Ecology Action Center’s workshops aims to improve the local environment in the community

Image courtesy of the McLean County Ecology Action Center

NORMAL, Ill. – The Ecology Action Center is inviting the McLean County community to participate in a series of workshops aimed at improving the local environment through tree installation, better air quality and healthier ecosystems.

The center will host the workshops on Saturday, April 25, with sessions focused on reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Offerings include a rain barrel workshop, a composting workshop and a vermicomposting workshop.

Education and Outreach Manager Katie Voglar said the goal is to teach residents about sustainability and how small changes can make a difference in the community and beyond.

“In the long run, it can actually save you a lot of money and is really good for not only our planet, but also for our local community,” Voglar said.

The Ecology Action Center organizes the events and secures funding with support from donors who help advance its mission.

Voglar said the workshops began out of a growing interest in gardening and rainwater harvesting, which the organization hopes to expand within the community.

Workshop fees vary. The rain barrel workshop costs $60, the vermicomposting workshop costs $35, and the composting workshop ranges from $35 to $110.

Voglar said one of the key takeaways is understanding how to better use resources in daily life.

“We really want people to realize that fresh water is a nonrenewable resource,” Voglar said.

The workshops are an annual spring tradition, typically held in March or April, and the organization plans to continue offering them each year.