Reading Program

1 per person, while supplies last. Pickup near the Information Desk.

Enjoy a fun craft that you pick up here and make at home! 

Positive Protest Magnet

May 30-July 30

Make your own positive protest sign magnet! Supplies you will need at home: hot glue or strong craft glue, the rest is up to you! You can use paint, markers (recommend Sharpie for canvas), stickers, glitter, pressed flowers...get creative! 

  Friday, June 2

2:00pm

Rotary Room 

Interested in saving rain water for your plants and helping reduce storm water runoff and urban flooding in the process? Join us and build your own rain barrel! Rain barrels are containers that collect and store rainwater for future use watering lawns and gardens. Lauren Spaniol, Coles County SWCD's Resource Conservationist, will guide you in this hands-on, step-by-step workshop to make your own rain barrel to take home. Please bring a cordless drill if you have one. All supplies will be provided.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

Registration open May 16-May 24.

Please call 217-345-4913 to register. 

This program is funded by Rural Gateways Grant for STEM programming in the Community. 

  Tuesday, June 6

8:30am-10:00am

Lake Charleston & Lake View Trails - Route 130 south out of town, turn left at Bypass Road. 

We will meet at the first parking lot past the red barn at the entrance. 

Join us for a Bird Walk at Lake Charleston with avid birder Ron Bradley. We can expect birds like Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Norther Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Easter Kingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Common Grackle, and Bald Eagle (possibly). Bring binoculars if you have them! Dress for the weather and 

walking shoes are recommended (not flip flops, sandals, etc.).

  Wednesday, June 14

9:00am-Park in the EIU visitors parking lot (on 7th Street, across from Blair Hall) and walk over to Pemberton Hall and meet in the Formal Lounge

Ages 18+

600 Lincoln, Ave, Charleston, IL 61920

Ever wanted to explore EIU’s first 3 buildings (Old Main, Pemberton, and Blair Hall) and hear some EIU history?  Now’s your chance! Join us for a casual stroll thru these 3 historic buildings and learn how each helped shape the reputation of EIU. Learn what they have in common yet how they are each unique. This will not be the Old Main roof tour we did last year – no ladder’s this time as we will be keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground.  However, we will talk about ghosts, complete with a visit to a gravesite. The tour will be led by Mark Hudson, Executive Director of EIU Housing and Dining and unofficial EIU historian. Casual dress – walking shoes are recommended. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration open May 23-June 7. 

Please call 217-345-4913 to register. 

Friday, June 23

2:00pm

Rotary Room

Vermicomposting 101: Learn how to turn your yard waste and food scraps into a valuable soil amendment - Black Gold - for your home garden and beyond by harnessing the power of red wiggler composting worms! 

Lauren Spaniol, Coles County SWCD's Resource Conservationist, will teach you all you need to know to get started with a vermicomposting (worm composting) bin that fits your needs and lifestyle. You'll build your own bin to take home so you can get started right away! If you have a power drill, please bring it along with a 1/4 in. drill bit. All other supplies will be provided. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration open May 31-June 14. 

Please call 217-345-4913 to register. 

This program is funded by Rural Gateways Grant for STEM programming in the Community.