Be green. Watch for more earth smart and garden events throughout the season.
ONGOING
Oversized Items Disposal
City homeowners can schedule a free home pickup of items such as mattresses, furniture or appliances. Call Allied Waste, 522-7797. Residents limited to one free pickup per 12-month period. Other options (fees involved): Sangamon Valley Landfill, 2565 Sandhill Rd., 528-9256. F & W Resources, 3327 Terminal Ave., 525- 1206. Waste Management of Illinois transfer station, 3000 E. Ash St. and Mervis Iron, 1100 S. Ninth St.
Electronics Recycling
The City of Springfield offers residents and businesses free recycling of electronics, any age or condition at BLH Computers, 1832 Stevenson Drive. 585-1580.
Branch Collection
Through November, Springfield residents can place branches curbside. No need to phone. Residents can also drop off branches free of cost at 19th and Moffat. The facility is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Free Wood Mulch
Monday through Friday, 7am-3pm, The Office of Public Works has arranged for Springfield residents to pick up mulch in small or large quantities at no cost and receive free loading services too. Springfield Public Works Garage, 300 N. Seventh St.
Hazardous materials
Used motor oil can be recycled at most local automotive stores and all Auto Zone stores (various limits and charges). Compact fluorescent bulbs are accepted at Ace Hardware stores, Springfield Electric and at the County Health Department. Due to lack of funding, The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s hazardous materials collection is cancelled. 789-2327.
Tire Recycling
Old tires can be brought to various service stations, including Johnson & Johnson Auto Service Center, 1325 Stevenson Drive and Midtown Tire and Auto Service, 2110 Clear Lake Ave. Each store charges between $2 and $5 to get rid of one standard-sized tire. 789-2327.
Springfield Curbside (blue box) Recycling
Springfield residents can sign up by calling their private waste haulers as recycling is included in your garbage pickup fee. Accepted are: clean and dry newspapers, junk mail and chip board; all plastic containers except for No. 6; food cans, aluminum beverage cans, pie tins, clean aluminum foil, empty aerosol cans that did not contain paint; clear glass bottles and jars. No glass window panes or dishware. No colored glass. Drop-off recycling facilities are F&W Resources, 3327 Terminal Ave., Monday through Sunday (24/7). They accept same materials as curbside program (exception is glass) along with corrugated cardboard. 789-2327.
Join Project BudBurst
Register to become a Citizen Scientist and collect important climate change data on the timing of leafing and flowering where you live, targeting native tree and flower species. For info visit www.neoninc.org/budburst.
The Great Sunflower Project
Watch and record bees at sunflowers in your garden. No knowledge of bees required and they provide the seeds. For info visit greatsunflower.org.
Springfield in Bloom
A community-wide beautification effort April through July to encourage streetside landscape improvements to residential, business, neighborhood associations or nonprofit organization property. Projects involve existing gardens, new gardens or makeover projects. www.springfieldinbloom.org.
Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens
Enjoy a self-guided tour anytime the Fairground is open. All plants are labeled. University of Illinois Extension Building #30. 782-4617.
Bird Hikes
Apr 24, May 1 and 15, 8am, Bring your binoculars and join friendly, knowledgeable expert Kevin Veara in scanning the skies for both local feathered friends and those just passing through while migrating.
Novice and expert birders welcome. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Drive, 529-1111.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
May-Oct, 8am-12:30pm every Wed and Sat, Features fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, plants, flowers and bakery items. Chef demonstrations, artisan area, live entertainment. Adams St. 544-1723.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
May 13 - October 21 Thursdays (except August 12 & 19), 4-7pm, Fresh fruits and vegetables. Commodities Pavillion, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 785-4873.
Self-Guided Walks
Over 110 acres of trails, woodlands, wetlands and prairies, that feature plants indigenous to Illinois at the time of Lincoln. Trails open sunrise to sunset every day. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Drive, 529-1111.
APRIL
Water Gardening Society
Apr 22, 6:30pm, Joan Woelfel, past president of the St. Louis Water Gardening Society, discusses the benefits and fun activities offered through water gardening society membership. 726-8216. Washington Park Botanical Garden, Fayette Ave.
Speakers Series: The Open Space of Democracy
Apr 22, 7pm, Earth Day speaker Terry Tempest Williams, author, naturalist and advocate for social justice, talks on behalf of an ethical stance toward life. UIS Brookens Auditorium. 206-6606.
Earth Day Film: A Sense of Wonder
Apr 22, 6:30pm. Free film depicting Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, as she recounts attacks by the chemical industry, the government, and the press when her book was published in 1962. The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ; 520 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. 370-1035.
Earth Awareness Fair
Apr 24, 10am-2pm, Free for all ages with environmental games, free baby trees, bicycle rally, giveaways, prize drawings and exhibitors providing info and activities. Live music by Tom Irwin and Thornhill if event is outdoors on lawn. Held indoors if rain. 789-2327 or [email protected]. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza.
Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Plant Sale
Apr 24, 12-7pm and Apr 25, 8am-2pm, Features a re-blooming “Route 66” daylily that is available in a limited
