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Welcome to Earth Month Ecochallenge 2026!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Earth Month Ecochallenge 2026 expert in no time!

Ecochallenge.org
Earth Month Ecochallenge 2026
April 1 - April 30, 2026
Elle Schmakel's avatar

Elle Schmakel

Allina Health

"It may not seem like much, but it's a small way to take care of the earth the way it cares for us. "

Elle's points

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 211 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    60
    minutes
    of additional sleep
  • UP TO
    2.0
    donations
    made
  • UP TO
    60
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    2.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    7.0
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    7.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    180
    minutes
    spent learning

Elle's actions

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Participate in a Habitat Restoration Project

Healthy habitats support resilient wildlife populations. I will join 2 restoration efforts, such as planting native plants, cleaning a natural area, or repairing trails to protect biodiversity.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Choose Native Plants

Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and help ecosystems adapt to change. I will choose native plants for my yard, balcony, or community space instead of non-native or ornamental species to support biodiversity resilience.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Donate to Support Wildlife

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Work and Organizations

Join or Start a Green Team

Green teams strengthen resilience by creating shared responsibility. I will join or help start a green team in my workplace, school, or community group to support sustainability and collaboration.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Speak Up for Wildlife Protection

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take 3 actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Reduce Light Pollution

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Work and Organizations

Check out the Environmental Sustainability AKN Page

Learn more about sustainability efforts at Allina Health. Search for Environmental Sustainability on the AKN.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Work and Organizations

Identify the fire extinguisher closest to your work space.

Confirm that you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is. And take a moment to confirm you remember how to use it with our PASS acronym: a. Pull the pin b. Aim the hose c. Squeeze the handle d. Sweep side to side

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Connect with Someone

Strong communities are built on connection and trust. I will reach out to 2 others—friends, colleagues, or neighbors—to check in, have a meaningful conversation, offer support, or to meet someone new near me.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Community

Attend a Local Event

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 5 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Personal

Explore Resources for Managing Anxiety

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but resources and strategies can help. I will spend 60 minutes exploring resources that help manage anxiety and stress to support my mental and psychological well being.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Personal

Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 30 minutes of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Personal

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 30 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity and Wildlife
    What natural features did you leave in place, and what wildlife do you think could benefit from them?
    Elle Schmakel's avatar
    Elle Schmakel 4/30/2026 3:56 PM
    • Wildlife Guardian 🦉
    When we leave branches, trees and other natural carpet like leaves, we host the honey bees, new plants and all the baby critters that seem to be invisible to us, but are calling those spots home! Foxes will make dens under fallen trees, inside of rotted trunk cavities and other creatures like deer use these as part of their camouflage to blend into their surroundings. Waiting until May to mow your grass helps all the natural pollinators warm up before embarking on the journey that is helping your garden grow to its potential!
    Read More
  • Elle Schmakel's avatar
    Elle Schmakel 4/30/2026 2:55 PM
    • Wildlife Guardian 🦉
    I love this time of year when we focus on how we can join our forces to combat waste management and help keep the earth just a little bit more beautiful as a team instead of just a company. It makes it much more personal! My first eco challenge was initiated by Brooklyn Park Allina's clinic manager, Suzanne Plant. She was so educational and taught us small ways that build up to make a huge difference! Like how rinsing out our sani-wipe jugs 3 times makes them safe to recycle, along with other ways to make other items clean and safe to recycle. Wanting to care for this place we all call home is infectious in all the right ways(:
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    What did you enjoy or learn from attending a local event in your community? How do local traditions and gatherings build resilience and strengthen your community’s identity?
    Elle Schmakel's avatar
    Elle Schmakel 4/30/2026 2:48 PM
    • Wildlife Guardian 🦉
    Events like art fairs and concerts open your eyes to the abundance of talent and creativity that are in our little worlds! It's incredibly impressive and fascinating just how amazing peoples' minds are around us!
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    How did reaching out strengthen your connection with friends, colleagues, or neighbors? In what ways do these personal connections build resilience in your community?
    Elle Schmakel's avatar
    Elle Schmakel 4/30/2026 2:31 PM
    • Wildlife Guardian 🦉
    Especially today everyone needs to know they're thought of, cared about and loved. Reminding those you care about that there's still good in the world looking out for them, gives them hope that tomorrow will be better!
    Read More