BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Project Imo - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://projectimo.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Project Imo
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250902
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250816T130645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T195340Z
UID:10000103-1755302400-1756771199@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:IDEA FORGE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RELOCATION
DESCRIPTION:EXCITING NEWS\, WE’RE MOVING!\nProject Imo’s Base Camp and Idea Forge Creators Space will be temporarily closed while we move to a larger facility in downtown Willimantic\, CT.\nWe are thrilled to be moving to 54 North St\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226 and sharing an exciting new space with our partners at NAFI CT.\nDuring our move\, our Idea Forge Creators Space and general open programming will be closed to relocate. Idea Forge members will have limited access to certain workstations. If you have a specific project you’re working on\, let us know and we’ll arrange to make the move as minimally disruptive as possible. Your membership will be extended for 2 weeks to accommodate the interruption.\nSpecial programs such as the Windham Prevention Coalition Youth Leadership Council Summit on Monday\, August 25th will continue as planned at our Base Camp facility and the space at our amazing partners\, The River Room.\nTo learn more\, email teamimo@projectimo.org or call 860-786-5799.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/idea-forge-temporarily-closed-for-relocation/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Tech and Maker Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Project-Imo-Feature-Image-General.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250816
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250902
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250816T130906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T193827Z
UID:10000104-1755302400-1756771199@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:PROJECT IMO BASE CAMP TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RELOCATION
DESCRIPTION:EXCITING NEWS\, WE’RE MOVING!\nProject Imo’s Base Camp and Idea Forge Creators Space will be temporarily closed while we move to a larger facility in downtown Willimantic\, CT.\nWe are thrilled to be moving to 54 North St\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226 and sharing an exciting new space with our partners at NAFI CT.\nDuring our move\, our Idea Forge Creators Space and general open programming will be closed to relocate. Idea Forge members will have limited access to certain workstations. If you have a specific project you’re working on\, let us know and we’ll arrange to make the move as minimally disruptive as possible. Your membership will be extended for 2 weeks to accommodate the interruption.\nSpecial programs such as the Windham Prevention Coalition Youth Leadership Council Summit on Monday\, August 25th will continue as planned at our Base Camp facility and the space at our amazing partners\, The River Room.\nTo learn more\, email teamimo@projectimo.org or call 860-786-5799.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/idea-forge-temporarily-closed-for-relocation-2/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Teen Center Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Project-Imo-Feature-Image-General.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250902T233245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T235258Z
UID:10000122-1756915200-1756918800@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Youth Environmental Leadership Corps Meeting
DESCRIPTION:This is a regular meeting of the Environmental Impact Program’s Youth Environmental Leadership Corps.\nMeetings will be bi-weekly from September through December on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Members will get 1 hour of stipend credit for attending. Members do not need to attend all meetings\, but should attend 1 meeting per month either virtually or in-person.\nELC Members must register with a free “ticket” and select “In Person” or “Virtual” as their attendance option.\nDuring each meeting we will discuss ongoing conservation topics\, work on our ELC projects\, and plan community events. On evenings when a Environmental Impact Program workshop or community event is overlapping\, the meeting will be helping to lead the event.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/youth-environmental-leadership-corps-meeting/2025-09-03/
LOCATION:54 North St\, Willimantic\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Environmental Impact Program,Teen Center Programs,Youth ELC Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/environmental-impact-program-youth-promise-project-imo-conservation.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
GEO:41.71527;-72.21731
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250902T233245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T235258Z
UID:10000123-1758124800-1758128400@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Youth Environmental Leadership Corps Meeting
DESCRIPTION:This is a regular meeting of the Environmental Impact Program’s Youth Environmental Leadership Corps.\nMeetings will be bi-weekly from September through December on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Members will get 1 hour of stipend credit for attending. Members do not need to attend all meetings\, but should attend 1 meeting per month either virtually or in-person.\nELC Members must register with a free “ticket” and select “In Person” or “Virtual” as their attendance option.\nDuring each meeting we will discuss ongoing conservation topics\, work on our ELC projects\, and plan community events. On evenings when a Environmental Impact Program workshop or community event is overlapping\, the meeting will be helping to lead the event.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/youth-environmental-leadership-corps-meeting/2025-09-17/
LOCATION:54 North St\, Willimantic\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Environmental Impact Program,Teen Center Programs,Youth ELC Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/environmental-impact-program-youth-promise-project-imo-conservation.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
GEO:41.71527;-72.21731
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250904T193242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T150313Z
UID:10000105-1758556800-1758571200@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Finding Stories in Science
DESCRIPTION:Finding Stories in Science: Essentials of Storytelling with Data and Impact\nScience is everywhere. It shows up in the air we breathe\, the food we eat\, and the choices we make about how to care for our communities. But science by itself doesn’t always move people to care or act. What makes the difference is how the story is told. When you hear about a researcher who discovered something new\, or a neighbor who noticed changes in the local stream\, it’s the story that makes you remember and want to do something about it. \nThis workshop is built around that simple but powerful idea. For our time together\, we’ll explore how to turn facts and data into stories that connect. Led by our very lover of science and fantastic storyteller Jason Hyland (Jay)\, you’ll get the chance to listen\, practice\, and create alongside others who care about making science more meaningful and accessible. \nWhy we start with stories\nNumbers and graphs are important\, but they don’t usually stick in people’s minds. Think about climate change. A chart can show a rise in temperature\, but hearing how it affects a farmer’s crops or a family’s daily life makes it real. That is the heart of storytelling. It is about putting a human face on information and inviting people to see themselves in the bigger picture. \nWhat we will do together\nThis session is not a lecture. It is a mix of short lessons\, examples\, and hands-on practice. You will learn: \n\nHow to recognize the elements of a good story such as a character\, a challenge\, and a resolution.\nHow to take complicated ideas and make them understandable without losing the important details.\nHow to shape your message for different audiences whether it is a classroom\, a community meeting\, or a friend who is curious.\nHow to share your story out loud and get feedback in a supportive space.\n\nBy the end\, you will have started shaping a story of your own. It could be about a project you’re working on\, a local issue you care about\, or even a favorite science fact that you want to share in a new way. \nHow the time will flow\nWe’ll begin by looking at a number of examples from scientists\, teachers\, and advocates who have used stories to bring attention to their work. We will take time to explore in small groups to identify the “characters” and “conflicts” in your own area of interest. Time will be allotted to make sure we all have time to practice in a format or two\, possibly experiment on how to present it\, and learn how a small shift in perspective\, wording\, focus can make a big difference. \nWho should come\nThis workshop is for anyone who wants to feel more confident talking about science. You don’t need to be a professional speaker or writer. You just need curiosity and a willingness to practice. Students\, educators\, researchers\, and community members are all welcome. \nWhy it matters for our community\nAt Project Imo\, we believe knowledge is meant to be shared. When people can tell science stories in ways that feel clear and relatable\, the whole community benefits. It means local issues like invasive species\, conservation\, or climate impacts can be talked about in ways that lead to real conversations and real change. \nWhat you’ll take away\nBy the end of the session you will have: \n\nA draft of a story you can share with others.\nTools for simplifying and clarifying information.\nMore confidence in speaking and writing about topics you care about.\nA new understanding of how your voice can support the work of building a healthier community and environment.\n\nJoin us\nFinding Stories in Science is about giving you a chance to discover your own voice and how it can make a difference. Together we’ll practice\, encourage one another\, and come away with stories that connect people to the science that matters most.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/finding-stories-in-science/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Finding-Stories-in-Science-Essentials-of-Storytelling-with-Data-and-Impact.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250904T193905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T150514Z
UID:10000106-1758729600-1758744000@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Building Websites People First
DESCRIPTION:Building Websites People First: Planning for Design that Works\nWhen most people think about building a website\, they imagine clicking through templates or diving straight into code. It feels exciting to start right away. But anyone who has ever tried to make a site without a plan knows how quickly things can get messy. Pages don’t flow\, the design feels cluttered\, and the whole thing takes more time and energy than it should. \nThis workshop is about slowing down at the beginning so you can save yourself hours of frustration later. By putting people at the center of the design process and mapping out the structure before you touch a line of code\, you’ll end up with a site that is clear\, accessible\, and enjoyable to use. \nWhy people first matters\nWebsites are not built for computers. They are built for people. A beautiful design doesn’t mean much if visitors cannot find what they need or if the page feels overwhelming. In this session\, we’ll step into the shoes of the people who land on your site and think carefully about what they see\, where their eyes go first\, and what path they naturally follow. \nWe’ll look at habits most of us share when we read online. For example\, people tend to scan left to right and top to bottom. They often focus on a bold header or hero image\, skim past the middle\, and then land on the footer when they’re looking for contact details. Understanding these patterns helps us design sites that guide visitors rather than lose them along the way. \nWhat we will cover\nThis workshop mixes teaching\, discussion\, and hands-on practice. Together we’ll: \n\nExplore the basic building blocks of a website and how they work together.\nTalk about accessibility and why designing with everyone in mind is not optional.\nDiscuss responsiveness and how a design adapts across phones\, tablets\, and desktops.\nLook at the role of contrast\, margins\, padding\, and negative space in making a site readable and comfortable.\nMap out the flow of a sample site and storyboard the visitor journey from start to finish.\n\nWe’ll also spend some time on speed\, not from a technical standpoint but from a design one. A simple\, well-structured site loads faster and feels lighter because it avoids unnecessary clutter. \nHow our time together will be spent\nWe’ll begin with an overview of common website patterns and talk through what works well and what often causes frustration. Then we’ll move into group work where you’ll practice sketching and framing out the structure of a site. We’ll consider how to arrange a homepage\, how to break up sections so they don’t overwhelm\, and how to use space to guide attention. \nBy the second half of the workshop\, you’ll be applying these ideas to a storyboard of your own. Whether you are dreaming of a personal blog\, planning a site for a community project\, or rethinking a business page\, you’ll leave with a practical framework that makes the actual build easier and less stressful. \nWho should join\nThis workshop is for anyone who wants to create a website that feels welcoming and easy to use. You don’t need to be a designer or a coder. Beginners will learn how to think like a planner before diving in\, while those with experience will find new ways to refine their process and cut down on wasted effort. \nWhy it matters for our community\nAt Project Imo\, we care about how people connect online as much as how they connect in person. A thoughtful website can help a community thrive\, share resources\, and tell its story more effectively. By designing with people first\, we build online spaces that reflect the values of accessibility\, clarity\, and care. \nWhat you’ll take away\nBy the end of the workshop\, you will: \n\nHave a storyboard for a website of your choice.\nUnderstand how to frame out a design before starting the build.\nKnow why margins\, spacing\, and contrast matter sometimes more than flashy effects and cool designs.\nFeel confident about creating a site that works for people\, not just screens.\n\nJoin us\nBuilding a website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning\, it becomes an exciting creative process instead of a headache. This workshop will give you the tools to start with people first\, so you can bring your ideas online in a way that feels clear\, organized\, and meaningful.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/building-websites-people-first/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Tech and Maker Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Building-Websites-People-First-Planning-for-Design-that-Works.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250904T194617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T143327Z
UID:10000107-1758816000-1758823200@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Community Invasive Species Cleanup - A New Hope
DESCRIPTION:Community Invasive Species Cleanup: A New Hope\nIn every community\, there are quiet battles happening right under our feet. Along sidewalks\, in parking lots\, tucked behind fences\, and even in our parks\, invasive plant species creep in and slowly begin to take over. They grow fast\, spread wide\, and leave little space for the plants and animals that belong here. It might not look like much at first glance\, but if left unchecked\, invasives can reshape entire ecosystems. \nThis first event in our invasive species cleanup series\, A New Hope\, is about recognizing the problem and showing how much of a difference we can make when we work together. We’ll meet downtown\, right in the center of our shared spaces\, and take a closer look at the plants that have taken hold in the heart of town. Along the way\, we’ll learn how to identify some of the most common invasive plants in Connecticut and talk about why knowing about these species matter. More importantly\, we’ll get our hands dirty and practice removing them in ways that make space for healthier growth. \nWhy this matters\nInvasive species aren’t just weeds. They compete with native plants for sunlight\, soil\, and water. They can crowd out flowers and grasses that support pollinators\, reduce food sources for birds and wildlife\, and make it harder for native trees and shrubs to grow. When invasives take hold\, they don’t just change how an area looks\, they change how it works. That means fewer butterflies\, fewer bees\, fewer birds\, and fewer opportunities for people to connect with a thriving natural space. \nWhen we come together to learn and act\, we push back against that trend. Removing invasives may not seem like a big step\, but it creates real openings for healthier plants to return. Over time\, those changes ripple out\, creating stronger ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and people. \nWhat you’ll do\nThis session combines education and action. We’ll begin with a short walk and talk to introduce some of the most common invasive plants in our community. You’ll learn how to recognize their leaves\, flowers\, and growth patterns\, so you’ll be able to spot them not only downtown but also in your own backyard. From there\, we’ll move into hands-on abatement work. Together\, we’ll target key areas of downtown\, removing invasive growth and making the space more welcoming for both people and native plants. \nNo experience is needed\, and all are welcome. We’ll provide the know-how and guidance. What you bring is your energy\, your curiosity\, and your willingness to work side by side with neighbors. \nBuilding momentum\nA New Hope is the beginning of a three-part series. After this first event downtown\, we’ll return in October for The Mugwort Strikes Back\, where we’ll take on one of the most stubborn invasives in town. Then in November we’ll close out the series at the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve with Return of the Trail Crew\, focusing on rewilding and long-term stewardship. Each event builds on the last\, so if you enjoy this session\, mark your calendar for the next two. \nWhat you’ll take away\nBy joining this event\, you’ll leave with: \n\nThe ability to recognize invasive species in your daily life.\nA deeper understanding of how these plants impact ecosystems.\nThe satisfaction of seeing an immediate difference in the downtown landscape.\nA connection to others who care about our town and its future.\n\nWhy it is important for all of us\nOur community spaces reflect who we are. When invasives take over\, they make it harder for the natural beauty of our town to shine through. When we act together\, we reclaim those spaces\, creating healthier\, more welcoming places for everyone. This isn’t just about pulling weeds. It’s about showing that small steps\, taken together\, can lead to meaningful change.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/community-invasive-species-cleanup-a-new-hope/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Community-Invasive-Species-Cleanup-A-New-Hope-Feature.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T120000
DTSTAMP:20260519T082051
CREATED:20250904T201914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T232535Z
UID:10000108-1758963600-1758974400@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Birding on Bicycles
DESCRIPTION:Birding on Bicycles\nSpend a morning exploring our local trails by bike while learning to notice the birds that share these spaces with us. We will start from Base Camp and roll east on the Airline State Park Trail toward North Windham\, with a stop to view the bog near the Natchaug and time to appreciate the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve. The ride blends easy-going cycling with simple birding techniques so you can enjoy both movement and observation. \nWhat this ride is about\nThis is not a race. It is a relaxed\, social ride that makes room for curiosity. We will keep a conversational pace\, pause at natural viewing points\, and practice how to look and listen while on the move. You will learn simple ways to identify birds by shape\, size\, behavior\, and habitat\, rather than memorizing long lists. The goal is to come away with a few new skills and a fresh way of seeing the trail you may already know well. \nRoute and rhythm\nWe will follow the Airline State Park Trail east from Base Camp\, a mostly flat\, packed-surface route that is friendly for a wide range of riders. Our turn-around point will be near North Windham. Along the way we will visit wetland edges and open stretches where birds are easier to spot. Expect short stops to scan the bog and nearby tree lines\, and gentle regrouping after each stop so no one feels rushed. Cycling skills are essential for comfort and safety on shared paths. \nWhat you might see\nEarly fall in our area often brings active wetlands plenty of active environments for this experience. Keep an eye out for familiar residents like red-winged blackbirds\, swallows working over open spaces\, and hawks circling high. At the water you may catch sight of herons hunting the shallows or ducks resting in quiet coves. In the trees and shrubs\, small songbirds flit from branch to branch. We will focus on patterns that help you notice these birds in real time\, even if they are on the move. \nHow we will learn\nWe will lead simple\, practical exercises at a few stops along the route. We will practice scanning from near to far\, using landmarks to relocate a bird\, and picking one field mark to remember rather than trying to note everything at once. You will hear tips on how light\, distance\, and background affect what you see\, and how to use behavior and habitat to make a good first guess. The goal is to help you feel more confident noticing birds on any future ride or walk. \nWhat to bring\n\nA bike that is in good working order (if you need one see note below).\nA properly fitted helmet. Helmets are required for all riders.\nWater and a small snack.\nLayers suitable for morning temperatures and light wind.\nIf you have binoculars\, bring them. A lightweight strap helps while riding.\n\nA limited number of bikes may be available upon request. If you need one\, please reach out when you register so we can confirm availability in advance. \nSafety and trail etiquette\nWe will ride single file when needed and give audible signals when passing other trail users. At viewing stops\, we will pull fully off the path to leave room for walkers and riders to pass. Please check your brakes and tire pressure before arriving. If anything feels off during the ride\, let the group know so we can pause and assist. \nWho should join\nThis ride is a good fit for people who are comfortable riding a bike on multiuse trails and who want a gentle introduction to birding in motion. You do not need prior birding experience. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down at stops are all you need. Families with teens who ride confidently are welcome. \nWhat you will take away\n\nA simple framework for noticing and identifying birds while you ride.\nPractice using habitat and behavior as quick clues.\nA fresh appreciation for the wetlands and preserves along our local trail.\nA relaxed morning outdoors with people who enjoy learning together.\n\nJoin us for a ride that blends fresh air\, gentle movement\, and attention to the living world around us. You will head home with a few new skills\, a calmer mind\, and a better sense of how to fold nature observation into everyday time on the trail.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/birding-on-bicycles/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Special Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Birding-on-Bicycles.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR