2025 Earth Day Eco Explorers
Earth Day Eco Explorers (Ages 8-13)
April 22, 2025
1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL
Celebrate Earth Day with us in an exciting day full of hands-on workshops designed to inspire young minds and foster a love for our planet! Children ages 8-13 are invited to join us for a series of engaging activities focused on sustainability, conservation, and environmental creativity. Hosted by the Parklands Foundation, Ecology Action Center, University of Illinois McLean County Extension, McLean County Ag in the Classroom, and Illinois Art Station, this event is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Workshop Offerings Include:
- Save the Splash: Water Adventure – Dive into the wonders of water, one of our most important and abundant resources.
- Trashion Fashion – Get inspired by Sydney-based artist Marina DeBris and make it work. Learn how to upcycle materials into unique wearables, reduce waste, and promote sustainability in the fashion industry.
- Wonderful Wind Power – Explore the power of the wind and learn how it can be used to create energy in this hands-on workshop! Youth will get the chance to build their very own wind-powered device, learning the basics of renewable energy and how wind turbines work.
- Squirm and Learn: Vermacomposting – Do you love playing in the dirt and all things bugs? Then come learn about everyone's favorite underground creature, the worm! Learn about what makes a good habitat for worms, how worms are different from humans, and how worms help to turn food scraps into nutrients for plants. Students will get the chance to not only learn but put it into action as they help harvest compost from the worm bin and set up their new habitat.
- Feathers, Fur, Scales, and Slime: Animal Exteriors – Animals don’t get to choose what covers their skin. Nature has decided. Their colors, patterns, and textures give them safety as well as style! Learn what animals wear and how that helps them survive.
Each workshop is designed to be fun, interactive, and educational, offering kids the chance to get their hands dirty and their imaginations flowing while learning how they can make a positive impact on the environment.
Each one-hour session is $5.00 per family.
There is a 30-minute lunch break. Participants attending a 1–2 PM session should bring their own lunch and stay during that time.
All non-active 4-H youth must complete an assumption of risk form.
To complete registration, payment and assumption of risk forms must be received by your local Extension office within 7 days of registering online.
We will be taking photos of the event. Those not currently 4-H members are asked to complete the Photo Release Form so that we know if photos of your child are allowable. Please return it along with the assumption of risk form to your local Extension Office as soon as possible.
Registration is now open – space is limited, so sign up today to reserve your spot!
Contact Heather Hoffman with any questions. hkh5@illinois.edu or 309-663-8306