Newsletter from Thursday, February 17th, 2022
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and warm this February. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by March 2nd, 2022 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com.
This week's newsletter includes news on the new paid position available with NCH2, information on the return of NCH2 coffee and discussion series, upcoming local events, information on our partner Forest Preserves of Cook County, job opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes news on the new paid position available with NCH2, information on the return of NCH2 coffee and discussion series, upcoming local events, information on our partner Forest Preserves of Cook County, job opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
NCH2 is Hiring
Hiring: Program Administrator
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
To support the work of the Health and Nature Catalyst, the project newly funded by the Walder Foundation, NCH2 is hiring a Program Administrator. The program will create strategic partnerships and projects that use nature-based solutions to simultaneously leverage improvements in equity, the environment, and public health to yield increased community resilience. The program will build a regional network through which members of the healthcare/public health, environmental conservation/sustainability, and environmental justice/equity communities can collaborate. The job involves fostering relationships among stakeholders through working groups, educational opportunities and one-to-one outreach, co-education of stakeholders from diverse communities, identifying and prioritizing opportunities for pilot projects and creation and review of requests for proposals (with consultation from a Steering Committee).
To view the job posting and/or apply for the job, click here.
If you are a current employee of Northwestern University please use the following link instead:
https://myhr.northwestern.edu/psp/hr858prd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Employee&JobOpeningId=43438&PostingSeq=1
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
To support the work of the Health and Nature Catalyst, the project newly funded by the Walder Foundation, NCH2 is hiring a Program Administrator. The program will create strategic partnerships and projects that use nature-based solutions to simultaneously leverage improvements in equity, the environment, and public health to yield increased community resilience. The program will build a regional network through which members of the healthcare/public health, environmental conservation/sustainability, and environmental justice/equity communities can collaborate. The job involves fostering relationships among stakeholders through working groups, educational opportunities and one-to-one outreach, co-education of stakeholders from diverse communities, identifying and prioritizing opportunities for pilot projects and creation and review of requests for proposals (with consultation from a Steering Committee).
To view the job posting and/or apply for the job, click here.
If you are a current employee of Northwestern University please use the following link instead:
https://myhr.northwestern.edu/psp/hr858prd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Employee&JobOpeningId=43438&PostingSeq=1
NCH2 Coffee and Discussion Resumes
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On March 10, 2022, from 12 noon to 1:15 CST, join us on Zoom for an introduction to “Nature, Culture, and Human Health (NCH2): Catalyzing Nature-based Solutions for Human and Public Health” the project recently funded by a Walder Foundation Resilient by Nature Award. What does the project entail? How can you contribute?
Attendance is free and open to the public. Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom |
Local Events
Chicago Park District: Snowtrekking at Northerly Island
Date: Sat, Feb 19th
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Northerly Island Park
1521 S. Linn White Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605
Description: Discover Northerly Island by snowshoe this winter during Snowtrekking on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to Noon p.m. weather permitting. Explore the lakefront prairie for winter birds and various wildlife while enjoying incredible views of Chicago. The cost is $5 to check out a pair of snowshoes with a valid I.D. There must be at least three inches of snow for us to host Snowtrekking.
For more information and to verify if weather conditions are good for Snowtrekking, please call Northerly Island Park at (312) 745.2910.
Masks/Face Coverings, social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing will be required and supported.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo Credit: Chicago Park District
Date: Sat, Feb 19th
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Northerly Island Park
1521 S. Linn White Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605
Description: Discover Northerly Island by snowshoe this winter during Snowtrekking on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to Noon p.m. weather permitting. Explore the lakefront prairie for winter birds and various wildlife while enjoying incredible views of Chicago. The cost is $5 to check out a pair of snowshoes with a valid I.D. There must be at least three inches of snow for us to host Snowtrekking.
For more information and to verify if weather conditions are good for Snowtrekking, please call Northerly Island Park at (312) 745.2910.
Masks/Face Coverings, social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing will be required and supported.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo Credit: Chicago Park District
Stanford Earth Celebrates: Gail Myers and the Rhythms of the Land
Date: Wed, February 23rd
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm (PST)
Location: Zoom, please RSVP at https://lu.ma/Rhythms
Description: Join us in a virtual conversation with Prof. Gail Myers to discuss her new documentary film “Rhythms of the Land," where she engages with over 30 Black farmer families across 10 southern states who share their stories and cultural traditions of Black farming philosophy. A trailer of this documentary will be screened during the event. This event is a collaboration between the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Stanford Earth, the O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm, and the Environmental Justice Working Group, in celebration of Black History/Liberation Month.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please contact Isabel Carrera Zamanillo via email: micz@stanford.edu. Requests should be made by February 17, 2022.
For more information and registration, click here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Walk and Talk - Black Environmentalists
Date: Wed, Feb 23rd
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Glenview Woods
Harms Rd, south of Glenview Rd
Glenview, IL 60025
Description: Join us for a walk in nature as we highlight the work of black environmentalists—locally and abroad. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
Registration Required: Call 224-456-8602
For more information, click here.
Photo by Lindsey K from Pexels
Date: Wed, Feb 23rd
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Glenview Woods
Harms Rd, south of Glenview Rd
Glenview, IL 60025
Description: Join us for a walk in nature as we highlight the work of black environmentalists—locally and abroad. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
Registration Required: Call 224-456-8602
For more information, click here.
Photo by Lindsey K from Pexels
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Black History Month - Underground Railroad Walks
Date: Sat, Feb 26th Time: 10 am - 3 pm Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Ave South Holland, IL 60473 Description: Join us on a self-guided journey that follows the Underground Railroad route connected to the Calumet Region during the mid-1800s.All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible. For more information, click here. Photo by Adriaan Greyling from Pexels |
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Winter Wonderland at Canal Shores!
Join us for Winter Wonderland this February! Canal Shores, Downtown Evanston + Evanston Made invite the public to create an immersive art experience at Canal Shores Golf Course with a Nature Art Exhibit! Feb. 1-28, the community is invited to create visual treasures throughout the golf course to surprise and delight visitors. Projects can range from the simplest activities that children can produce to thought provoking dioramas created by professional artists. Saturdays, 3-5p, at the fire pit and enjoy art, community and a gorgeous sunset at Canal Shores Golf Course. How to Participate:
For more information, click here. Birdhouse by Melanie, Mallin, and others at Evanston Made |
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Planning Ahead
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Network for Public Health Law - Climate Change and Health Equity
We are interested in presentations from a wide variety of perspectives, including public health practitioners, community-based organizations, environmental organizations, attorneys, researchers, community members, and others. Submissions will be accepted until March 4, 2022. Click here to learn more. Please feel free to reach out by email (mkim@networkforphl.org) with any questions.
Find the "New You" in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Like many people, you may have resolved to be a better version of yourself in the new year. Whether you've set goals for personal growth or improving your physical health, you can reach them in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Here are a few ideas:
I would like get my steps in each day
How about joining our Trail Watch program? Trail Watch volunteers are ambassadors on the hundreds of miles of trails all across the preserves. They welcome other trail users on routes of their choice, and report any troubling conditions to FPCC police. It's a great way to get more familiar with our trail systems while putting some miles on your sneakers.
I want to learn new skills
Look no further than our many offerings on the Training page! Learn to identify frog calls, get to know native plants, become a brushpile Burn Boss, or gain the skills and confidence to act in an emergency situation through or First Aid & CPR course. The possibilities are endless.
I want to meet new people
Make new friends at an ecological stewardship day. With over 70 sites to choose from, you're sure to find a group that you connect with. Our established groups welcome new volunteers, and volunteer leaders will educate you on the work, show you how to use tools and provide guidance.
For more information, consider signing up for the FPDCC newsletter here.
Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County
I would like get my steps in each day
How about joining our Trail Watch program? Trail Watch volunteers are ambassadors on the hundreds of miles of trails all across the preserves. They welcome other trail users on routes of their choice, and report any troubling conditions to FPCC police. It's a great way to get more familiar with our trail systems while putting some miles on your sneakers.
I want to learn new skills
Look no further than our many offerings on the Training page! Learn to identify frog calls, get to know native plants, become a brushpile Burn Boss, or gain the skills and confidence to act in an emergency situation through or First Aid & CPR course. The possibilities are endless.
I want to meet new people
Make new friends at an ecological stewardship day. With over 70 sites to choose from, you're sure to find a group that you connect with. Our established groups welcome new volunteers, and volunteer leaders will educate you on the work, show you how to use tools and provide guidance.
For more information, consider signing up for the FPDCC newsletter here.
Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County
Job Opportunities
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County: CEP Aide Position
Interested applicants can apply here (and can see additional job openings at The Forest Preserves). Any questions should we forwarded to our HR department.
- The Nature Conservancy in Illinois: Director of Policy and Government Relations
To learn more click here to review the job description and qualifications.
"We offer a competitive salary with great benefits." For a complete position description
and to apply visit http://www.nature.org/careers and search for Job ID# 51017 by 11:59 p.m. March 11, 2022.
- Adventures Accessed: Chicago Based 2022 Instructor and Outreach Position
To learn more about this job position and Adventures Accessed click here.
Have data? Need Analysis?
Data science students and experts from multiple Chicago-area universities have joined forces to offer assistance with statistical analysis and interpretation of data to aid non-profit organizations transform their data into actionable knowledge, and much more.
To find out more, please visit The Metropolitan Chicago Data-science corps website at https://sites.northwestern.edu/mcdc/.
To find out more, please visit The Metropolitan Chicago Data-science corps website at https://sites.northwestern.edu/mcdc/.
In the News
Overview: Canadian Rx - Park Passes Give a Boost to Nature Prescriptions
While doctors in Canada have long known that being in nature can improve physical and mental health, they are now helping patients access the outside. With the PaRx Initiative, a partnership between the BC Parks Foundation and Parks Canada, doctors in four Canadian provinces received 100 passes to national parks, which they can give to their patients, along with a prescription to spend time outside.
Writing earlier this month in the Washington Post, Tik Root interviewed Melissa Lem, a family physician and director of the PaRx initiative, who said her standard recommendation is two hours of nature time per week, at least 20 minutes each time.
He wrote, “The goal is to provide health-care professionals with tools that encourage their patients to spend more time in nature — whether that’s a hike, gardening or just sitting outside.” The passes help eliminate the barriers some patients to nature.
“Studies have shown,” Mr. Root wrote, “that time in nature can lead to a range of benefits, from lower stress hormones and heart rate variability to higher self esteem among children. One found that nature or pleasant urban settings helped amplify the effects of exercise alone.”
The Canadian initiative is part of a larger movement that was inspired by ParkRx, an initiative in the U.S.
With mounting anxiety over several global threats, including the climate crisis, Dr. Lem said, “There’s almost no medical condition that nature doesn’t make better."
Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/02/07/national-park-prescriptions-mental-health/ & www.npr.org/2022/02/09/1079356799/a-new-program-in-canada-gives-doctors-the-option-of-prescribing-national-park-vi
Photo by PaRx
While doctors in Canada have long known that being in nature can improve physical and mental health, they are now helping patients access the outside. With the PaRx Initiative, a partnership between the BC Parks Foundation and Parks Canada, doctors in four Canadian provinces received 100 passes to national parks, which they can give to their patients, along with a prescription to spend time outside.
Writing earlier this month in the Washington Post, Tik Root interviewed Melissa Lem, a family physician and director of the PaRx initiative, who said her standard recommendation is two hours of nature time per week, at least 20 minutes each time.
He wrote, “The goal is to provide health-care professionals with tools that encourage their patients to spend more time in nature — whether that’s a hike, gardening or just sitting outside.” The passes help eliminate the barriers some patients to nature.
“Studies have shown,” Mr. Root wrote, “that time in nature can lead to a range of benefits, from lower stress hormones and heart rate variability to higher self esteem among children. One found that nature or pleasant urban settings helped amplify the effects of exercise alone.”
The Canadian initiative is part of a larger movement that was inspired by ParkRx, an initiative in the U.S.
With mounting anxiety over several global threats, including the climate crisis, Dr. Lem said, “There’s almost no medical condition that nature doesn’t make better."
Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/02/07/national-park-prescriptions-mental-health/ & www.npr.org/2022/02/09/1079356799/a-new-program-in-canada-gives-doctors-the-option-of-prescribing-national-park-vi
Photo by PaRx
Overview: Funding for Nature - Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will receive $1.5 billion in annual funding through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program to support state and local outdoor recreational opportunities, and wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.
The WSFR program has supported wildlife and habitat conservation, along with outdoor recreation, for 85 years, by apportioning to all 50 states excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, and boat fuel.
A press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior states, “These goals are consistent with President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative to support locally led efforts to conserve and restore our nation’s lands, waters, and wildlife. The initiative’s inclusive approach recognizes that hunters, fishers, private landowners, ranchers, farmers, Tribes, traditional land users, and everyone has a role to play in conservation to conserve America’s lands and waters for future generations.”
The release quotes Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams, “Many Americans are unaware of the remarkable conservation impact of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. State wildlife agencies dedicate WSFR funds to a variety of conservation projects and programs such as hunting and fishing education, fish and wildlife management, scientific research, habitat restoration and protection, land and water rights acquisition, and hunting and boating access. Everyone benefits from these investments, which have ensured a legacy of wildlife and outdoor opportunities for all.”
State-by-state listing of the Service’s final apportionment of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program funds for Fiscal Year 2022 can be found on the WSFR webpage.
Read more: www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-over-15-billion-support-state-wildlife-conservation-and#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20U.S.%20Fish%20and,wildlife%20and%20habitat%20conservation%20efforts.
Photo Credit: Evanston RoundTable - For years, Lovelace Park Pond in Evanston has been the site the youth program Access to Fishing, sponsored by the Evanston Ecology Center and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It is not clear whether the program will resume, even as the pandemic eases.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will receive $1.5 billion in annual funding through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program to support state and local outdoor recreational opportunities, and wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.
The WSFR program has supported wildlife and habitat conservation, along with outdoor recreation, for 85 years, by apportioning to all 50 states excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, and boat fuel.
A press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior states, “These goals are consistent with President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative to support locally led efforts to conserve and restore our nation’s lands, waters, and wildlife. The initiative’s inclusive approach recognizes that hunters, fishers, private landowners, ranchers, farmers, Tribes, traditional land users, and everyone has a role to play in conservation to conserve America’s lands and waters for future generations.”
The release quotes Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams, “Many Americans are unaware of the remarkable conservation impact of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. State wildlife agencies dedicate WSFR funds to a variety of conservation projects and programs such as hunting and fishing education, fish and wildlife management, scientific research, habitat restoration and protection, land and water rights acquisition, and hunting and boating access. Everyone benefits from these investments, which have ensured a legacy of wildlife and outdoor opportunities for all.”
State-by-state listing of the Service’s final apportionment of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program funds for Fiscal Year 2022 can be found on the WSFR webpage.
Read more: www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-over-15-billion-support-state-wildlife-conservation-and#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20U.S.%20Fish%20and,wildlife%20and%20habitat%20conservation%20efforts.
Photo Credit: Evanston RoundTable - For years, Lovelace Park Pond in Evanston has been the site the youth program Access to Fishing, sponsored by the Evanston Ecology Center and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It is not clear whether the program will resume, even as the pandemic eases.
Overview: A Tour of Winter Wildlife
Earlier this month, a group of writers offered readers a sampling of fauna in winter, with the tantalizing headline. “In the Heart of Winter, an Abundance of Wildlife.” Elaine Glusac, Colleen Creamer, Gustave Axelson, and Finn-Olav Jones.
Great gray owls in Minnesota, wolves in Yellowstone National Park, bison and cranes in Florida, and whales in Hawaii are all pictured and described against the backdrop of winter.
Readers will learn:
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/travel/winter-wildlife-florida-hawaii.html
Photo by Nathan Varley, Yellowstone Wolf Tracker, used by permission
Earlier this month, a group of writers offered readers a sampling of fauna in winter, with the tantalizing headline. “In the Heart of Winter, an Abundance of Wildlife.” Elaine Glusac, Colleen Creamer, Gustave Axelson, and Finn-Olav Jones.
Great gray owls in Minnesota, wolves in Yellowstone National Park, bison and cranes in Florida, and whales in Hawaii are all pictured and described against the backdrop of winter.
Readers will learn:
- Wolves are “clever team players.”
- A common reaction to seeing a great gray owl: “Typically it’s a hushed silence for minutes on end, punctuated by an occasional whisper of ‘Oh, my God,’ said a Minnesota birding guide.\
- An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 humpbacks migrate annually to Hawaii during the November-to-May season, but other than mothers with their calves, most travel solo
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is 21,000 acres of diverse habitat for snakes, river otters, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, hawks, bison, wild horses and, of course, American alligators, as well as a wintering ground for waterfowl.
- Some call sea lions “ocean puppies … because they’re playful and get around.”
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/travel/winter-wildlife-florida-hawaii.html
Photo by Nathan Varley, Yellowstone Wolf Tracker, used by permission
Overview: The Ills of Winter: Is Inside or Outside Better?
The human body in cold weather is less effective at fighting viruses; more people come down with colds, flu, and other viruses. Behaving like it’s really spring – going outside with in shorts, without a jacket, or with wet hair, for example – can make a person more likely to pick up a virus.
Avoiding the effects of cold weather, though, is not the same as avoiding the outside.
A post on the website of Northwestern Medicine, “Can Winter Make You Sick?” quotes primary care physician Winston D. Rajendram, MD, who says wearing layers of clothing in cold weather “can help prevent physiological conditions that can make you more susceptible to contracting viruses."
Inside, dry air promotes greater circulation of the flu virus. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and keeping the humidity relatively high can help prevent the spread.
Read more: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-winter-make-you-sick
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
The human body in cold weather is less effective at fighting viruses; more people come down with colds, flu, and other viruses. Behaving like it’s really spring – going outside with in shorts, without a jacket, or with wet hair, for example – can make a person more likely to pick up a virus.
Avoiding the effects of cold weather, though, is not the same as avoiding the outside.
A post on the website of Northwestern Medicine, “Can Winter Make You Sick?” quotes primary care physician Winston D. Rajendram, MD, who says wearing layers of clothing in cold weather “can help prevent physiological conditions that can make you more susceptible to contracting viruses."
Inside, dry air promotes greater circulation of the flu virus. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and keeping the humidity relatively high can help prevent the spread.
Read more: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-winter-make-you-sick
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels