Newsletter from Thursday, December 9th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and warm this December. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Dec. 22nd, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing [email protected].
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information about the Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information about the Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Local Events
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step - Northern Cardinal
Date: Fri, Dec 10th
Time: 1:00 - 3:45 pm
Location: Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave
River Forest, IL 60305
Description: Sketch and paint a local bird using a 9” x 12” canvas and acrylic paints. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided for $5. Ages 15 & up.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Josh Fackler from Pexels
Date: Fri, Dec 10th
Time: 1:00 - 3:45 pm
Location: Trailside Museum of Natural History
738 Thatcher Ave
River Forest, IL 60305
Description: Sketch and paint a local bird using a 9” x 12” canvas and acrylic paints. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided for $5. Ages 15 & up.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Josh Fackler from Pexels
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CRTI "Invasion of the Nature Snatchers!" A Stewardship Festival Date: Sat, Dec. 11th Time: 12:00 - 3:00 pm Location: Pioneer Woods Picnic Grove, 10218 W. 107th, Willow Springs, IL, 60480" Description: Drop in to our fun and interactive invasive species stewardship festival! Bring your family, staff, garden club, HOA, local green drinks chapter, and anyone else you can think of! We will have demonstrations on desirable plant replacements, strategies for invasives removal, inspiration on how to engage your constituents and neighbors, furniture made from buckthorn, and other fun demonstrations. Take a hike, roast some s’mores, and enjoy being outside! Registration required. For more information and registration, click here. |
Resilient by Nature Project Webinar: How Might We Employ Nature-Based Solutions to Repurpose Vacant Lots?
Date: Tues, December 14
Time: 11:00 am-12:15 pm
Location: via Zoom
Description: There are an estimated 32,000 vacant lots in the City of Chicago. Once viewed as a symbol of disinvestment, such properties are increasingly being reclaimed and converted into creative community assets in cities around the country and world. Approaches to this work can range from simple improvements by immediate neighbors to professionally designed and constructed spaces that incorporate a diversity of functions. What best practices can we amplify and scale in Chicago, and how? This session features speakers focused on transforming blocks, neighborhoods, and cities into more responsive, resilient, and vibrant landscapes that can supply food, reduce crime, mitigate flooding, and improve physical and psychological health. Hosted by Jack Westwood, Senior Program Officer, Sustainability, at Walder Foundation and Foresight’s Founding Principal Peter Nicholson.
For more information and registration click here.
Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels
Date: Tues, December 14
Time: 11:00 am-12:15 pm
Location: via Zoom
Description: There are an estimated 32,000 vacant lots in the City of Chicago. Once viewed as a symbol of disinvestment, such properties are increasingly being reclaimed and converted into creative community assets in cities around the country and world. Approaches to this work can range from simple improvements by immediate neighbors to professionally designed and constructed spaces that incorporate a diversity of functions. What best practices can we amplify and scale in Chicago, and how? This session features speakers focused on transforming blocks, neighborhoods, and cities into more responsive, resilient, and vibrant landscapes that can supply food, reduce crime, mitigate flooding, and improve physical and psychological health. Hosted by Jack Westwood, Senior Program Officer, Sustainability, at Walder Foundation and Foresight’s Founding Principal Peter Nicholson.
For more information and registration click here.
Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Wellness in the Woods - Self-Guided Meditation
Date: Sat, Dec. 18th
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Ave
South Holland, IL 60473
Description: Walk our Redwing Trail all weekend and discover this technique of meditation at your own pace while finding a practice that meets your needs and complements your personality.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Jens Johnsson from Pexels
Date: Sat, Dec. 18th
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Ave
South Holland, IL 60473
Description: Walk our Redwing Trail all weekend and discover this technique of meditation at your own pace while finding a practice that meets your needs and complements your personality.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Jens Johnsson from Pexels
Chicago Botanic Garden: Winter Solstice Woods Walk
Date: Sun, Dec. 19th
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Description: Celebrate the season with a peaceful, guided walk in the McDonald Woods. Take a guided nature walk in celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Meet at the McDonald Woods Shelter to learn more about winter woodland flora and fauna from our staff. Before or after the walk, warm up by the fire at the McDonald Woods Shelter. Don't forget to dress for the weather. If the weather forecast predicts bitter cold temperatures, a wind speed exceeding 20 miles per hour, or heavy rain, the program will be canceled. Free; regular parking fees apply. If there is deep snow, we'll walk in areas near the Woods.
For more information, click here.
Photo Credit Chicago Botanic Garden
Date: Sun, Dec. 19th
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Description: Celebrate the season with a peaceful, guided walk in the McDonald Woods. Take a guided nature walk in celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Meet at the McDonald Woods Shelter to learn more about winter woodland flora and fauna from our staff. Before or after the walk, warm up by the fire at the McDonald Woods Shelter. Don't forget to dress for the weather. If the weather forecast predicts bitter cold temperatures, a wind speed exceeding 20 miles per hour, or heavy rain, the program will be canceled. Free; regular parking fees apply. If there is deep snow, we'll walk in areas near the Woods.
For more information, click here.
Photo Credit Chicago Botanic Garden
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Winter Solstice Night of Lights Walk
Date: Tue, Dec. 21st
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Description: Join us for a relaxing candlelit walk through our woods to celebrate the equinox.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels
Date: Tue, Dec. 21st
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Description: Join us for a relaxing candlelit walk through our woods to celebrate the equinox.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels
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Ongoing Events:
For Healthcare Providers: Join the ParkRx America network of providers who write prescriptions for time outdoors. Click here for more information. For members of the ParkRx America Provider Network: Virtual Forest Bathing sessions lead by certified ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) Guides. The ANFT Certified Guide Team is excited to share the gift of an array of remote Forest Bathing sessions to support the wellbeing and resiliency of the Park Rx America (PRA) healthcare provider network. Each session is limited to 10 participants, so please register soon to lock in your session. Click here for more information and registration. Photo credit: Park Rx America |
Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is excited to announce our 50th Anniversary Annual Conference will be held on April 8th and 9th at Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois. This annual event has provided professional development for thousands of Illinois educators over the course of those 50 years, impacting millions of students. This year will be no different, with an excellent keynote, dozens of current sessions, workshop and field experiences there will be extensive learning opportunities for IL educators and organizations.
This event will also be in partnership with IL Green Alliance and the IL Green Ribbon School Program bringing together educators and administrators focused on advancing sustainability and green initiatives for their institutions. We are excited to learn more about their projects and help build partnerships between formal and non-formal organizations.
This year's theme of "Building Connections" is an excellent opportunity to really examine and demonstrate the wide variety of fields that are involved with environmental literacy, environmental health, and the protection of our natural spaces. We would be honored if you would consider taking a look at the information below and joining the event in some way.
Become an EEAI Annual Conference Sponsor!
Connect with participants through an Exhibit Booth!
Share an innovative project or resource with participants through a Presentation!
Support the advancement of environmental literacy through a donation to our auction!
Find all the conference details and registration links at the Annual Conference website!
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is excited to announce our 50th Anniversary Annual Conference will be held on April 8th and 9th at Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois. This annual event has provided professional development for thousands of Illinois educators over the course of those 50 years, impacting millions of students. This year will be no different, with an excellent keynote, dozens of current sessions, workshop and field experiences there will be extensive learning opportunities for IL educators and organizations.
This event will also be in partnership with IL Green Alliance and the IL Green Ribbon School Program bringing together educators and administrators focused on advancing sustainability and green initiatives for their institutions. We are excited to learn more about their projects and help build partnerships between formal and non-formal organizations.
This year's theme of "Building Connections" is an excellent opportunity to really examine and demonstrate the wide variety of fields that are involved with environmental literacy, environmental health, and the protection of our natural spaces. We would be honored if you would consider taking a look at the information below and joining the event in some way.
Become an EEAI Annual Conference Sponsor!
Connect with participants through an Exhibit Booth!
Share an innovative project or resource with participants through a Presentation!
Support the advancement of environmental literacy through a donation to our auction!
Find all the conference details and registration links at the Annual Conference website!
Job Opportunity
The University of Illinois Extension is accepting applications for a State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist, NREE. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Extension State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional with primary responsibility for providing leadership in planning, teaching, development and statewide leadership of the Illinois Master Naturalist and Climate Stewards Programs. The position will be located on the Urbana-Champaign campus or a negotiable Extension Unit location. The position will have statewide responsibilities. One full time position is available and applications close January 6th, 2022.
To learn more and apply: jobs.illinois.edu/off-campus-positions/job-details?jobID=157071&job=state-master-naturalist-and-climate-change-specialist-university-of-illinois-extension
To learn more and apply: jobs.illinois.edu/off-campus-positions/job-details?jobID=157071&job=state-master-naturalist-and-climate-change-specialist-university-of-illinois-extension
Grant Opportunity
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
Description: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between scholars working in largely disconnected fields who might together change the course of climate change’s impact on human health.
Interests of the RFP:
Award Range: Over the next two years, the Fund will dedicate $1M to supporting small, early-stage grants of $2,500 - $50,000 toward achieving this goal.
Deadline: Rolling through August 30, 2023
To learn more and apply click here.
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
Description: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between scholars working in largely disconnected fields who might together change the course of climate change’s impact on human health.
Interests of the RFP:
- Linking basic/early biomedical science to climate-focused thinking
- Sustainability in health care systems, health care delivery outside institutions, and biomedical research
- Health impacts and health systems impacts of extreme weather events and other crises
- Outreach, communication and education around climate & human health
Award Range: Over the next two years, the Fund will dedicate $1M to supporting small, early-stage grants of $2,500 - $50,000 toward achieving this goal.
Deadline: Rolling through August 30, 2023
To learn more and apply click here.
Recent Research
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Citation: Triebner, K., et al. (2021). "Lifelong exposure to residential greenspace and the premenstrual syndrome: A population-based study of Northern European women." Environ Int 158: 106975. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34781209
NCH2 Comments: This study of 1069 Scandinavian women found the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (e.g. anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating) were less frequent among women who had lived near greenspace their entire lives than women who had not. The effects of living near greenspace were not associated with body mass index (BMI), physical activity, or air pollution. Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels |
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Citation: Victorson, D, Doninger, G, Victorson, S, Victorson, G, Hall, L, Maletich, C, Corr, BR, Scortino, K, Burns, Z, Allen, L, Rosa, I, Quirk, K, Adegbemi, A, Strokoff, J, Zuidema, K, Sajdak, K, Mckibben, T, Roberts, A, McDade, TW, Boes, A, McAlinden, K, Arredondo, K, Sauer, C, Smith, K, Salsman, JM. Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 2016-2021. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18(23), 12622. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/23/12622/htm
NCH2 Comments: Northwestern University Psychologist and NCH2 Steering Committee member David Victorson and his colleagues at True North Treks have just published this evaluation of wilderness treks and their impact on young adult cancer survivors. Being diagnosed and treated for cancer as a young adult (ages 18-39 years) can significantly disrupt engagement in important educational, career, social, and reproductive pursuits, and contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. This analysis of data collected before and after multi-day, immersive treks taken between 2016 and 2021 shows significant self-reported improvements in connectedness to nature, to peers, and oneself. There were also reductions in anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. There were also significant reductions in pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
Photo Credit: True North Treks
In the News
Overview: Unexpected Weather Extremes Can Be Harmful
Weather that is extreme and unexpected can have a negative effect on mental health, wrote Sarah Watts in Forbes Magazine in 2019.
While many may be familiar with the connection between heat waves and aggressive, anti-social and destructive behaviors, Dr. John Forsyth, psychology professor at University of Albany, SUNY, says extreme cold can be just as harmful.
People tend to isolate inside, and with less sunshine, the body generally produces less serotonin, and either or both of these can exacerbate depression. Studies have shown that cold can also affect such things as memory, one's sense of trustworthiness, and even creativity, Ms. Watts wrote.
“Human beings are resilient, but we do not like uncertainty or unexpected events, generally speaking. We're very sensitive to change,” Dr. Forsyth said.
Read more: www.forbes.com/sites/sarahwatts/2019/02/12/another-winter-storm-is-coming-heres-how-it-can-affect-your-mental-health/?sh=518d039466bc
Photo by Eyal Sberro from Pexels
Weather that is extreme and unexpected can have a negative effect on mental health, wrote Sarah Watts in Forbes Magazine in 2019.
While many may be familiar with the connection between heat waves and aggressive, anti-social and destructive behaviors, Dr. John Forsyth, psychology professor at University of Albany, SUNY, says extreme cold can be just as harmful.
People tend to isolate inside, and with less sunshine, the body generally produces less serotonin, and either or both of these can exacerbate depression. Studies have shown that cold can also affect such things as memory, one's sense of trustworthiness, and even creativity, Ms. Watts wrote.
“Human beings are resilient, but we do not like uncertainty or unexpected events, generally speaking. We're very sensitive to change,” Dr. Forsyth said.
Read more: www.forbes.com/sites/sarahwatts/2019/02/12/another-winter-storm-is-coming-heres-how-it-can-affect-your-mental-health/?sh=518d039466bc
Photo by Eyal Sberro from Pexels
Overview: Benefits of a Snowy Day
Writing for Little Things a few years ago, Laura Caseley came up with 10 benefits of being outside on a winter day. Walk in the middle of the street, when it’s safe, she writes – climb, explore, and slide. Take a mental vacation by reading a book or cooking a healthier meal.
“Winter might be cold and wet, but it also has unique benefits that can help lead to a healthier you. Of course, there is one requirement: you have to go outside!”
Read more: https://littlethings.com/lifestyle/benefits-of-a-snow-day
Photo Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Writing for Little Things a few years ago, Laura Caseley came up with 10 benefits of being outside on a winter day. Walk in the middle of the street, when it’s safe, she writes – climb, explore, and slide. Take a mental vacation by reading a book or cooking a healthier meal.
“Winter might be cold and wet, but it also has unique benefits that can help lead to a healthier you. Of course, there is one requirement: you have to go outside!”
Read more: https://littlethings.com/lifestyle/benefits-of-a-snow-day
Photo Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Overview: Celebrating the Longest Night or the Shortest Day?
Twice each year the sun seems to stand still then reverse its seemingly northward or southward journey. The word “solstice” reflects two Latin words: sol, meaning “sun” and sistere, “to stand still.” The winter solstice for the northern hemisphere will come at 9:59 central time on Dec. 21. Twice each year the sun seems to stand still.
Many cultures observe this time as the beginning of the return of light.
Tina Donvito recently recounted several solstice traditions from around the world.
Dongzhi has been celebrated in China for thousands of years, as the darkness begins to wane, eventually to be balanced by the light of the sun.
Celebration of the ancient Persian festival Shab-e Yalda includes poetry readings, lighted candles, and “a feast to get through the longest night of the year.”
There are also festivals of Santo Tomas (Guatemala), Santa Lucia (Scandanavia), and Soyal (Hopi Tribe).
Read more: www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/
Photo by ArtHouse Studio from Pexels
Twice each year the sun seems to stand still then reverse its seemingly northward or southward journey. The word “solstice” reflects two Latin words: sol, meaning “sun” and sistere, “to stand still.” The winter solstice for the northern hemisphere will come at 9:59 central time on Dec. 21. Twice each year the sun seems to stand still.
Many cultures observe this time as the beginning of the return of light.
Tina Donvito recently recounted several solstice traditions from around the world.
Dongzhi has been celebrated in China for thousands of years, as the darkness begins to wane, eventually to be balanced by the light of the sun.
Celebration of the ancient Persian festival Shab-e Yalda includes poetry readings, lighted candles, and “a feast to get through the longest night of the year.”
There are also festivals of Santo Tomas (Guatemala), Santa Lucia (Scandanavia), and Soyal (Hopi Tribe).
Read more: www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/
Photo by ArtHouse Studio from Pexels