Residential v4.1 credit WE Total Water Use \n4. Articulate the need for a holistic approach to neighborhood design that reconciles sustainability with the overarching health\, safety\, and welfare objectives of the community while maximizing LEED Residential v4.1 credit Location and Transportation Site Selection \nEven if you cannot attend\, please register  at https://givebutter.com/MapleSquarePlanningCETour so we can send you the recording and follow-up article.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/maple-square-planning-ce-tour-health-water-reclamation-sustainable/
LOCATION:IL
ORGANIZER;CN="GreenHouse Institute":MAILTO:info@greenhomeinstitute.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T183000
DTSTAMP:20260716T163854Z
CREATED:20260716T163721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T163854Z
UID:10001044-1789061400-1789065000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Vermicomposting Workshop- Thursday\, Sept. 10\, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
DESCRIPTION: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! \nThe 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. \n \n \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/vermicomposting-workshop-tuesday-aug-11-2026-530-630pm/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Compost Workshops,Workshops
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T120000
DTSTAMP:20260728T170423Z
CREATED:20241015T213825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T170423Z
UID:10000717-1789203600-1789214400@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:mCLEAN Up Crew Workday
DESCRIPTION:Our local environment needs your help! Join the Ecology Action Center on September 12 from 9:00am to 12:00pm in picking up trash around McLean County for our August 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 at https://ecologyactioncenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer?opportunityId=562 or at the button below. \n \n 
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/mclean-up-crew/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Trash Clean Up,volunteer
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T100000
DTSTAMP:20260716T173418Z
CREATED:20260716T173418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T173418Z
UID:10001047-1789808400-1789812000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Rain Barrel Workshop: Saturday\, Sept. 19\, 2026 (9:00-10:00am)
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThroughout 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. \nBy 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. \n \n*Workshop registration closes 3 days before the workshop start date.* \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/rain-barrel-workshop-saturday-sept-19-2026-900-1000am/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Rain Barrel Workshops,Workshops
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T113000
DTSTAMP:20260716T173632Z
CREATED:20260716T173632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T173632Z
UID:10001048-1789813800-1789817400@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Backyard Composting Workshop: Saturday\, Sept. 19\, 2026 (10:30-11:30am)
DESCRIPTION: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! \n \nOur 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. \nFor $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. \n \n*Workshop registration closes 3 days before the workshop.* \nThe 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.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/backyard-composting-workshop-saturday-sept-19-2026-1030-1130am/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Compost Workshops,Workshops
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR