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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for 
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260727
DTSTAMP:20260609T190815Z
CREATED:20260609T190020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T190815Z
UID:10001020-1781913600-1785110399@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:ParkLands Foundation Nature Quest Challenge and Partner Events (June 20-July 26)
DESCRIPTION:ParkLands Foundation invites you to get out and explore their premier preserves while documenting the nature you observe along the way. You’ll be using the iNaturalist app to identify and document the plants and animals that you see at the preserves. iNaturalist is a worldwide citizen science effort. Your observations help researchers and naturalists across the world. \nVisit any of our 5 featured preserves (Letcher Basin\, Chinquapin South\, Merwin\, Lexington Preserve\, and Moon Preserve) between June 20th and July 26th and use the iNaturalist app to document the nature you see. The eBird app can also be used for recording bird observations.\nPrizes will be awarded for most species observed in several categories. Visit our Nature Quest Webpage for more information as well as Nature Quest Partner Events to lookout for! \nDon’t know how to use iNaturalist? Join us on June 20th at the Illinois Art Station for a kick-off meeting and iNaturalist training. After the presentation\, we will practice entering observations in the iNaturalist app while exploring native gardens close to the Illinois Art Station. \nFor more information on the challenge\, as well as the free Nature Quest Partner Events you can attend\, visit our Nature Quest Webpage:\nhttps://www.parklandsfoundation.org/nature-quest/
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/parklands-foundation-nature-quest-challenge-and-partner-events-june-20-july-26/
LOCATION:IL
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nature-Quest-Challenge.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T183000
DTSTAMP:20260611T170406Z
CREATED:20260611T170406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T170406Z
UID:10001028-1784223000-1784226600@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Rain Barrel Workshop: Thursday\, July 16\, 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-july-16-2026-530-630pm/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Rain Barrel Workshops,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T113000
DTSTAMP:20260630T172210Z
CREATED:20260630T172210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T172210Z
UID:10001037-1784278800-1784287800@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Tree Support Install BNWRD: July\, 17 2026 (9-11:30am)
DESCRIPTION:  \nHelp the Ecology Action Center install tree guards to protect our newly planted seedling trees from deer at BNWRD! This will involve some hand tool use and a fair amount of walking and kneeling on uneven terrain. This workday will be Friday July 17 from 9-11:30am. \nPlease dress appropriately for weather conditions and working outside. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required – no sandals or flip-flops. Wear long socks and pants to protect you from ticks and scratches. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. More information as well as a confirmation email will be communicated to volunteers prior to the workday and NOT at sign up. \nSign up here: https://ecologyactioncenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer?opportunityId=557
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/tree-support-install-bnwrd-july-17-2026-9-1130am/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:Tree Corps,volunteer
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T110000
DTSTAMP:20260511T201456Z
CREATED:20260511T201456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T201456Z
UID:10000986-1784282400-1784286000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Wiggle and Learn: Vermicomposting Summer Library Program at Normal Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ecology Action Center at Normal Public Library to learn about vermicomposting! After reading the picture book “Worm Makes a Sandwich” by Brianne Farley\, students will understand how compost can help plants grow big and strong. Students will learn about the benefits that worms can bring to ecosystems\, how they work\, what they can eat\, and the magic of their poop. The EAC’s Red Wiggler composting worms will make a guest appearance\, and students will have the opportunity to see the worms at work and feel them wiggle in their hands! This program is intended for students ages 5-12 and their caregivers.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/wiggle-and-learn-vermicomposting-summer-library-program-at-normal-public-library/
LOCATION:IL
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T120000
DTSTAMP:20260622T195308Z
CREATED:20230815T150856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T195308Z
UID:10000472-1784365200-1784376000@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Sugar Creek Stewards Workday
DESCRIPTION:Come join us for our July workday along Sugar Creek on July 18 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=555 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:20260718T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T140000
DTSTAMP:20260601T161521Z
CREATED:20260601T161521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T161521Z
UID:10001000-1784365200-1784383200@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Yard Smart Garden Walk Volunteer: July 18\, 2026 (9:00-2:00pm)
DESCRIPTION:The Ecology Action Center is holding its 23rd annual Yard Smart Garden Walk on Saturday\, July 18. This FREE tour highlights beautiful and functional yards in our community that protect our environment\, benefit wildlife\, and use few or no synthetic chemicals. The tour features multiple home gardens of different styles. The walk will conclude with lunch and a talk. \nThis walk cannot happen without volunteers helping with setup and tear down\, giving directions\, handing out food\, and more. Please note that a personal vehicle is needed for this volunteer event. You can sign up to volunteer at the button below. \n \n 
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/yard-smart-garden-walk-volunteer-july-18-2026-900-200pm/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:volunteer
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T133000
DTSTAMP:20260601T161255Z
CREATED:20260601T160943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T161255Z
UID:10000999-1784367000-1784381400@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Yard Smart Garden Walk: July 18\, 2026 (9:30-1:30pm)
DESCRIPTION:The Ecology Action Center is holding its 23rd annual Yard Smart Garden Walk on Saturday\, July 18 from 9:30am – 1:30pm. This FREE tour highlights beautiful and functional yards in our community that protect our environment\, benefit wildlife\, and use few or no synthetic chemicals. The tour features multiple home gardens of different styles. The walk will conclude with lunch and a talk. Registration is required for this event. Please register using the button below. \n \nThis event is free\, but our staff works hard to make this event happen\, so we do encourage donations to help offset the cost of the event and to help the Ecology Action Center continue its efforts to promote a healthy local environment! More information on the Yard Smart program as well as a set of free resource fact sheets is available at YardSmart.org. \nThe Yard Smart program promotes a more sustainable approach to lawn and garden maintenance. Working with nature to build a healthier ecosystem in both the soil below ground\, the yard above ground\, and reducing pollutants that runoff into our local water supplies will create a more beautiful\, sustainable and safer environment for everyone— children and adults\, pets and wildlife. The program encourages local homeowners to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides\, to conserve natural resources such as water and fossil fuels\, and to make room for wildlife in their yards. Yard Smart Certification recognizes local homeowners who use ecologically sustainable practices in maintaining their yards and who realize that their lawn\, garden and landscaping decisions affect the health of the whole community. \nParticipants should bring their own reusable water bottles\, and dress for the weather. Participants are encouraged to carpool to conserve fossil fuels and reduce pollution\, so check with your friends/family to see if they are going\, and consider riding to the event with them. We will send event details to registered participants closer to the event 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. \n 
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/yard-smart-garden-walk-july-18-2026-930-130pm/
LOCATION:IL
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T150000
DTSTAMP:20260708T214308Z
CREATED:20260708T214308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T214308Z
UID:10001040-1784368800-1784386800@ecologyactioncenter.org
SUMMARY:Mackinaw River Cleanup
DESCRIPTION:Join Central Illinois Kayaking and Floating and the Friends of EverBloom to help clean up the Mackinaw River. Interested volunteers should meet at 10AM on Saturday July 18 at the Mackinaw Canoe Club launch in rural Carlock (exact location in event link). Rain date Sun. July 19. If the Mackinaw is either too high or too the event will be moved to Lake Evergreen. \nThe plan is to clean at least 5 miles of the Mackinaw (take out at Parklands Jim Fennis Canoe Launch). Canoes and kayaks will be used for the clean-up. 5 aluminum canoes including life vests and paddles are available to anyone who needs them thanks to a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation and Friends of EverBloom. Please message Chris Sweet (csweet@iwu.edu) to claim canoe spots in advance. Liability waivers will be required for all participants. \nNote that these river cleanups are often somewhat difficult. They will involve pulling trash and tires from the river and loading into boats. Portage (boats and garbage) around at least one big logjam is expected. Expect bugs\, mud\, garbage\, and some fun along the way.\nTrash bags will be provided. Recommended gear: sunscreen\, bug spray\, water\, snacks\, drybag for phones\, old tennis shoes or closed toe water shoes\, and  long quick-dry pants.
URL:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/event/mackinaw-river-cleanup/
LOCATION:Mackinaw River
CATEGORIES:Trash Clean Up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ecologyactioncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/729705994_10162936508181186_6398078718182357565_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of EverBloom":MAILTO:friendsofeverbloom@ymail.com
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