mCLEAN Up Crew Workday
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Our local environment needs your help! Join the Ecology Action Center in picking up trash around McLean County for our March 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.

Normal Public Library Seed Swap
2026-03-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Normal Public Library, 206 West College Avenue, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
Are you interested in putting in a garden this spring? Get ready with an opportunity to exchange seeds at a seed swap on March 16 at Normal Public Library from 6:00-7:30pm. Network with other growing-enthusiasts and dream of what’s possible this growing season. Bring your seeds and check out a full seed library!
The seed swap will be followed by educational programming from the U of I Extension Office focusing on vegetable seed starting.
Registration is required and space is limited. Register at https://www.normalpl.org/event/npl-seed-swap-42437. Registration opens at 9:00am on March 2.

2026 Winter Bike Movie 'Bike Vessel'
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Normal Theater, 209 W North Street, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
The Town of Normal is very excited to be showing Bike Vessel as the 2026 “winter bike movie” on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Normal Theater. (We’ve hosted an annual bike movie for many years – always a great time!) This movie has a local twist, featuring a father-and-son duo who ride Route 66 from St. Louis to Chicago in an effort to improve the father’s health. Here’s what they have to say:
Our main goal is to educate the Black community on prevalent health issues. It is important to us that we not only showcase what an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to, but also provide a pathway forward and show what types of adjustments can be made to live a lasting, healthy life. We intend to make Bike Vessel an easily accessible film, [which is why it is being screened for free].
We truly feel like Bike Vessel the film is really the Trojan Horse for the bigger project we have planned: A cross-country tour that celebrates healthy living and a love for cycling. Our campaign will include partnering with health organizations to host screenings and produce literature that people can take after seeing the film. We want the community to leave our events with a greater sense of love for their bodies, love for their health, and hopefully, a new curiosity of exercise through cycling.
EVEN BETTER, the father will attend the event for a Q & A following the end of the movie.

Tree Prep Workday: March 19, 2026 (1:00-3:30pm)
2026-03-19 13:00 - 15:30
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 that registration is closed for this event*

Tree Prep Workday: March 20, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-03-20
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 by using the button below!
*Please not that registration is closed at this time*

Tree Corps Workday: March 21, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-03-21
Help the Ecology Action Center by volunteering with Tree Corps. Trees planted as part of this program 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 by using the button below!

*Please note that the morning shift has been closed due to low signups.*

Tree Prep Workday: March 27, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-03-27
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.
*The workday sign up is currently closed. If interested in volunteering please call 309-454-3169 ext.13*

Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular!
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Bloomington Public Library Community Room, 205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701, United States
Join the Ecology Action Center to learn about worms, and more importantly, worm poop! During this program, attendees will get to hear everything about worms’ role on our planet through Polly Owen’s picture book Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular. Once we have learned all there is to know about worms and their poop, students will get to see these worms at work, learn about how they differ from humans, and maybe even feel them squirm on their hands.

This program is intended for children 5-11 years old who are accompanied by their caregivers. No registration required. All materials needed will be provided. Note: Weather permitting, this program will take place on the library’s patio. In the case of inclement weather, the program will take place in Children’s Program Rooms 1 &2.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Ms. Alysha at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.

Tree Planting Workday: March 28, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-03-28
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.
*The workday sign up is currently closed. If interested in volunteering please call 309-454-3169 ext.13*

Tree Planting Workday: March 29, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-03-29

What the Whip-poor-will Teaches Us About Forest Management
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Illinois Wesleyan University – Center for Natural Sciences C101, 201 E. Beecher St., Bloomington, IL, 61701-7222, United States
The Grand Prairie Bird Alliance and the Illinois Wesleyan University Biology Department will sponsor a public presentation about bird ecology on March 30, 2026. The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in room C101 at the Center for Natural Science (CNS), 201 Beecher Street, Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), Bloomington. Parking is available in the lot just north of the CNS on Beecher Street.
Description: Holly Coates, a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois, will talk about “What the Whip-poor-will Teaches Us About Forest Management.” Eastern Whip-poor-wills are nocturnal, ground-nesting birds with have a distinctive call that is sometimes repeated for hours on end by males during the breeding season. Unfortunately, whip-poor-will populations have declined substantially over the past several years. As Midwestern forests become denser and more uniform, they lose the open, complex structure whip-poor-wills need to forage and move. Holly’s talk highlights how forest management influences whip-poor-will abundance and persistence, showing that restoring structural diversity can help support this declining and iconic bird.

Tree Prep Workday: April 3, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-03
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 that the workday sign up is closed at this time. Please visit Tree-Corps.org to view other possible tree prep and planting opportunities*

Tree Planting Workday: April 4, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-04
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 that the workday sign up is closed at this time. Please visit Tree-Corps.org to view other possible tree prep and planting opportunities*

Tree Prep Workday: April 10, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-10
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.

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Bird Outing
2026-04-11 08:00 - 10:00 | S.H. West Park, 30052 E. 750 North Rd., Leroy, IL
Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird outing!
Join local birdwatching experts for this bird outing at S.H. West Park, (30052 E. 750 North Rd., LeRoy) on April 11 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.
If you have questions about accessibility, please email grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

Tree Planting Workday: April 12, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-12
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.

Gardening for Butterflies and Moths
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | 805 S Cottage Ave Normal IL, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal
Join the Illinois Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones for a presentation by Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of the Natural Land Institute, on April 13 from 7-8:30pm at 805 South Cottage Avenue in Normal. He will introduce attendees to the marvelous array of butterflies (and moths) that can be found in our region. Attendees will learn about the various species found here, their status, how we can attract them to yards with their host and nectar plants and even ways to garden or maintain our landscapes as to not harm them. Alan hopes the program inspires some reverence for these amazing insects, that sadly, are in trouble. What you see now is the new normal, but it is not normal. Luckily, these insects have the resiliency to rebound if given a chance.
Presenter Bio:
Alan Branhagen is the Executive Director of the Natural Land Institute in Rockford, Illinois: one of the nation’s first land trusts and organization. Alan was Director of Operations at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in suburban Minneapolis-St. Paul (America’s 15th largest public botanical garden) from 2017-2023 where he managed Horticulture, Plant Curation, and Natural Resource Management. For over 20 years he was the Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden where he oversaw all horticulture and site planning as well as resource management of the 915-acre site. He is also the author of the books Native Plants of the Midwest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden and The Midwest Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden.
Alan’s career began at the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County in Rockford, Illinois in 1987. For almost a decade he oversaw all forest preserves’ planning, development, and management. He was part of the beginning of the Klehm Arboretum which launched his public horticulture career. Alan’s career has come full circle back to Rockford. Alan has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University.

Rain Barrel Workshop: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (5:30-6:30pm)
2026-04-14 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 Prep Workday: April 17, 2026 (9:30-12:00pm)
2026-04-17

Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Bird Outing
2026-04-18 08:00 - 10:00 | ParkLands Foundation Moon Tract, (Inner Loop Road, Lake Bloomington), Inner Loop Road, Lake Bloomington
Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird outing!
Join local birdwatching experts for this bird outing at the ParkLands Foundation Moon Tract, (Inner Loop Road, Lake Bloomington) on April 18 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.

Sugar Creek Stewards Workday
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00
Come join us for our April workday along Sugar Creek! We need help improving Sugar Creek in designated areas throughout Bloomington and Normal, by clearing invasive plant species and managing the non-invasive plants.
Volunteers 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.
The 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. For more information, contact us.

Tree Planting Workday: April 18, 2026 (9:30-11:30am)
2026-04-18 09:30 - 11:30
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 or alternatively 13 or older with a parent or guardian present. 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.

Tree Planting Workday: April 19, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-19

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

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.

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 Planting Workday: April 25, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
2026-04-25

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.

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

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.
