Newsletter Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
It is the season!....to take advantage of several opportunities to engage in the concept of the NCH2 Triple Aims---improving community health, equity and environmental justice, and care for the regional landscape. Please join us in one or more of the following:
This will be our last newsletter for 2023. Take a look at our news section at the end so much going on locally and at the national policy level, including exciting bipartisan legislation to expand equitable access to the outdoors in national parks. Thank you all for engaging with us and spreading the word about our mission that "To establish that access to nature -- clean air, clean water, and welcoming, safe nature spaces -- is an essential determinant to health and well-being." At the launch of 2024 we will send out a save the date for our upcoming Summit in March "Creating S.A.F.E. spaces in Nature for All."
It is the season!....to take advantage of several opportunities to engage in the concept of the NCH2 Triple Aims---improving community health, equity and environmental justice, and care for the regional landscape. Please join us in one or more of the following:
- Heat Watch Chicago Report Launch Event, Tomorrow, December 13th, UIC School of Public Health, Auditorium, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Light dinner and all are welcome! For anyone who would like to join virtually, please tune in here.
- NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant Application Online Information Session, Thursday, December 14th, 6:30 p.m. Register here.
- Apply for an NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant by December 22 --plan with community partner(s) a Triple Aims initiative. For more information on the seed grants go to our website here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Derks at [email protected].
This will be our last newsletter for 2023. Take a look at our news section at the end so much going on locally and at the national policy level, including exciting bipartisan legislation to expand equitable access to the outdoors in national parks. Thank you all for engaging with us and spreading the word about our mission that "To establish that access to nature -- clean air, clean water, and welcoming, safe nature spaces -- is an essential determinant to health and well-being." At the launch of 2024 we will send out a save the date for our upcoming Summit in March "Creating S.A.F.E. spaces in Nature for All."
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
Community Spotlight
Young Men's Educational Network "YMEN": Catalyst Seed Recipient
Image, North Lawndale Community Members on the face of this new community asset, Photo: Laura Derks
On a blustery December morning, NCH2 joined YMEN and partnering North Lawndale community organizations and residents to watch a very large crane place a shipping container (the "ag pod") equipped to grow food year round. Supported by ComEd and EPRI, the ag pod is one of the anchors to the Garden to Table Pipeline (G2T), a community food security plan. The pipeline has many goals, but most importantly to create multi-layered resources for providing nutritious food in a neighborhood that has limited to no food resources. Their model includes 5 hubs, 19 community gardens, a network to distribute rescued food, and a newly planned community farm pictured above at 1431 S. Harding.
NCH2 is excited to fund the Triple Aims--Equity, Community Health, and Care for the Land--of G2T and the capacity building that occur as a result of the Catalyst seed grants. Kimberly George, G2T pipeline coordinator, underscored the role of Catalyst funds, "'Catalyst' Grant is the perfect name (for the grant). It put into motion a series of planning sessions with people from all walks of life in North Lawndale. These sessions lead to the vision of the Garden 2 Table 'Farm' to support our 19 existing community gardens. The farm received attention from ComEd/Exelon and EPRI to be home to one of four new Ag Pods in Northern Illinois. With support from additional city and private grants our vision of creating a nature oasis and agriculture education center is becoming real." The plans for the farm at 1431 S. Harding not only includes the ag pod and community gardens, but also "green infrastructure and nature" that will enhance this space. Trees, rain and pollinator gardens will create a nearby nature spot and will help improve air quality and help with flooding in nearby homes.
The G2T coalition has a vibrant, tight-knit group of organizations and residents committed to their mission. Using What's App and other social media to communicate, they have rescued and distributed over 200,000 pounds of food to the community and have committed many hours to envisioning G2T. Other central organizations of the coalition include Stone Temple Baptist, North Lawndale Greening Committee, and Firehouse Community Arts Center. Michael Trout, YMEN Founder and Executive Director notes the human power and energy supporting it, "This project has brought together more than 20 neighborhood organizations all committed to the same vision of healthy lives and healthy families. This ag pod is more than a growing container, it is a tool for the safety, wellbeing, and flourishing of our 35,000 neighbors. YMEN is thrilled to be entrusted with the stewardship of such a gift to North Lawndale."
NCH2 is excited to fund the Triple Aims--Equity, Community Health, and Care for the Land--of G2T and the capacity building that occur as a result of the Catalyst seed grants. Kimberly George, G2T pipeline coordinator, underscored the role of Catalyst funds, "'Catalyst' Grant is the perfect name (for the grant). It put into motion a series of planning sessions with people from all walks of life in North Lawndale. These sessions lead to the vision of the Garden 2 Table 'Farm' to support our 19 existing community gardens. The farm received attention from ComEd/Exelon and EPRI to be home to one of four new Ag Pods in Northern Illinois. With support from additional city and private grants our vision of creating a nature oasis and agriculture education center is becoming real." The plans for the farm at 1431 S. Harding not only includes the ag pod and community gardens, but also "green infrastructure and nature" that will enhance this space. Trees, rain and pollinator gardens will create a nearby nature spot and will help improve air quality and help with flooding in nearby homes.
The G2T coalition has a vibrant, tight-knit group of organizations and residents committed to their mission. Using What's App and other social media to communicate, they have rescued and distributed over 200,000 pounds of food to the community and have committed many hours to envisioning G2T. Other central organizations of the coalition include Stone Temple Baptist, North Lawndale Greening Committee, and Firehouse Community Arts Center. Michael Trout, YMEN Founder and Executive Director notes the human power and energy supporting it, "This project has brought together more than 20 neighborhood organizations all committed to the same vision of healthy lives and healthy families. This ag pod is more than a growing container, it is a tool for the safety, wellbeing, and flourishing of our 35,000 neighbors. YMEN is thrilled to be entrusted with the stewardship of such a gift to North Lawndale."
Events and Save the Dates
Image, Trickster Cultural Center
|
Winter Solstice Ceremony(s) all over the Region!
Celebrate this ecological and cultural event outside at the following locations: In McHenry County Join the Trickster Cultural Center and the McHenry County Conservation District for the ceremony and community. When: December 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Where: Lost Valley Visitor Center in McHenry County In Evanston Join Climate Action Evanston and the EcoVoice Project to with an Evanston celebration. Enjoy candlelight, music, poetry, and reflections on our connection with nature as we await the peak of the solstice at 9:27 PM. Free Admission: Brown Paper Tickets RSVP When: December 21, 9:00-10:00 PM Where: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 939 Hinman Ave In the Cook County Forest Preserves All events of these family-friendly and FREE, but registration is required, so please visit the links below for more information and registration.
|
Save the Date: 100 years Back, 100 Years Forward Convening
Plan to join the Northwestern Center for Native American and Indigenous Research 1.5 day convening of "Native scholars from multiple disciplines discussing Indigenous futures through the lens of reflecting on the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act." In partnership with the Pritzker School of Law at Northwestern University and cosponsored by Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), and others, this event will focus on the 100 years as well as offer space for the " thought and imagination of Indigenous futures moving forward." More information to follow at the beginning of the year.
WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 830am-5pm & Friday, January 26, 8:30 am-12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pritzker School of Law, Thorne Auditorium, 375 E Chicago Ave, Chicago campus
Plan to join the Northwestern Center for Native American and Indigenous Research 1.5 day convening of "Native scholars from multiple disciplines discussing Indigenous futures through the lens of reflecting on the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act." In partnership with the Pritzker School of Law at Northwestern University and cosponsored by Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), and others, this event will focus on the 100 years as well as offer space for the " thought and imagination of Indigenous futures moving forward." More information to follow at the beginning of the year.
WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 830am-5pm & Friday, January 26, 8:30 am-12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pritzker School of Law, Thorne Auditorium, 375 E Chicago Ave, Chicago campus
Funding Opportunities and other Resources
Previous grant recipient
Racial Equity and Community Partnership grants from Northwestern University
The Office of Community Relations is offering Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant Program grants of $25,000-75,000 in Evanston and Chicago. For more information join the online Zoom.
Find more information in our FAQ. Attendance is not required in order to apply. Register in advance for the session below:When: Wednesday, December 13, 12:30-1:30pm
Letter of Intent is due on January 26 and final applications due on Mar 15.
The Office of Community Relations is offering Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant Program grants of $25,000-75,000 in Evanston and Chicago. For more information join the online Zoom.
Find more information in our FAQ. Attendance is not required in order to apply. Register in advance for the session below:When: Wednesday, December 13, 12:30-1:30pm
Letter of Intent is due on January 26 and final applications due on Mar 15.
Douglas C. Anderson Bird Conservation Mini-Grants
The Chicago Ornithological Society is offering annual mini-grants to local educators and organizations working on youth driven community projects furthering bird conservation, education, and advocacy. This grant opportunity has several priorities, including those listed above. For more information go Here.
The deadline for the 2024 grant is February 11.
The Chicago Ornithological Society is offering annual mini-grants to local educators and organizations working on youth driven community projects furthering bird conservation, education, and advocacy. This grant opportunity has several priorities, including those listed above. For more information go Here.
The deadline for the 2024 grant is February 11.
Image, GRIT
|
Adaptive Equipment Grants
Several public organizations have developed adaptive programming for outdoor activities. Both Wisconsin and Michigan now have GRIT Wheelchairs for use on trails in state parks. GRIT has closed its window for 2023 grants but peruse this list of grant opportunities for adaptive equipment and let us know if you apply! https://asfadaptivesports.org/directory/additional-grant-resources |
Job Opportunities
New
Chicago Park District, Junior Tree Surgeon
Chicago Regional Trees Initiative
Director
Learn more and apply
Community Coordinator (2 positions)
Learn more and apply
Grant Administrator
Learn more and apply
New Plant Development Research Assistant II
Learn more and apply
Tree Conservation Biology Manager
Learn more and apply
Illinois Environmental Council is hiring an Executive Assistant.
Current
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has several positions open including Director of Finance and Development Manager. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for academic high school students from Southern Illinois and the North & West Suburbs. Teens (14-18 years old) with a particular interest in Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and STEM education are encouraged to apply! Learn more here.
Crew Supervisors and Program Supervisor, Greencorpschicago
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Several positions open at the Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago.
Community Outreach Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill its Adult Conservation Corps position in the Palos area. Learn more here.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
Chicago Park District, Junior Tree Surgeon
Chicago Regional Trees Initiative
Director
Learn more and apply
Community Coordinator (2 positions)
Learn more and apply
Grant Administrator
Learn more and apply
New Plant Development Research Assistant II
Learn more and apply
Tree Conservation Biology Manager
Learn more and apply
Illinois Environmental Council is hiring an Executive Assistant.
Current
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has several positions open including Director of Finance and Development Manager. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for academic high school students from Southern Illinois and the North & West Suburbs. Teens (14-18 years old) with a particular interest in Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and STEM education are encouraged to apply! Learn more here.
Crew Supervisors and Program Supervisor, Greencorpschicago
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Several positions open at the Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago.
Community Outreach Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill its Adult Conservation Corps position in the Palos area. Learn more here.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
|
MWRD receives EPA funds to Restore a Brownfield in Little Village
Though typically known for its efforts in the area of water, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago has received a federal Environmental Justice Government to Government (EJG2G) grant. According to a statement from MWRD last month, this land-restoration project, located south of 31st Street along Kedzie Avenue near the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, is one of 88 projects nationwide to receive such funding. It involves transforming an abandoned 4.5-acre petroleum-processing site into an attractive waterfront green space. “EPA officials said the funds will ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative,” the statement said. To restore the brownfield, the MWRD is partnering with Mi Villita Neighbors and the Little Village Community Council and also working with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and The Ohio State University, the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. |
Image, Laura Derks
|
Image, Laura Derks
|
Enforcing the Migratory Bird Treaty Could Save Birds
Nearly 1,000 migratory birds were killed overnight on Oct. 4 when they flew unknowingly into windows at Chicago’s McCormick Place. While most bird strikes are not that massive, up to 1 billion birds are killed annually when they crash into windows. There are several things that businesses and homeowners can do to help prevent these; Tara Zuardo and Jacob Drucker, however, in a recent Chicago Tribune column put the onus on the federal government. In a piece published on Nov. 27, they wrote, “The U.S. Department of the Interior has a duty to enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but the federal government has turned a blind eye to the window collision issue for far too long.” When Donald Trump was president, his administration issued a rule that the Act “did not prohibit the unintentional killing of migratory birds, largely providing a broad pass for the deaths of millions of migratory birds every year from collisions with glass,” they writers said. While President Joe Biden’s administration has revoked that rule, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs to issue necessary and promised resolutions to prevent bird strikes. |
|
Systemic Racism causes Low Access to Nature for People of Color
Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, opted to spend Black Friday outside with his family. They were participating in #OptOutside, “a growing movement in which participating organizations and companies close their doors on Black Friday, give their employees a paid day off, and encourage all of us to embrace the serenity of nature instead of succumbing to the frenzy of Black Friday shopping,” he wrote in a Chicago Sun-Times column just after Thanksgiving. He cites a study of park accessibility conducted by the Trust for Public Land, which “concluded that ‘systemic racism and redlining have led to chronic disinvestment in parks and recreational facilities in marginalized communities...The result is one that perpetuates a cycle of inequality: ‘too few parks as well as parks marred by cracked asphalt, barren fields, and broken play equipment,’” his column continued. The bipartisan Outdoors For All Act, introduced in February, is now part of the EXPLORE Act noted below and has been discussed at a recent House hearing. The legislation would codify the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program into federal law and make access to local parks more equitable. |
Image, Laura Derks
|
Image, Laura Derks Starved Rock
EXPLORE Act would Improve Accessibility to Public Spaces
Late last month Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said in a statement, “Exploring the great outdoors is part of the fabric of this nation and our identity as Americans...We’re taking important steps to modernize visitor experiences, reduce overcrowding, improve access for those with disabilities, address infrastructure issues and reduce burdensome permitting processes for small businesses that depend on access to our public lands.”
He was talking about the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. Writing in The Hill on Nov. 29, Zack Budryk noted the Act “would take steps to improve broadband connectivity on public lands and waters, update infrastructure and improve access for visitors with disabilities.”
Late last month Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said in a statement, “Exploring the great outdoors is part of the fabric of this nation and our identity as Americans...We’re taking important steps to modernize visitor experiences, reduce overcrowding, improve access for those with disabilities, address infrastructure issues and reduce burdensome permitting processes for small businesses that depend on access to our public lands.”
He was talking about the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. Writing in The Hill on Nov. 29, Zack Budryk noted the Act “would take steps to improve broadband connectivity on public lands and waters, update infrastructure and improve access for visitors with disabilities.”
Years of Violations at Cicero’s toxic neighbor: Koppers Coal Tar Plant
Last week a group of Chicago-area journalists published “The Air We Breathe: How the century-old Koppers coal tar plant became, and remains, the small town of Cicero’s toxic neighbor” in MuckRock.
It was a collaborative investigation by two nonprofit newsrooms, the Cicero Independiente and MuckRock, showing how the 101-year old plant located on 36 acres between Cicero and Stickney is “one of the single largest polluters of toxic and cancer-linked chemicals in the U.S. It has also routinely been found in violation of both state and federal environmental laws dating back 50 years — from the late 1970s until this past summer.”The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is still awaiting a response from the list of 25 alleged violations of state and federal environmental law violations that it sent to Koppers in October. Some of those alleged violations relate to the release of excess “volatile organic material” – benzene and naphthalene – over the past year.
The writers found that out of more than 1,000 facilities nationwide that report certain emissions, Koppers ranks in the top 15% of those that emit benzene and top 3% of those that release naphthalene. Its parent company, Koppers Holdings Inc., is now based in Pittsburg and reported more than $1 billion in revenue in 2022. The Illinois EPA said in a statement that it will review the response from Koppers before taking any action and would not comment further except to state its commitment to keeping communities safe.
Last week a group of Chicago-area journalists published “The Air We Breathe: How the century-old Koppers coal tar plant became, and remains, the small town of Cicero’s toxic neighbor” in MuckRock.
It was a collaborative investigation by two nonprofit newsrooms, the Cicero Independiente and MuckRock, showing how the 101-year old plant located on 36 acres between Cicero and Stickney is “one of the single largest polluters of toxic and cancer-linked chemicals in the U.S. It has also routinely been found in violation of both state and federal environmental laws dating back 50 years — from the late 1970s until this past summer.”The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is still awaiting a response from the list of 25 alleged violations of state and federal environmental law violations that it sent to Koppers in October. Some of those alleged violations relate to the release of excess “volatile organic material” – benzene and naphthalene – over the past year.
The writers found that out of more than 1,000 facilities nationwide that report certain emissions, Koppers ranks in the top 15% of those that emit benzene and top 3% of those that release naphthalene. Its parent company, Koppers Holdings Inc., is now based in Pittsburg and reported more than $1 billion in revenue in 2022. The Illinois EPA said in a statement that it will review the response from Koppers before taking any action and would not comment further except to state its commitment to keeping communities safe.
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].