From Jade Roseberry & Jeremy Schoenherr -

“Worms were our COVID project. And those worms were carefully buckled into the front seat of the car when we moved to Bloomington-Normal two years ago. We knew little about the area and were surprised to find an organization as comprehensive as the Ecology Action Center working on issues that are important to us... like vermicomposting... and also tree planting, recycling, and water conservation. Learning more about how EAC works and all of the programs that it orchestrates made us want to become supporters. We are particularly impressed with EAC’s ability to present information that is immediately relevant to residents of Bloomington-Normal and then how it links that information to easy, uncomplicated steps of action, making environmentally-minded living accessible to all. In addition, we feel that EAC sees a strong connection between environmental action and social justice and that its efforts toward improving the ecology of Bloomington-Normal are deeply entwined with improving the lives of its citizens. But above all, we were really glad to learn that we are not the only ones in town with a bin full of worms in our house! ”

Rain Barrel Winterization
By EAC Intern Grace Beyer

As we near the end of the year, colder weather and shorter days are upon us. For many, it can be difficult not to reminisce on the warm, sunny summer days, but alas it is time to let go of some summer favorites, including your rain barrels. Rain barrels provide great benefits during the warmer months, but they will need to be properly winterized to ensure you can reap their benefits for summers to come!

But when should you winterize your rain barrel? Lucky for you, the Ecology Action Center is here to help answer any questions you may have about rain barrel winterization. Rain barrels can be winterized as soon as the weather gets colder, but this process should be completed before the season’s first freeze to ensure any water inside the barrel does not freeze, expand, and potentially crack your rain barrel. When it’s time to winterize, follow the three easy steps outlined below:

1.      Open the spigot and let all the water inside flow out. If you are planning on storing your rain barrel outside during the winter, make sure the spigot remains open all season. 

2.      Determine what kind of diverter your barrel has: 

a)      If a “Y” diverter was used (top photo), simply slide the lever to the other side to switch from summer to winter mode. This will ensure that water will not flow into your barrel and will instead be redirected down your downspout. 

b)      If a FlexiFit diverter was used (middle photo), start by removing the screws above and below the point of attachment. Then wiggle  the flexible insert to remove it from the downspout before reusing the screws to cover the hole with the flat cap. 

c)      If an accordion or elbow attachment was used (bottom photo), please remove the screws holding it in place and reattach your downspout. 

3.      Once the above steps have been completed, it’s time to store your barrel! There are a few different options for storage, so it’s up to you to choose which aligns with your preference. The barrel is made to withstand weather conditions, so feel free to store the barrel outside, in a shed, or inside if you’d rather. If choosing to store outside, make sure to put some weight on top of the barrel to ensure it won’t fall over during wintery and windy conditions.

It’s important to your rain barrel’s longevity that this process is done correctly and before the first freeze, but questions or problems may arise. If you need help with the winterization process, feel free to consult this how-to video by the EAC Winterizing Your Rain Barrel, or visit ecologyactioncenter.org/clean-water/rain-barrels. 

Giving Tuesday is December 3!

Are you passionate about protecting our environment? Are you looking for a way to impact our local environmental efforts now and for years to come?

On December 3rd (#Giving Tuesday), the Ecology Action Center will be raising money to grow our 2071 Endowment Fund.  If you did not know, the EAC was founded over 50 years in 1971 as a one-day, one-time recycling drive. Looking forward to the next 50 years and the growing list of current environmental challenges, we have created a new endowment fund to help provide for greater financial stability-the 2071 Fund. Click the link below to donate to this great cause on #Giving Tuesday!  Ecologyactioncenter.org/2071Fund

Yard Smart Winter Tips

By EAC intern Grace Beyer

As colder weather begins to become our new normal, you might be stressing out about getting your yard and garden ready for the winter season. Although many may not realize it, choosing not to prune your garden or clean up the leaves on your lawn is actually the easiest environmentally friendly action you can take.

Fall leaves are likely already spread all over your lawn, and although it might be tempting to rake them up, leaves can actually be incredibly beneficial when they are left to break down where they fell. Decomposing leaves not only provide great nutrients for your soil, but also a place for pollinators to live. Butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, and other small insects often utilize leaves for warmth and shelter for both them and their eggs during harsh winter conditions. Raking or blowing your leaves can interrupt the decomposition process while potentially harming pollinator habitats. Letting leaves lie is not only less work for you, but is a great way to protect the organisms that live nearby!

In addition to letting your leaves lie, let your garden go and leave it alone! Instead of spending time and energy pruning, cutting, and disposing of garden plants before winter comes, leave them be. Plant matter, especially if native, is another great way for pollinators to protect themselves this winter. Remaining seeds dropped by plants will also continue to feed insects, small animals, and birds throughout the cold season. Gardens can provide a safe and warm place for insects and animals to keep their eggs, ensuring species survival and success. 

Leaving fallen leaves on the ground and your garden undisturbed are the best ways to support pollinators this winter, but this might not align with some people’s personal yard preferences or HOA rules. No need to worry though, because there are still ways you can help out your local pollinators! Fallen leaves can be carefully rounded up and placed in your garden or in a small area in your yard to keep pollinators warm this winter. Try collecting various leaves, sticks, and any plant material to create a brush pile; brush piles, even when smaller in size, are a great way to still provide pollinators with a warm home in the cold. It’s important for everyone to do their very best to keep their yards natural and native year-round to support our natural ecosystems. Do good without doing anything this winter season! For more information about the overwintering process, please visit YardSmart.org. 

Grease Gone Right

By EAC Intern Grace Beyer

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it won’t be long before we will get to enjoy a great meal in the company of our closest friends and family. If you’re planning on whipping up a homemade gourmet meal in the coming weeks, don’t create a holiday mishap by putting your leftover grease down the drain or in the trash! Dumping leftover cooking oil down the drain can cause a great deal of plumbing issues, so  any used food oil free of debris should be dropped off to Team Automotive and Tire in Normal located at 223 S. Adelaide Street.