About us
Established in 1971 by municipal ordinance, the Bloomington Environmental Commission (EC) is an advisory body composed of Bloomington citizens appointed by the Mayor and Common Council.
Mission
The mission of the Environmental Commission is to advise the City of Bloomington on how its actions and policies may preserve and enhance the quality of Bloomington's environment, including the life-supporting processes that natural ecological systems provide to humans and other organisms.
The EC actively participates in the city planning process; researches and reports on environmental topics; develops educational outreach activities and materials; responds to inquiries from residents; and coordinates with other municipal boards and commissions and other organizations on issues of mutual interest.
Statutory Authority: BMC 2.12.050
Details
Events
Eco-Heroes 2018
Entries due: April 6 | Awards Ceremony: April 21 | Downloadable Entry Form
The EC is excited to announce that submissions are now open for the 2018 Eco-Heroes Art Contest, an art competition with an environmental theme. The Eco-Heroes contest seeks to connect the natural curiosity of students and residents to their passion for the environment and creativity as artists, writers, and craftspeople This year's theme is "Protecting Our Pollinator Pals." This theme is intended to encourage participants to express the importance of pollinators to the environment, our well-being, and our food system. Pollinator species include butterflies, bees, insects, birds, and bats; and providing an environment in which they can thrive is beneficial for humans and animals alike.
Last year's event was a tremendous success with more than 70 outstanding and diverse entries across a wide range of media, from sculptures, paintings, and posters, to quilts, essays, and drawings. For the second year in a row, the Eco-Heroes contest is also open to adults!
Entries based on the theme are welcome in a range of formats, including written (e.g., stories, poems, and essays under 300 words), visual (e.g., terracycling, drawings, posters, sculptures, paintings, and craft projects), or performance art (e.g., songs, sketches, slam poems). All submissions will be displayed at City Hall, and Eco-Hero Awards will be presented to first-, second-, and third-place winners in five age groups (Pre-K to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade, 9th to 12th grade, and adult (18+)). Participants are welcome to collaborate and work in pairs, groups, or as a class. In addition to being honored as an Eco-Hero by Mayor John Hamilton at the awards ceremony on April 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers, each Hero will be presented with prizes sponsored by local businesses.
All entries should be dropped off at the Department of Planning & Transportation, located in Showers City Hall (401 N. Morton St., Suite 130) by Friday, April 6, 2018 at 5:00 PM. Text or digital files may be emailed to Riley Zipper (zipperr@bloomington.in.gov). Submissions must include the participant's name, grade (if applicable), school (if applicable), and contact information, including a phone number and email address. A downloadable entry form is linked above and may also be picked up at the Department.
Reports
The EC has published its latest report, the Bloomington Habitat Connectivity Plan (BHCP). The BHCP provides recommendations to the City of Bloomington on how it can strengthen biodiversity in our city by reducing habitat fragmentation brought on by development and expanding greenspace. Download the BHCP.
The EC is proud to announce the publication of the Bloomington Environmental Action Plan (BEAP), a strategic plan that articulates how the City can mitigate climate change and improve the quality of life for citizens. More specifically, the Plan details how Bloomington can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 17% below 2014 levels by 2020. Download the Plan.
Releases of toxic substances in Bloomington are described in the 2011 Toxics Report (PDF 1.92 MB) and in the accompanying appendix of oversized tables.
Natural Landscaping Information
Learn how natural landscaping can foster healthier relationships between humans and local ecosystems by reading the brochures and fact sheets below. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Department of Planning & Transportation at 812-349-3423, or contact us via e-mail.
Informational Brochures
Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators: Mason Bees
Fact Sheets
Attracting Wildlife with Native Plants
Deer-Resistant Native Plant Species
Native Plant Info Sheet (2009)
Natural Landscaping: What to Know and Where to Go
Contact Info
For more information concerning the Environmental Commission, its programs, or activities, please call the Department of Planning & Transportation at 812-349-3423 or address your inquiries to environment@bloomington.in.gov.
To subscribe to the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability's listserv, e-mail sustainability+subscribe@bloomington.in.gov; to unsubscribe to this listserv, e-mail sustainability+unsubscribe@bloomington.in.gov.