Located just south of Allen Hall/LAR and west of McKinley Health Center, the Red Oak Rain Garden solves local flooding issues while providing an outdoor space for the UIUC community. This SSC grant provides support for sidewalk modifications and additions, expanding pedestrian and cyclist transportation while strengthening flood control. The project team will also install benches to encourage community members to use the space throughout the year. For outreach, the project team will host a ribbon cutting event that celebrates the upgraded rain garden. Similarly, individuals can follow the rain garden @RainGardenUIUC on all social media platforms. 

Red Oak Rain Garden 2.0 restores the original Red Oak Rain Garden that was established 10 years ago to address the flooding issue between McKinley Health Center and Allen Hall. Students will work alongside faculty, staff, and community members to plant specific plants that provide multi-season flooding protection. This project aims to increase awareness surrounding horticulture and natural flooding management while addressing an infrastructural issue on campus.

The Student Sustainability Committee provides financial support to purchase plants, signage, training materials, and hardscape. The plant species are specifically chosen for maximum efficiency and learning. Likewise, the signage will allow the passerby to identify native species. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will support the garden while students are on academic breaks and provide Red Bison, a student-led organization, with rain garden training.

Apply to fill one of the EcoOlympics officer roles Now!

Do team building, leadership, networking with campus stakeholders, and preparing for the real world sound like a great way to build your resume. Gain experience and build these business aspects of your portfolio while having fun with your colleagues and making a difference in the world!

                Leadership, team building, communication and business organizational experience with environmentally friendly programs put you at the top of the pack when applying to corporate/academic internships, non-profit organizations, outreach organizations and graduate programs. Participating as an officer is gratifying and fulfills these qualifications, while providing plenty of documented recognition in environmental stewardship and energy conservation.

See file for example of leadership certificate and acknowledgement from Chancellor Jones.

We are currently building this year’s organization team, so join us to develop your portfolio and work together organizing and helping others reach their goals and make a difference in the world, by sending a 75-150 word essay (essentially 2-3 paragraphs) about why being an officer on the EcoOlympics organization team is important to you. Send to EcoOlympics@gmail.com and include the position (see list below) you are applying  for in the subject title.

For a closer look:

1) At the competition, visit the iCap description and our website

2) For personal benefits visit housings article highlighting Jessica Mondello’s experience and accomplishments

3) As for fun, games and camraderie check out and join our facebook page 

Now accepting resume’s for the following positions:

Team Members:

·         President- leads the organization team, manages all aspects of the competition

·         Treasurer- manages funding of the competition, sponsors, prizes, marketing materials and promotions

·         Marketing/Publicity Chair- manages the recruiting of participants, marketing events and advertising, coordinates efforts with the     Building Captain Manager

·         Building Captain Chair- communicates and motivates the building captains for each team and collaborates with the Publicity Chair

·         Technical Chair- manages and publishes the technical data, networks with utilities services and building managers to gain access to metering information

See file for time commitment per role.

Resume building, networking and gratifying experience – Preparation for real world
Emphasize the shortness of the commitment for the value gained
There will be guidance, resources, and structure for accomplishing these leadership roles

Thank you

Paul Foote

Think Globally. Act Locally

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Facilities and Services, Utilities and Energy Services

Energy Conservation and Retro-commissioning

Office: 217-244-1048

The first issue of the F&S Insider includes an article about the Red Oak Rain Garden design efforts this summer.