The Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo held at Illinois Wesleyan University on April 13-14, 2007 was a tremendous success! This event was a collaboration between Ecology Action Center and the IWU Wellness Program. Over 1500 people attended the Expo with 80 exhibitors that shared products and information on aspects of sustainability and wellness with live music, children’s carnival, stage performances, and a fuel-efficient vehicle demonstration.
We are grateful for everyone who participated and helped to promote environmental awareness and wellness in our community and beyond! Special thanks to the Renewable Choice Energy, Horizon Wind Energy, Town of Normal, Illinois EPA, Heartland Community College, The Lumpkin Foundation, Healing Arts Network, Ecological Home Ideas Magazine, Ameren, Bloomington-Normal Jr. Women’s Club, The Pantagraph, Family Band and the numerous volunteers that made this event possible.
We look forward to your participation in next year’s festivities. For more information about this past ISWLE and for future updates of next year’s ISWLE, go to the following web address: www.islwe.org.
As part of Bloomington-Normal’s Stormwater Management Program, we are organizing events to raise neighborhood and resident awareness about the connection between the street and their yards, storm drains, and the storm sewer system. We are promoting practices that will reduce sources of water pollution coming from the land.
When it rains the water washes down streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, roofs and yards, and it carries everything it picks up into storm drains. Storm drains are the entry point into a system which eventually discharges untreated storm water directly to local streams. High volume and pollutant loads can negatively affect water quality, aquatic organisms, riparian habitat, and drainage infrastructure.
Get involved in upcoming clean water events by going to our Clean Water webpage at http://www.ecologyactioncenter.org/clean-water.
The EAC will be partnering with Normal Parks and Recreation to present our popular Eco-Action Adventures Camp for kids from 6-10 years old. This camp runs June 18-22 and July 16-20. We also have our teen Eco-Experience camp for kids 11-14. This camp runs June 25-29 .
Campers will learn basic outdoor skills, about different types of environments in McLean County and engage in team building activities.
Sign up for both of these camps is through the Normal Parks and Recreation Department. Go to www.normal.org and click on the 2007 Parks and Recreation Brochure for information and registration.
Mission: Recycle at McLean County Libraries
The Ecology Action Center will once again present programs for McLean County Libraries. This year’s theme is Mission: Recycle. We will be reading The Garbage Monster by Joni Sensel, playing a recycling game, and doing a recycled craft project.
This program will be presented in many municipal libraries in McLean County. Ask your local library if they are involved! Look for us at the Normal Public Library on June 6 and the Bloomington Public Library on June 28. Call the EAC at 309-454-3169 for information.
Yard Smart Events:
Yard Smart Class and Tour
Saturday, June 16th, 9am-12pm at Heartland Community College and Saturday, June 23rd, 9am-12pm at various Bloomington-Normal locations, $30 fee
Learn how Yard Smart techniques can support biodiversity, reduce pollution, conserve water and fossil fuels, and provide a safe and healthy environment for people, pets and other living things that share your backyard. Topics covered at the first session will include native plantings, creating healthy soils, conserving natural resources, minimizing synthetic chemicals, composting and creating wildlife habitat areas. At the second session, we will meet for the annual Yard Smart Tour. To register call Heartland Community College Continuing Education at 309- 268-8160 or register online at http://www.heartland.edu/communityEd/index.jsp.
Yard Smart Walk
Saturday, June 23rd, 9am-12pm, $5 donation suggested
Find inspiration on this tour of local gardens and lawns created using Yard Smart techniques. The tour will end with lunch at the Illinois State University Horticulture Center. To register call 454-3169 or email eac@ecologyactioncenter.org.
Rainbarrel Workshop
Wednesday, June 27th, 6:30-8:30pm, Normal Parks and Rec Garage, $20 for materials
Build your own rainbarrel to safely collect rainwater which can then be used for lawn and garden watering needs. Your new rainbarrel will effectively reduce stormwater runoff and will let you save on your summer water bill! To register call 454-3169 or email eac@ecologyactioncenter.org.
For more information about the Yard Smart program click here.
Join us on Saturday, June 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Freecycle ™ Free-4-All. Bring any unwanted items that are legal, appropriate for all ages, and can be carried away. Suggested items include clothing, household decorative items, kitchen items, books and magazines, toys and games, or anything you no longer have a use for and believe other people would. Then, browse through items others brought and take what you’ll use. You are not required to drop off items to be able to pick up new ones. For more details and directions to the event, click here.