Newsletter from Thursday, August 4th, 2022
Dear NCH2 Community,
We close out July participating with many others on the Chicago Race Riot Bike Ride, in its 4th year and growing. It was a gorgeous day, spirits were reflective and joyful, as we learned about the vibrant, yet segregated, life of Black Chicagoans in the 20th century until current day. Join us next year for the fun, exercise, and history lessons. Follow Sherman Dilla Thomas, TikTok famous Chicago historian who guided the learning as well as so many others.
NCH2's theme for August focuses on children and education—ensuring youth in k-12 thrive, are well, are resilient. We would like to know what you think is essential to programs and services that help ensure this goal—meeting basis needs notwithstanding—are there other programs and services that are essential? Let us know! Then, kick-off this month's theme with FUN at the Double Dutch Festival at Big Marsh Park THIS SATURDAY, August 6th at 10:00. Activities include: break dancing, poetry and comedy, bike riding, and games. More information and registration here. We hope to see you there, and happy end of summer!
NCH2 team
NCH2's theme for August focuses on children and education—ensuring youth in k-12 thrive, are well, are resilient. We would like to know what you think is essential to programs and services that help ensure this goal—meeting basis needs notwithstanding—are there other programs and services that are essential? Let us know! Then, kick-off this month's theme with FUN at the Double Dutch Festival at Big Marsh Park THIS SATURDAY, August 6th at 10:00. Activities include: break dancing, poetry and comedy, bike riding, and games. More information and registration here. We hope to see you there, and happy end of summer!
NCH2 team
Index
Community Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight: Fourth Commemorative Bike Ride for the Chicago Race Riots of 1919
Photos by Laura Derks
On Saturday, July 30th, over 150 cyclists rode together on Chicago’s South Side to historic sights of racially motivated violence during what is now called the “Red Summer” of 1919. Eugene Williams, a black Chicago youth, unknowingly swam into the “white only” beach area and was stoned and subsequently drowned in Lake Michigan. His death sparked intense tension and violence on the South Side among residents and the police. During these uprisings, many died and hundreds were injured, with Black Chicagoans bearing the brunt of the violence and anguish. Many other racially motivated rampages occurred across the U.S. that year, and then again in Tulsa, OK in 2021. The ride raises awareness about this largely unknown tragedy, as well as lifts up the many points of historic celebration in Bronzeville, including the black-owned, and operated Robert Abbott’s Chicago Defender, journalist Ida B. Wells, and grieving, courageous mother of Emmitt Till, Mamie Till Mobley. Ida B. Wells' great-grandson addressed the crowd of cyclists and onlookers about her legacy at the bronze sculpture built in her honor. The ride was a community-based collaboration among Equiticity, CRR19, Organic Oneness, Firebird Community Arts.
In addition to holding the Commemorative Bike Ride, CRR19 has previously held talks on Historical Amnesia and Racism, and a Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Chicago Race Riots, and offers educational and community building resources on their website. With numerous partners and collaborators, CRR19 is a keystone organization in Chicago.
Check out their website here, and be sure to join us at their future events, including next year's 5th annual Commemorative Bike Ride!
In addition to holding the Commemorative Bike Ride, CRR19 has previously held talks on Historical Amnesia and Racism, and a Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Chicago Race Riots, and offers educational and community building resources on their website. With numerous partners and collaborators, CRR19 is a keystone organization in Chicago.
Check out their website here, and be sure to join us at their future events, including next year's 5th annual Commemorative Bike Ride!
Upcoming Events

Double Dutch Festival 2022 at Big Marsh Park:
Description:
Join Faith in Place as we bring back a blast from the past: Double Dutch.
Parents bring your children and show them a favorite past time. Rain date is August 13, 2022. Activities include Double Dutch Workshop, Break Dancing, Archery, Poetry & Comedy, Old School Lawn Games, Food Vendors, and more!
Date: Aug 06, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Chicago, 11559 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60633, USA
For more information and registration, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Faith in Place
Light of Loving Kindness's Self Love Bootcamp: Finding Yourself in Nature Date: Saturday, August 13th, 2022 Time: 10:00-11:30 am Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Ave S Holland, IL 60473 Description: LOLK in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County are inviting you to participate in this FREE 90 minute Self-Love Bootcamp in Nature. Connect with yourself and others and allow the power of Nature to teach us about mental wellness, peace, resiliency, and emotional balance. Registration is required to attend, as we may take photos/videos of each event. Registration provides acknowledgment and agreement of being photographed as a part of LOLK events. Registration and more information here. Photo from Light of Loving Kindness |

Urban Forest Connections Webinar:
Date: Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Time: 1:00 - 2:15 ET
Location: Virtual
Description: In Richmond, VA, extreme urban heat disproportionately affects poorer communities and communities of color. These communities have long-standing histories of marginalization (such as the practice of red-lining) places these communities in a heightened state of precariousness in the face of worsening climate extremes, such as more frequent heat waves. Consequently, cities must manage and mitigate urban heat threats. In this webinar, Jeremy Hoffman and Sheri Shannon will describe an innovative, community-driven, and collaborative network of nonprofits and scientists that seeks to increase tree canopy in neighborhoods shown to be hotter through a novel urban heat island assessment methodology. They will reflect on funding mechanisms, cooperation between organizations with differential power, and challenges posed by working with disconnected city programs.
Access the webinar link and more information here.
Photo by USDA Forest Service
Date: Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
Time: 1:00 - 2:15 ET
Location: Virtual
Description: In Richmond, VA, extreme urban heat disproportionately affects poorer communities and communities of color. These communities have long-standing histories of marginalization (such as the practice of red-lining) places these communities in a heightened state of precariousness in the face of worsening climate extremes, such as more frequent heat waves. Consequently, cities must manage and mitigate urban heat threats. In this webinar, Jeremy Hoffman and Sheri Shannon will describe an innovative, community-driven, and collaborative network of nonprofits and scientists that seeks to increase tree canopy in neighborhoods shown to be hotter through a novel urban heat island assessment methodology. They will reflect on funding mechanisms, cooperation between organizations with differential power, and challenges posed by working with disconnected city programs.
Access the webinar link and more information here.
Photo by USDA Forest Service
Friends of the Parks hosts Netsch Lecture: "Depave Chicago!"
Date: August 9th, 2022 Time: 12:00-1:30 CT Location: Zoom Description: In this session Mary Pat McGuire, a licensed landscape architect and associate professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will discuss retrofitting urban imperviousness (focused on pavement) as a climate-adaption strategy for Chicago. Mary Pat will share research on the infrastructural condition of the urban ground plane, recent findings about the soils in Chicago, examples of depaving projects, and why she’s advocating for a depaving and pavement reduction campaign in Chicago to address stormwater flooding, urban heat island, lack of public space and tree canopy and of course….the case for more parks! This should be a lively discussion on design thinking for an abundant future for Chicago communities. Bring your ideas on where depaving and greening are needed most! Access the zoom link and more information here. Photo by Friends of the Park |
Kids Nature Fun Fest:
Date: August 7th, 2022 Time: 1:00-4:00 pm Location: Greenbelt Cultural Center Description: Lake County Nature Network and the Lake County Forest Preserves for a fun day out in nature! Enjoy nature activities that grow a child's love of the outdoors. Activities include pond scooping, nature-based arts and crafts, water play, guided nature hikes and many more! No registration needed - just drop in! Free admission and activities, adult supervision required. Dress for the weather. In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors at Greenbelt. Learn more here. Photo by Brushwood Center |
Future Events: Save the Date

2022 SHIFT Summit:
Date: Mon Oct 17, 2022 - Thu Oct 20, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Livestream OR
The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Description: The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive.
The 2022 SHIFT Summit will be held October 17 – 20 in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as a virtual livestream. We will focus on advancing equitable access to preventive health through nature and the outdoors. The program will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation.
Click here to register and learn more, registration closes August 17th!
Photo from SHIFT Summit
Date: Mon Oct 17, 2022 - Thu Oct 20, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Livestream OR
The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Description: The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive.
The 2022 SHIFT Summit will be held October 17 – 20 in Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as a virtual livestream. We will focus on advancing equitable access to preventive health through nature and the outdoors. The program will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation.
Click here to register and learn more, registration closes August 17th!
Photo from SHIFT Summit
Englewood Village Market: Date: Saturdays, June 18th through October 29th, 2022 Time:10:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: GGE Englewood Village Plaza 5822 S. Halsted Street, Chicago IL Description: Grow Greater Englewood is proud to host the Englewood Village Market at its Englewood Village Plaza. Returning for the third year, the Market features goods, food, and refreshments from local Black-owned businesses; fresh produce from local farmers; partners Urban Growers Collective and Growing Home, community resources; and music, including a lineup of performances by the best DJs and bands curated by Erik L. Jones of Sound Voyage. The Plaza also serves as the entry point to the proposed Englewood Nature Trail – a 2-mile linear park that will serve as a connector between Englewood's growing network of urban farms and gardens to strengthen local food access, health and wellness, and employment within the neighborhood. Our July 9th, August 5th, and August 20th Markets will feature a "Drums for Peace" drum circle led by award-winning international (and Englewood local) jazz artist Ernest Dawkins. For more information, click here. Photo from Grow Greater |
North Chicago Farmer's Market:
Date: Sundays, June 16th - October 16th, 2022 Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Vision Park 1730 Lewis Ave, North Chicago, IL 60064 Description: Come join us at the coolest farmers market in Lake County! Sample from our many vendors' fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade jewelry, and natural made cosmetic items. Connect with your neighbors over the abundance of nature in beautiful North Chicago, weekly on Sundays through October. For more information, click here. Photo from North Chicago Farmers Market |
The DuSable Park Coalition presents the Annual Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Memorial Commemoration
Date: August 20th, 2022 Time: 11:00 CT Location: 104 N Michigan Ave Meet at Bust of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, donated by Dr. Lesly Benodin Description: In 1987, Mayor Harold Washington dedicated DuSable Park in honor of the first non-native black settler of Chicago. Three decades later, the park honoring our city's founder remains undeveloped. Friends of the Parks and the DuSable Park Coalition continue to advocate to bring DuSable Park to fruition. April 15, 2022, would have marked the Mayor's 100th birthday. We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our yearly FREE programming to commemorate the legacy of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the first free black settler of Chicago. Join us for this fun and inspiring afternoon of activities while learning more about Chicago's birth at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Register here. Photo by Friends of the Park |
Job Opportunities
Friends of the Forest Preserves seeks a BGI Crew Member to participate in the Friends Conservation Corps. Conservation Corps members work year-round to remove invasive species and restore native plants throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook and Lake Counties. The FFP community advocates for the responsible management of the nearly 70,000 acres of forest preserves in Cook County through advocacy, engagement, and stewardship of the land. FFP seeks crew members from diverse communities for a program that provides valuable skills and certifications that could lead to a long-term career in natural land management or other environmental jobs. Experience working outdoors and familiarity with Midwest outdoor conservation work preferred. More information here.
Equiticity is looking for a dynamic individual to serve as Director of Community Mobility Rituals (CMRs). This position will be responsible for defining and codifying our vision, mission, and impact of our work on executing CMRs. The position will also be responsible for envisioning, planning, implementing, and evaluating our CMRs. The position will manage partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, and government agencies. This position will train and manage our Squad Ride Management Team. Learn more here.
Equiticity is looking to fill the position of Advocacy & Movement Building Manager. This individual serves as the administrator and advocate for F2M. This person’s main goals are to uphold the values of F2M’s members and to ensure that the coalition works to achieve its desired objectives. The Movement Building Manager provides administrative and project oversight to F2M. With the support of the Steering Committee, the Movement Building Manager will develop systems and policies related to efficient operation of the Coalition while working to strengthen and expand the coalition. The ideal candidate for this position is a self-motivated person who cares about fighting for racially equitable traffic safety, who has shown the potential to do great coalition or campaign work, and who is interested in helping to grow F2M. This person will work closely with F2M’s Steering Committee and report to Steering Committee Member Olatunji Oboi Reed. Learn more here.
Equiticity is looking to fill the position of Advocacy & Movement Building Manager. This individual serves as the administrator and advocate for F2M. This person’s main goals are to uphold the values of F2M’s members and to ensure that the coalition works to achieve its desired objectives. The Movement Building Manager provides administrative and project oversight to F2M. With the support of the Steering Committee, the Movement Building Manager will develop systems and policies related to efficient operation of the Coalition while working to strengthen and expand the coalition. The ideal candidate for this position is a self-motivated person who cares about fighting for racially equitable traffic safety, who has shown the potential to do great coalition or campaign work, and who is interested in helping to grow F2M. This person will work closely with F2M’s Steering Committee and report to Steering Committee Member Olatunji Oboi Reed. Learn more here.
In the News
Overview: Kids in Parks Everywhere? Maybe Beginning on the first of September each year, all fourth-grade children and their families can have free access to all the national parks in the country, thanks to the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK). The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are some of the participating agencies. The Every Kid Outdoors pass is valid Sept. 1 – Aug. 31. OAK is pushing Congress not only to fully fund the program but to expand it with programs supporting underserved communities and children with disabilities and to extend the program to state parks. Read more here. Photo by Mizuno K |
Overview: Would you, Could you, On a Bike? Community organization UpParent lists 16 family-friendly bike trails around Chicago, along with a map that aids in planning excursions. Since many of the trails are within parks that have nature centers – a bonus for everyone. The Illinois 1.7-mile Prairie Path in Maywood, the 9-mile Green Bay Trail in Glencoe and the 10.8 mile 606 Trail in Chicago’s Humboldt Park are examples of the variety of trails that connect to patches of nature. Kidical Mass organizes family friendly bikes rides that are 2- 4 miles long and the Active Transit Alliance offers some great information about biking safety. Read more here. Photo by Vladislav Vasnetsov |
Overview: Ambassador Animal Report Available
Last month the Forest Preserves of Cook County released its review of the ambassador animal program, including the coyote that lives at River Trail Nature Center. Five of Forest Preserves’ nature centers are homes for “ambassador animals.” These native reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals that are now unable to live in the wild and serve to educate thousands of visitors each year. Read more here. Photo by Thomas Shockey |
Overview: Rock Hounds on the Lake
Evanston’s public beaches are free this summer - and here's another reason to head to beaches like Lighthouse, Lincoln Street, Clarke Street, Greenwood Street, Lee Street or South Boulevard, or 12th Street Beach, 31st street, Rainbow Beach and South Shore Nature Sanctuary beaches. Writing in Owlcation.com in late July, Kathy Mirto described many of the stones thrown onto Lake Michigan beaches in “Identifying the Rocks of Lake Michigan.” Basalt beach stones, septarian brown stones, limestone, granite, gabbro, diorite, gneiss, schist, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, geodes, chalcedony and agate are the many types of stones Lake Michigan shores have to offer. These stones, together with driftwood and bits of glass are some of the treasures that can be found on the shore. She notes, “Some Lake Michigan beaches have very few stones, while other pockets are loaded with them.” Read more here. Photo by Owlcation |
Connect with Us!
We are currently taking requests for our Coffee & Discussion Series - Please submit Coffee and Discussion suggestions here.
We are also taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected] by July 20th, 2022.
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 currently taking requests for our Coffee & Discussion Series - Please submit Coffee and Discussion suggestions here.
We are also taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected] by July 20th, 2022.
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].