Newsletter Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Dear NCH2 Community!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MMHAM) with the theme "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World." Acknowledging that life, and all that we encounter, can be overwhelming, Mental Health America (MHA), the organization that initiated this awareness month, offers education and resources for the many challenges we face! Started in 1949, MMHAM has a long track record of education, advocacy, improving better understanding, and identifying resources. This year's specific guidance:
At NCH2, we hope that you, your friends, and families tap into the mental health benefits of spending time outside in safe and welcoming spaces. Wear green outside with your friends, your family and send a snapshot to Mental Health America! Stay tuned to our Instagram page that will feature some fabulous local nature spots that are accessible through public transportation.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MMHAM) with the theme "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World." Acknowledging that life, and all that we encounter, can be overwhelming, Mental Health America (MHA), the organization that initiated this awareness month, offers education and resources for the many challenges we face! Started in 1949, MMHAM has a long track record of education, advocacy, improving better understanding, and identifying resources. This year's specific guidance:
- "LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community."
At NCH2, we hope that you, your friends, and families tap into the mental health benefits of spending time outside in safe and welcoming spaces. Wear green outside with your friends, your family and send a snapshot to Mental Health America! Stay tuned to our Instagram page that will feature some fabulous local nature spots that are accessible through public transportation.
Index
Community Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Celebrating the Earth at the Academy for Global Citizenship with Women for Green Spaces
Image: A family at the Academy for Global Citizenship learn more about native plants and nearby nature with Claudia Galeno-Sanchez, Women for Green Spaces and NCH2.
The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) hosted a Celebrate the Earth Festival at its new building on Chicago's southwest side this past Saturday. NCH2 and Women for Green Spaces (WfGS) hosted a resource table with fun interactive activities and information about native plants, local pollinators, including the endangered Monarch butterfly, nearby nature, and the importance of getting outside for your health. These messages fit perfectly into the AGC mission of sustainability. Their new building reflects this mission with its surrounding environment through "solar power, geothermal wells, refurbished building materials, grey water catchment, structural insulation, a sustainable vegetable farm, nature pathways, community gardens, compost, recycling and intentional architectural design...and achieve net positive energy production." Their early education through 8th grade students spend over 25% of their time outside during the day and practice sustainability throughout the school day.
Over 100 families and nearby neighbors visited with us to learn more about NCH2 and WfGS. It was an honor to have been invited and we look forward to partnerships with people who expressed excitement about the possibility.
Over 100 families and nearby neighbors visited with us to learn more about NCH2 and WfGS. It was an honor to have been invited and we look forward to partnerships with people who expressed excitement about the possibility.
Upcoming Events
Image, Laura Derks
Free Spring Bird Walk at Ryerson Woods
On Tuesday April 30, over 338 million migrating birds flew over the Chicago region, according to BirdCast. Join one of the many events happening in the region to catch these spring beauties as they make their way to mating and nesting areas locally or north of our region.
In the Lake County Forest Preserves, join local birders for the Spring Bird Walk in Ryerson Woods--it is free and all ages are welcome (adult supervision required)! Email [email protected] with questions or to inquire about accommodations. No pets but service animals welcome.
When: May 4, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Where: Ryerson Woods Welcome Center
The Healing Sounds of Birds
Openlands will host an educational workshop this Thursday about how to bird. Listening to birdsong can be restorative and good for your health! Birds in My Neighborhood Program Coordinator for Openlands, J’orge Garcia will lead this workshop to teach us the importance of spending time outside birding. Wear comfortable clothing and bring binoculars if you have them. Register here.
When: May 2, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Garfield Park Fieldhouse
On Tuesday April 30, over 338 million migrating birds flew over the Chicago region, according to BirdCast. Join one of the many events happening in the region to catch these spring beauties as they make their way to mating and nesting areas locally or north of our region.
In the Lake County Forest Preserves, join local birders for the Spring Bird Walk in Ryerson Woods--it is free and all ages are welcome (adult supervision required)! Email [email protected] with questions or to inquire about accommodations. No pets but service animals welcome.
When: May 4, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Where: Ryerson Woods Welcome Center
The Healing Sounds of Birds
Openlands will host an educational workshop this Thursday about how to bird. Listening to birdsong can be restorative and good for your health! Birds in My Neighborhood Program Coordinator for Openlands, J’orge Garcia will lead this workshop to teach us the importance of spending time outside birding. Wear comfortable clothing and bring binoculars if you have them. Register here.
When: May 2, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Garfield Park Fieldhouse
Image, Laura Derks South Shore Nature Sanctuary
Chicago Water Week!
How cool is this! To experience and learn more about everything to do with the abundance of fresh water in our region join one of the many events for Water Week: to name a few--Walk the Wild Mile; learn about plastic pollution; hear a concert with water themes--Check out the events hosted by many public, private, and community organizations here and learn more about the intention behind this awareness week here.
When: May 5-11
Where: In the Region
How cool is this! To experience and learn more about everything to do with the abundance of fresh water in our region join one of the many events for Water Week: to name a few--Walk the Wild Mile; learn about plastic pollution; hear a concert with water themes--Check out the events hosted by many public, private, and community organizations here and learn more about the intention behind this awareness week here.
When: May 5-11
Where: In the Region
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World Mental Health Celebration Day with the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Want to learn more about local clinical mental health care resources as well as experience other non-clinical supports for mental health? Join this celebration and resource day at Swallow Cliff Woods to learn from Advocate-Aurora Health staff and opt in for yoga, a hike, or painting outside. Learn more here. When: May 14, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Where: Swallow Cliff North |
Image, FPCC website
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Image, Laura Derks
Spring and Summer Wellness Walks
Enjoy these nature-immersive walks with mindfulness and meditative practices during slow leisurely walks with a tea ceremony afterwards. Ages 18+ and free in the Forest Preserves of Cook County Central area led by the University of Illinois Extension. All times are 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. For more information and to know about what UI Extension is doing in our region.
Where and When:
May 18, Thatcher Woods
June 8, Miller Meadow
Enjoy these nature-immersive walks with mindfulness and meditative practices during slow leisurely walks with a tea ceremony afterwards. Ages 18+ and free in the Forest Preserves of Cook County Central area led by the University of Illinois Extension. All times are 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. For more information and to know about what UI Extension is doing in our region.
Where and When:
May 18, Thatcher Woods
June 8, Miller Meadow
Funding Opportunities and other Resources
Image, Laura Derks
Tree Planting Grants
Illinois Community Canopy Planting Grant
A new partnership between Trees Forever, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service is making funds available to Illinois communities to restore and plant trees in community forests. The Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds "tree-planting projects that diversify the tree canopy in 'disadvantaged' (a definition specified and required in the U.S. Forest Service grants) Illinois communities. Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as "along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more." Grants of $3,000-15,000 are available. For more information, go here.
Openlands Treeplanters Grant
Openlands' regional goal of restoring and maintaining the tree canopy is focusing on planting new trees in communities with low canopy cover. These communities include Archer Heights, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, McKinley Park, New City, South Lawndale, West Elsdon, West Lawn. These neighborhoods are priority areas for Treeplanter Grants. Other neighborhoods in Chicago are also welcome to apply.
According to the Openlands website: "TreePlanters Grants are awarded to people, groups, or organizations that can bring together and coordinate their neighbors to plant 10-40 trees in predetermined locations in their neighborhood." The grant application is relatively simple--check out the application here.
Illinois Community Canopy Planting Grant
A new partnership between Trees Forever, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service is making funds available to Illinois communities to restore and plant trees in community forests. The Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds "tree-planting projects that diversify the tree canopy in 'disadvantaged' (a definition specified and required in the U.S. Forest Service grants) Illinois communities. Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as "along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more." Grants of $3,000-15,000 are available. For more information, go here.
Openlands Treeplanters Grant
Openlands' regional goal of restoring and maintaining the tree canopy is focusing on planting new trees in communities with low canopy cover. These communities include Archer Heights, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, McKinley Park, New City, South Lawndale, West Elsdon, West Lawn. These neighborhoods are priority areas for Treeplanter Grants. Other neighborhoods in Chicago are also welcome to apply.
According to the Openlands website: "TreePlanters Grants are awarded to people, groups, or organizations that can bring together and coordinate their neighbors to plant 10-40 trees in predetermined locations in their neighborhood." The grant application is relatively simple--check out the application here.
Job Opportunities
New
Senior Lawyer with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
2024 One Summer Chicago--Application is now open for over 28,000 paid opportunities to individuals aged 14-24 across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. One Summer Chicago begins on Monday, June 24th, and will conclude on Friday, August 2nd. The application deadline is May 3rd, and we encourage individuals to apply early to increase their chances of receiving a job offer.
Continuing
Communications Associate at the Active Transportation Alliance. Consider applying if "you’re someone with a talent for crafting compelling narratives, distilling key messages, and producing content across a range of platforms"--full-time role, based in Chicago.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Faith in Place has several positions open.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships (Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program).
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions. Learn more here.
Illinois Nature Conservancy, Illinois Youth Environmental Thinkers Intern (age 16-18)– (Job 54847). Deadline to apply is May 3rd.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Openlands has a Forestry Coordinator position open.
Adventure Sports Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. here (Scroll down, there are several other job openings)
Urban Growers Collective has 7 full-time positions open here.
The UGC Internship Program is open and accepting applications---must be 18 and older.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
Senior Lawyer with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
2024 One Summer Chicago--Application is now open for over 28,000 paid opportunities to individuals aged 14-24 across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. One Summer Chicago begins on Monday, June 24th, and will conclude on Friday, August 2nd. The application deadline is May 3rd, and we encourage individuals to apply early to increase their chances of receiving a job offer.
Continuing
Communications Associate at the Active Transportation Alliance. Consider applying if "you’re someone with a talent for crafting compelling narratives, distilling key messages, and producing content across a range of platforms"--full-time role, based in Chicago.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Faith in Place has several positions open.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships (Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program).
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions. Learn more here.
Illinois Nature Conservancy, Illinois Youth Environmental Thinkers Intern (age 16-18)– (Job 54847). Deadline to apply is May 3rd.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Openlands has a Forestry Coordinator position open.
Adventure Sports Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. here (Scroll down, there are several other job openings)
Urban Growers Collective has 7 full-time positions open here.
The UGC Internship Program is open and accepting applications---must be 18 and older.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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24 Hours--5,159 Trucks through Archer Heights
The environmental burden of the $1 trillion in goods moving annually through Chicago by way of truck, train, ship and plane every year is disproportionately borne by Black and brown neighborhoods. A study from the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO see below) and the Center for Neighborhood Technology counted the number of medium-and heavy-duty trucks in the area. Pauline Vaca, standing at the intersection of 41st Street and Pulaski Avenue counted 430 trucks in an hour. Over the course of a day, 5,159 trucks and buses were recorded in Archer Heights — the most of any neighborhood. In his April 1 report for WBEZ and Grist, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco interviewed Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs for the Respiratory Health Association: “‘What comes out of the tailpipe of those engines is a collection of air pollutants: everything from nitrogen oxides to fine particulate matter, and even carbon dioxide,’ Urbaszewski said. Exposure to these pollutants is associated with a host of medical issues, ranging from respiratory to cardiovascular health impacts.” Read more here. |
Image, ChiStock Images
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Image, Derks
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The Disproportionate Burden of Warehouses and Speedy Delivery
A recent report from the Environmental Defense Fund looked at the “disproportionate burden associated with warehouses in Illinois.” Among its finding were that at least 525,000 truck trips per day service the 2,401 leased warehouses that are at least 100,000 square feet. Of the 2 million people living within a half mile of a warehouse, 127,000 are under age five and 251,100 are over age 64. Hispanic/Latino populations are 195% more likely to live within half a mile of a warehouse than would be expected, based on statewide statistics. This population composes 17.1% of the total population but makes up 33% of warehouse neighbors. Black populations are 137% more likely to live within half a mile of a warehouse than would be expected, based on statewide statistics. This population composes 15.3% of the total population but makes up 21% of warehouse neighbors. The Health and Equity Insights Act (HB 5013/SB 2385) addresses the impacts of warehouses that have 100,000 square feet or more of warehouse space or generate or could generate 50 or more truck trips per day, according to the report, Illinois Warehouse Boom: Tracing the growth of mega-warehouses and their health impacts (globalcleanair.org) Read published research on the adverse health effects of diesel exhaust here. And for more information about Chicago's industrial corridors go here. |
Image, Laura Derks
A Lesson From a Favorite Wildflower
Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank has a new favorite – the spring ephemeral flowering plant Dutchman’s breeches. (Which also grows locally in our woodlands). In a walk with Wendy Cass, the head botanist at Shenandoah National Park, Mr. Milbank learned to see the beauty in nature’s subtle hues and fleeting blooms. In his April 26 column he wrote, “In the case of these spring wildflowers, I realize that the knockout colors and fragrances I had associated with the natural world in my urban existence were, in fact, caricatures. In the wild, beauty is more subtle and more delicate — but it is also more satisfying. As I grow older, I find that this is true of life generally. It becomes clearer to me with each birthday that we are all spring ephemerals. We are here for just a short time. We sprout, we flower, we go to seed, we disappear. But, as the years race by, I am also learning to find beauty not just in bold colors but in subtler hues. The sublime is with us in every season, if we only pause long enough to take it in.” Read more, including his discoveries about planting trees.
Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank has a new favorite – the spring ephemeral flowering plant Dutchman’s breeches. (Which also grows locally in our woodlands). In a walk with Wendy Cass, the head botanist at Shenandoah National Park, Mr. Milbank learned to see the beauty in nature’s subtle hues and fleeting blooms. In his April 26 column he wrote, “In the case of these spring wildflowers, I realize that the knockout colors and fragrances I had associated with the natural world in my urban existence were, in fact, caricatures. In the wild, beauty is more subtle and more delicate — but it is also more satisfying. As I grow older, I find that this is true of life generally. It becomes clearer to me with each birthday that we are all spring ephemerals. We are here for just a short time. We sprout, we flower, we go to seed, we disappear. But, as the years race by, I am also learning to find beauty not just in bold colors but in subtler hues. The sublime is with us in every season, if we only pause long enough to take it in.” Read more, including his discoveries about planting trees.
Stay up to date on this settlement and other environmental justice issues in Little Village with Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
Hilco to Pay $12.25 Million to Little Village Residents
A federal judge recently approved a settlement of $12.25 million in a class action lawsuit against Hilco, the company that commissioned the implosion of the smokestack of the vacant Crawford coal power plant at 35th Street and Pulaski Avenue.
The implosion coated the area with dust and debris, according to an April 22 CBS report by Todd Feurer and Marybel Gonzalez.
More that 20,000 personal injury claims were deemed valid, and each person will receive a very small remuneration of about $317 in damages, the report said. Although there were charges of racism and mismanagement, no one in Chicago government was held responsible, and Hilco denies any wrongdoing. Read more here.
A federal judge recently approved a settlement of $12.25 million in a class action lawsuit against Hilco, the company that commissioned the implosion of the smokestack of the vacant Crawford coal power plant at 35th Street and Pulaski Avenue.
The implosion coated the area with dust and debris, according to an April 22 CBS report by Todd Feurer and Marybel Gonzalez.
More that 20,000 personal injury claims were deemed valid, and each person will receive a very small remuneration of about $317 in damages, the report said. Although there were charges of racism and mismanagement, no one in Chicago government was held responsible, and Hilco denies any wrongdoing. Read more here.
Image, Laura Derks
Most Great Lakes Pollution is Plastic
This month, the Alliance for the Great Lakes issued a report based on 20 years of collected data from more than 14,000 Adopt-A-Beach cleanups that 86% of the litter collected on its beaches is composed either partially or fully of plastic. The alliance suggests several short-term solutions, such as “reducing or eliminating the most problematic plastics like single-use bags and foam, deploying new technologies such as microfilters in washing machines to remove plastic microfibers before they enter our water systems, stopping the spills of industrial plastic pellets in the Great Lakes, and increasing access to water refilling stations as well as reuse and refill packaging.”
The report, written by the Alliance’s Volunteer Engagement Manager Olivia Reda, can be found at: New Report: Vast Majority of Great Lakes Litter is Plastic - Alliance for the Great Lakes
This month, the Alliance for the Great Lakes issued a report based on 20 years of collected data from more than 14,000 Adopt-A-Beach cleanups that 86% of the litter collected on its beaches is composed either partially or fully of plastic. The alliance suggests several short-term solutions, such as “reducing or eliminating the most problematic plastics like single-use bags and foam, deploying new technologies such as microfilters in washing machines to remove plastic microfibers before they enter our water systems, stopping the spills of industrial plastic pellets in the Great Lakes, and increasing access to water refilling stations as well as reuse and refill packaging.”
The report, written by the Alliance’s Volunteer Engagement Manager Olivia Reda, can be found at: New Report: Vast Majority of Great Lakes Litter is Plastic - Alliance for the Great Lakes
Connect with Us!
We are taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar--You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected]. Make sure you have accepted our newsletter email so it doesn't wind up in your junk folder!
FOLLOW US on our social media by clicking the icons below!
CREATE your own stories on Instagram and tag @NCH2Network so we can share how you engage with nature; we would love to see them!
EMAIL US and keep us updated on local events, exciting opportunities in the area, or send photos of local nature to be featured on the website.
CONTACT US at [email protected].
We are taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar--You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected]. Make sure you have accepted our newsletter email so it doesn't wind up in your junk folder!
FOLLOW US on our social media by clicking the icons below!
CREATE your own stories on Instagram and tag @NCH2Network so we can share how you engage with nature; we would love to see them!
EMAIL US and keep us updated on local events, exciting opportunities in the area, or send photos of local nature to be featured on the website.
CONTACT US at [email protected].