Ecology Action Center

BN Green Events: The birds are heading south! Fortunately for us, many of these fall migrants will stop in our area to rest and refuel. If you’d like to see some of these beautiful birds, join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at Hidden Creek Park, 100 W. Sycamore, Normal. The walk will be led by local experts and is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. Learn more events like this occurring in the community at https://buff.ly/JfxWsYe

Let's get ready to recycle! For your next tailgating event or other party, you can borrow recycling equipment for FREE from the Ecology Action Center. We provide the recepticles and bags, just call EAC at (309) 454-3169 to reserve your equipment. Thank YOU for recycling!

We're accepting applications for our Spring 2027 internships! Applications are due by 5:00pm on November 9. Learn more and see how to apply by visiting https://buff.ly/mIKfDNY

Enjoy the fall weather by signing up to volunteer with Sugar Creek Stewards! Volunteers will be removing invasive plant species from Sugar Creek and thus must be able to hike along uneven terrain and use basic hand tools. Sign up today for the October 17 workday at https://buff.ly/mIKfDNY

A new community solar farm is now operating in McLean County, with developers saying the project will expand access to solar energy for income-eligible households.

https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/10/01/first-ever-community-solar-farm-illinois-operating-mclean-county/

Bloomington-Normal now has year-round paint drop-off sites Bloomington-Normal residents no longer have to wait for a hazardous waste collection event to get rid of leftover paint.

BN Green Evets: The birds are heading south! If you’d like to see some of these beautiful birds, join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 4, at Ewing Park II, 1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington. The walk will be led by local experts and is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds).

Learn more about events like this in the area at https://buff.ly/JfxWsYe

Pumpkin spice and everything nice is in the air! It's that time of year, so grab your favorite mug or cup, head to a coffee shop near you, and fulfill your pumpkin spice latte craving. Disposable coffee cups are not recyclable, (even the paper cups that have a plastic lining!) so try bringing your own!

Ecology Action Center reaffirms recycling efforts after data shows McLean County rates decreasing The Ecology Action Center had thought the county's recycling rate in 2024 topped 50% for the first time ever when it was actually 43%. In calculating the 2025 numbers, the center found data previously confirmed was misreported by another agency.

Healthy water begins with healthy forests. Aside from sequestering carbon dioxide and producing necessary oxygen, the presence of trees helps reduce soil erosion while serving as a physical barrier against contaminants that could otherwise easily wash into our fresh water resources. Trees help to prevent further erosion when their roots bind to surrounding soil and secure it in place. If you live in North Normal or West Bloomington (our local environmental justice areas) the EAC will help you plant a FREE Tree! Learn more and see if your address is eligible by visiting ecologyactioncenter.org/freetree