Newsletter Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
This past week we have seen and experienced the power of raising voices publicly and collectively. In case you missed it, a group of Montana youth sued the state of Montana, claiming the state was not fulfilling their "constitutional right to live in a healthy climate" and they won! (See our In the News Section) The state of Montana must now consider consider how new or renewed fossil fuel projects affect climate change when going through the approval process. (This group of 16 youth are the perfect example of what Dr. Louise Chawla would observe as an "meaning-focused" effort to cope with climate anxiety through collaboration and advocating on behalf of the planet.) More locally, the NCH2 grantee Women For Green Spaces featured below is another example of how collective and hopeful action results in community resilience.
Tonight there is an opportunity to raise our collective voices around the destruction of grain silos in southwest Chicago built in the late 1800s. The hearing will center on the destruction of the Damen Silos and the new owners' efforts to ensure this hazardous process will be as safe as possible. After the sudden implosion in 2020 of the Pilsen coal plants, and public outcry about the sudden influx of hazardous dust and debris, the city revised the rules for demolitions.
Let us know how you, a local youth group, or your organization is raising its voice for a safer, greener, more vibrant environment--send us an email at nch2.chicago@gmail.com!
This past week we have seen and experienced the power of raising voices publicly and collectively. In case you missed it, a group of Montana youth sued the state of Montana, claiming the state was not fulfilling their "constitutional right to live in a healthy climate" and they won! (See our In the News Section) The state of Montana must now consider consider how new or renewed fossil fuel projects affect climate change when going through the approval process. (This group of 16 youth are the perfect example of what Dr. Louise Chawla would observe as an "meaning-focused" effort to cope with climate anxiety through collaboration and advocating on behalf of the planet.) More locally, the NCH2 grantee Women For Green Spaces featured below is another example of how collective and hopeful action results in community resilience.
Tonight there is an opportunity to raise our collective voices around the destruction of grain silos in southwest Chicago built in the late 1800s. The hearing will center on the destruction of the Damen Silos and the new owners' efforts to ensure this hazardous process will be as safe as possible. After the sudden implosion in 2020 of the Pilsen coal plants, and public outcry about the sudden influx of hazardous dust and debris, the city revised the rules for demolitions.
Let us know how you, a local youth group, or your organization is raising its voice for a safer, greener, more vibrant environment--send us an email at nch2.chicago@gmail.com!
Index
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Women for Green Spaces: Catalyst Seed Grantee
In one of two butterfly sanctuaries in Pilsen, Women for Green Spaces collaborators (l to r) Claudia Galeno-Sanchez, Rita Varela, Andrea Batres, and Isabel Gonzalez (not pictured is Gloria Pierce who was on Zoom!)
Amidst a thriving, vibrant native pollinator garden in the Pilsen neighborhood, a group of women who are part of a relatively new organization Women for Green Spaces (WFGS) talked with NCH2 about their vision for the NCH2 Catalyst planning grant. As pollinators flew around us, we personally experienced the WFGS vision--to increase habitat for native pollinators and at the same time increase access to quality green spaces in neighborhoods nearby Pilsen.
As a Catalyst Seed Grantee, their ideas should be embedded in the Triple Aim of our work--Ensuring Equity, Caring for the Land, and improving community health. The WFGS vision improves access to green spaces in areas that have experienced very limited access to gardens, trees, and native landscapes. Leader of WFGS, Claudia Galeno-Sanchez has personally designed and planted the butterfly sanctuaries in Pilsen adjacent to the home of Working Family Solidarity, another nonprofit in Pilsen working on labor rights and inter-racial solidarity. WFGS has created several new green spaces in Pilsen including the local public school Orozco Community Academy on a new native pollinator habitat. The NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant will help them plan this vision for green spaces in the southwest and south side.
The success and impact WFGS has had in Pilsen encouraged them to apply for the NCH2 grant so they could plan for new spaces in other neighborhoods. Nearby partner Gloria Pierce, a member and leader at Bethel Mennonite Community Church, adjacent to ABLA homes, is eager to partner with WFGS and significantly expand access to green spaces. Gloria and Claudia agreed that nature supports their wholistic goals to have a healthier environment. Claudia described their unified goals: "Our goal is to fight for environmental health - the future of our planet - but also to unite women and people of color to defend our right to a decent life, a stable life. People need to be in direct contact with nature to be able to be healthier physically and mentally." WFGS also plans to use Catalyst Seed Grant funding to support new green spaces in Back of the Yards neighborhood with pollinator habitats and much denser tree canopy.
Given that it is rare to see more than one butterfly, let alone several pollinators in a small outdoor space, all of us we could understand personally the Field of Dreams quote "if you build it, they will come"--the Monarchs, the Swallowtails, and bumblebees. NCH2 looks forward to seeing this vision unfold! Check out the NCH2 Instagram page for photos of gorgeous plants, chrysalis, and pollinators.
As a Catalyst Seed Grantee, their ideas should be embedded in the Triple Aim of our work--Ensuring Equity, Caring for the Land, and improving community health. The WFGS vision improves access to green spaces in areas that have experienced very limited access to gardens, trees, and native landscapes. Leader of WFGS, Claudia Galeno-Sanchez has personally designed and planted the butterfly sanctuaries in Pilsen adjacent to the home of Working Family Solidarity, another nonprofit in Pilsen working on labor rights and inter-racial solidarity. WFGS has created several new green spaces in Pilsen including the local public school Orozco Community Academy on a new native pollinator habitat. The NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant will help them plan this vision for green spaces in the southwest and south side.
The success and impact WFGS has had in Pilsen encouraged them to apply for the NCH2 grant so they could plan for new spaces in other neighborhoods. Nearby partner Gloria Pierce, a member and leader at Bethel Mennonite Community Church, adjacent to ABLA homes, is eager to partner with WFGS and significantly expand access to green spaces. Gloria and Claudia agreed that nature supports their wholistic goals to have a healthier environment. Claudia described their unified goals: "Our goal is to fight for environmental health - the future of our planet - but also to unite women and people of color to defend our right to a decent life, a stable life. People need to be in direct contact with nature to be able to be healthier physically and mentally." WFGS also plans to use Catalyst Seed Grant funding to support new green spaces in Back of the Yards neighborhood with pollinator habitats and much denser tree canopy.
Given that it is rare to see more than one butterfly, let alone several pollinators in a small outdoor space, all of us we could understand personally the Field of Dreams quote "if you build it, they will come"--the Monarchs, the Swallowtails, and bumblebees. NCH2 looks forward to seeing this vision unfold! Check out the NCH2 Instagram page for photos of gorgeous plants, chrysalis, and pollinators.
Upcoming Events
Colors of the Forest – Natural Dyes
Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Trickster Cultural Center in a hands-on class to teach the traditional uses of plants and trees as dyes.
Trickster Gallery is the only Native American owned and operated arts institution in Illinois. Ages 18+.
When: August 26, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Trailside Museum, register 708-366-6530.
Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Trickster Cultural Center in a hands-on class to teach the traditional uses of plants and trees as dyes.
Trickster Gallery is the only Native American owned and operated arts institution in Illinois. Ages 18+.
When: August 26, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Trailside Museum, register 708-366-6530.
Image, FPDCC
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Pedal the Forest Preserves of Cook County
In partnership with Ride Illinois, this is a free, family-friendly biking event! Safety demonstration, techniques, tips and guided ride. Helmets/loaner bikes available. Registration required. When: August 26th, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Where: Salt Creek Greenway Call to register: 312-533-5751. |
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Guided Hike for the 60th Anniversary of Ryerson Woods
Did you know Ryerson Woods is a designated Illinois Nature Preserve? Join the Lake County Forest Preserves and Anissa Chaudry, an environmental educator, on a guided hike to learn why and check out the gorgeous woodland and natural landscape. This is a leisurely walk and will include information on the research and restoration projects in play to protect these diverse places. When: August 26th, 9:00 a.m. Where: Ryerson Conservation Area Register Here. |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Forest Bathing in Spanish and English
Join this Light of Loving Kindness sponsored event with certified bilingual Forest Bathing leader Alison Paul as she leads participants in this immersive and sensory experience. Free and open to the public.
When: August 26th, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Sauk Trail Woods-Central Grove
Register Here
Join this Light of Loving Kindness sponsored event with certified bilingual Forest Bathing leader Alison Paul as she leads participants in this immersive and sensory experience. Free and open to the public.
When: August 26th, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Sauk Trail Woods-Central Grove
Register Here
Future Events
Photo, Laura Derks
Migrating Monarchs Celebration
Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County in a celebration about all aspects of the endangered Monarch butterfly. Learn about and view live monarch butterflies--tag and release them so they can journey to Mexico.
Family friendly event and all ages welcome. Many ways and activities are offered to interact and learn about this "short of miraculous" annual journey. Free and Open to the Public. Learn more here.
When: September 9th, 12 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Thatcher Pavilion, Thatcher Woods
Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County in a celebration about all aspects of the endangered Monarch butterfly. Learn about and view live monarch butterflies--tag and release them so they can journey to Mexico.
Family friendly event and all ages welcome. Many ways and activities are offered to interact and learn about this "short of miraculous" annual journey. Free and Open to the Public. Learn more here.
When: September 9th, 12 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Thatcher Pavilion, Thatcher Woods
 Image, McHenry County Conservation District
Image, Maple Lake in Palos courtesy of Tom Hahn
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Archaeological Awareness in Glacial Park, McHenry County
Join the McHenry Conservation Foundation at Glacial Park Powers-Walker House to peer into the near and distant past. See a stone grinder, flintknapper, and other demonstrations of prehistoric skills. Archaeologists will describe how prehistoric technologies are discovered and interpreted. Examples of artifacts will be on display, including those found at the Powers-Walker House. When: September 10, Noon - 4 p.m. Where: Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park Palos Night Sky Picnic Sag Moraine Native Plant Community is partnering with DarkSky Chicago and the Forest Preserves of Cook County to present the Palos Night Sky Picnic in Pioneer Woods on September 15. Bring your own picnic dinner and join us for live music, exhibits and presentations, and to view the night sky in the Palos Preserves. Astronomers will be there with telescopes after dark. When: September 15, 5- 10:00 p.m. Where: Pioneer Woods Please register in advance. |
Image, Morton Arboretum
Celebracion de los Arboles
Join this two-day family friendly event at the Morton Arboretum. Come one or both days! Celebrate the cultures and traditions of Latin America--music, food, dance, as well as experience some of the research that helps support Latin American trees that thrive there. More information about the event here
When: September 16-17, Admission times 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Join this two-day family friendly event at the Morton Arboretum. Come one or both days! Celebrate the cultures and traditions of Latin America--music, food, dance, as well as experience some of the research that helps support Latin American trees that thrive there. More information about the event here
When: September 16-17, Admission times 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Job Opportunities
New
Openlands--Director of Development
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Center for Neighborhood Technology-Senior Project Manager or Program Director, Water Equity
Current
Brushwood Center:
Coalition Building Manager--With experience in community organizing and engagement as well as a passion for public health, the outdoors, and community-building.
Youth Education Coordinator--Will lead the coordination and implementation of bilingual youth programming with partners across Lake County.
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Clinical and Community Wellness.
Metropolitan Planning Council is currently hiring a Development Director.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Urban Growers Collective is hiring for two positions --here.
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
The Experimental Station has its Deputy Director of Finance position open. For more information, go Here.
Friends of the Parks is looking to fill the Director of Policy and Advocacy. Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to careers@fotp.org. The position will be posted on their website soon.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has multiple positions open including Senior Director of Development and Director of Finance. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for area high school students are open! Learn more here.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill several positions in the Adult Conservation Corps. Learn more here.
Imani Green Health Advocates Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
Openlands is looking to fill its Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
Star Farm is looking to fill two positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
Openlands--Director of Development
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Center for Neighborhood Technology-Senior Project Manager or Program Director, Water Equity
Current
Brushwood Center:
Coalition Building Manager--With experience in community organizing and engagement as well as a passion for public health, the outdoors, and community-building.
Youth Education Coordinator--Will lead the coordination and implementation of bilingual youth programming with partners across Lake County.
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Clinical and Community Wellness.
Metropolitan Planning Council is currently hiring a Development Director.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Urban Growers Collective is hiring for two positions --here.
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
The Experimental Station has its Deputy Director of Finance position open. For more information, go Here.
Friends of the Parks is looking to fill the Director of Policy and Advocacy. Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to careers@fotp.org. The position will be posted on their website soon.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has multiple positions open including Senior Director of Development and Director of Finance. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for area high school students are open! Learn more here.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill several positions in the Adult Conservation Corps. Learn more here.
Imani Green Health Advocates Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
Openlands is looking to fill its Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
Star Farm is looking to fill two positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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A Victory for Youth and Climate
The Montana teens who sued the state have won a victory in state court by claiming their constitutional right to live in a healthy climate. In the New York Times’s Climate Forward newsletter on Aug. 15, David Gelles wrote the decision “compels Montana, a major coal- and gas-producing state, to consider climate change when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects.” In the lawsuit, Held. v. Montana, 16 young Montana residents asked the judge to find that the State had violated their constitutional “right to a clean and healthful environment” by fostering the development of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, they said, contribute to pollution and climate change. Read more here. |
Image, replicated Janie Osbourne, NYT
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Image, replicated from Evanston Grows site
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Addressing Local Food Insecurity, Evanston Collaborative Offers Free Produce
Evanston Grows has gathered fans, clients and supporters in the nearly two years since it began distributing fresh produce at various locations in Evanston. Throughout the growing season, volunteers distribute bags of locally grown produce at community centers, food fridges and certain housing projects, helping more than 400 families each week. In winter, Whole Foods Market donates fresh vegetables and fruits. The group hopes to equal or surpass last year’s giveaways, which amounted to 5,000 pounds of food. With a $30,000 grant from the Garden Club of America, the group plans to expand its site and offer nutrition and education programs. Read more of Jeff Hirsh’s Evanston Now story here. |
 Image, Laura Derks
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Hoping to Create a Tree Oasis in an Urban Heat Island
This newsletter has talked frequently about tree plantings to improve community health, lessen the impact of intense heat, and boosting mental health. In New Haven, Connecticut a local volunteer has advocated on behalf of community-planted trees for decades. At 82, Ed Rodriguez has planted about 90 trees in the last 13 years, offering to plant them in neighborhoods that lack them, so the areas will have cleaner, somewhat cooler air as well as pollinators and beauty. Planting trees will make the world a better place is his simple message. Colbi Edmonds described Mr. Rodriguez’s ideas and mission in an Aug. 20 New York Times story. Not everyone is on board with planting a tree – money could be spent on housing and other seemingly more pressing issues; the landlord might not approve; having the tree created more work; or the tree itself could be an attractive place for drug uses. Maria Gonzalez, however, a neighbor of Mr. Rodriguez, joined his effort; and a crabapple tree now graces her property. With support from Urban Resources Initiative, residents can choose a tree and get help planting it but after that, the tree is theirs to tend. Read more here. |
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 NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. 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 NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com.
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 NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. 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 NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com.