Newsletter from Thursday, July 21st, 2022
Dear NCH2 Community,
We continue to highlight the terrific work of so many organizations that are encouraging and offering opportunities for people in our region to get outside, have fun, and enjoy particularly in areas that have experienced inequity in investment, care, and attention. Since May, when NCH2 launched its Catalyst, funded through the Walder Foundation, we are helping incubate community-based programs with a
Triple Aim framework:
1) Creating more just and equitable nature spaces
2) Improving human health
3) Supporting the health of a quickly changing environment.
This month we focus on those organizations and people who want to change the inequities in accessing and enjoying nature. This effort involves more than simply having a plot of green nearby, it also includes staff that ensure families feel welcome, and offering programs and facilities that meet the needs of community residents.
In this newsletter the NCH2 team is looking forward to attending the 4th annual Bronzeville Bike Tour (see below for more detail), on July 30th, which will be a great opportunity to explore Chicago's South Side, commemorate the Chicago Race Riots of 1919, and celebrate those who are still working to to undo that injustice today. We hope to see you there! In Evanston, gardeners and environmentalists are pushing for more native plants. Recognizing that not all have the resources to find and plant native plants, the Evanston Round Table describes ways to make restoring biodiversity more equitable by noting simple ways to enhance the native species already in your garden or yard. We encourage you to join us in the discussion and the work of promoting the Triple Aim. If you have examples of people or programs that should be highlighted in the newsletter, please share them with us!
Enjoy!
NCH2 team
Triple Aim framework:
1) Creating more just and equitable nature spaces
2) Improving human health
3) Supporting the health of a quickly changing environment.
This month we focus on those organizations and people who want to change the inequities in accessing and enjoying nature. This effort involves more than simply having a plot of green nearby, it also includes staff that ensure families feel welcome, and offering programs and facilities that meet the needs of community residents.
In this newsletter the NCH2 team is looking forward to attending the 4th annual Bronzeville Bike Tour (see below for more detail), on July 30th, which will be a great opportunity to explore Chicago's South Side, commemorate the Chicago Race Riots of 1919, and celebrate those who are still working to to undo that injustice today. We hope to see you there! In Evanston, gardeners and environmentalists are pushing for more native plants. Recognizing that not all have the resources to find and plant native plants, the Evanston Round Table describes ways to make restoring biodiversity more equitable by noting simple ways to enhance the native species already in your garden or yard. We encourage you to join us in the discussion and the work of promoting the Triple Aim. If you have examples of people or programs that should be highlighted in the newsletter, please share them with us!
Enjoy!
NCH2 team
Index
Community Spotlight
Local Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Local Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight: The Forest Preserves of Cook County
Homewood Science Center's Girls STEAM Success Club during a visit to Sauk Trail Woods.
Photo by The Forest Preserves of Cook County
This week, we bring awareness to The Forest Preserves of Cook County and the consistent effort and joy they bring to the Chicagoland environmental community. A longtime partner of NCH2, its mission is to protect and preserve public open space with its natural wonders and all of its associated wildlife in a natural state for the education, pleasure, and recreation of the public.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the United States. It receives an estimated 62 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This deeply rooted community organization hosts community events which engage the public with nature all around them, and each other.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers an incredible way to engage with nature and meet new people, all for free! Their activity and education based events happen regularly through the year, all around Cook County. They regularly host free events designed for teen engagement on Teen Exploration Days. Teens 13 and up can register for the activities coming up like Archery and Paddling. The Forest Preserves focuses on education with their regular event "Friday's in the Field", where University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through activities on the grounds.
Upcoming events in July:
Campfire Stories
Children's Nature Story Trail
La Naturaleza en Español Meet Up
Explore the African American Heritage Water Trail
Teen Exploration Days: Paddling
Self Love Bootcamp: Mental Wellness and You
...and more!
Learn more at The Forest Preserves of Cook County
The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the United States. It receives an estimated 62 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This deeply rooted community organization hosts community events which engage the public with nature all around them, and each other.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers an incredible way to engage with nature and meet new people, all for free! Their activity and education based events happen regularly through the year, all around Cook County. They regularly host free events designed for teen engagement on Teen Exploration Days. Teens 13 and up can register for the activities coming up like Archery and Paddling. The Forest Preserves focuses on education with their regular event "Friday's in the Field", where University of Illinois Extension Certified Master Naturalists will connect visitors with nature through activities on the grounds.
Upcoming events in July:
Campfire Stories
Children's Nature Story Trail
La Naturaleza en Español Meet Up
Explore the African American Heritage Water Trail
Teen Exploration Days: Paddling
Self Love Bootcamp: Mental Wellness and You
...and more!
Learn more at The Forest Preserves of Cook County
Local Events
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Light of Loving Kindness's Self Love Bootcamp:
Finding Yourself in Nature Date: Saturday, July 30th, 2022 Time: 10:00-11:30 am Location: Green Lake Woods Torrence Ave, north of 159th St/River Oaks Dr Calumet City, IL, 60409 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 |
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4th Annual Bronzeville Bike Tour:
Join The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19), Organic Oneness, and supporting partners on Saturday, July 30th, 2022 for a bike tour that will travel through the Bronzeville and Bridgeport neighborhoods. A brief program begins at 10am and the 2-hour ride begins at 10:30 am.
On the bike tour, you will learn about the history of Eugene Williams and how his unjust racist killing sparked the Chicago Race Riot of 1919--the worst incident of racial violence in City history and among twenty-five such incidents across the nation that came to be known as the Red Summer.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a helmet. If not vaccinated, please wear a mask and maintain social distance. In the event of rain, the ride will be rescheduled for the following morning, Sunday, July 31st. The event is free with an option for donations. All donations of $30 or more will receive a Chicago Race Riot 1919 shirt at the check-in table.
Date: Saturday, July 30th
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Chicago Military Academy, Bronzeville
3519 S Giles
Chicago, IL 60653
To register please visit the CRR19 Eventbrite.
For more information, please visit the CRR19 website, or watch the CRR19 introductory video here.
Photo courtesy of CRR19
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Walk with a Future Doc:
Walk With a Future Doc (WWAFD) aims to bring medical students and community members together for outdoor walks. Last year, the CPF brought the program to Chicago's parks and we return again this summer! Local medical students lead 45-min weekly park walks and give short talks on health-related topics. This is a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with your neighbors, and learn more about your own health! Join us for our first walks: Lake Shore Park (808 N. Lake Shore Drive) Wednesdays at 6PM Starting June 1st Registration required, register here. Photo courtesy of WWAFD |
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
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Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States: Technology, Policy, and Societal Dimensions | Pathways to an Equitable and Just Transition Workshop
Date: July 26, 2022 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Online Webinar The National Academies’ Committee on Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States: Technology Policy and Societal Dimensions will host a one-day workshop on equity and justice in the energy transition. The committee has been tasked to assess a wide spectrum of technological, policy, and societal dimensions of decarbonizing the U.S. economy. The purpose of this workshop is to inform the committee’s development of principles, best practices, and actionable recommendations to operationalize equity and justice in the energy transition with inclusive stakeholder engagement. The committee will hear topical presentations from stakeholders, after which all attendees will collaborate to describe the pathway the country needs to take during the transition. Session topics will include public health and safety, jobs and workforce, equitable access, and energy affordability. For more information and registration, please click here. Photo by Singkham |
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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 |
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Future Events: Save the Date
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
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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 |
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Job Opportunities
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking a Licensing and Land Use Specialist. Under the supervision of the Licensing & Land Use Records Manager, candidate will review licenses and various other agreements for use of District property and ensure compliance with the terms of the District’s approvals. They will provide support to the District’s land use and acquisition activities including property research and review of ALTA/ACSM, topographic, and construction surveys., and administer and maintain the database of new, existing, and renewal licenses for various improvements built by others on District property. Preferred qualities include: currently a licensed as a surveyor in the State of Illinois OR currently a surveyor intern in the State of Illinois; OR Possession of at least one season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR Possession of at least one season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR Possession of at least one season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR Possession of at least one season of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.
To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.
To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking a Policy and Sustainability Manager. Under general supervision by the Deputy General Superintendent or their designee, the Policy & Sustainability Manager of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County (“District” or “Forest Preserves”) designs and implements all policy-related research to ensure that the Forest Preserves follows changes in law and drafts—or edits existing—policies to comport with current law requirements. The Policy & Sustainability Manager of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County is responsible for research and analysis on various issues, including best practices in local government, conservation, program development, user surveys, charitable foundations, and fundraising. Under general supervision by the Deputy General Superintendent or their designee, the Policy & Sustainability Manager coordinates the implementation of the District’s Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Plan, including strategies to reduce the impacts contributing to climate change and initiatives to protect Forest Preserves lands as they evolve within changing climatic conditions.
To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.
To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.
In the News
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Overview: ‘River Therapy’: The Popularity of Kayaking
Whether paddling alone to enjoy the quiet of nature or in a group such as the “Oh! Paddlin’ Piranhas,” more and more people in the greater Chicago area are finding relaxation and renewal in kayaking, according to a recent story by Zachary Nauth on WBEZ. Popular during the peak of the pandemic because of it entails social distancing, kayaking now offers more than socialization and wildlife-glimpsing. Openlands, for example, is partnering with local groups to teach the history of a region, with, as an example, the "African American Heritage Trail". The article ends with 14 recommended places for a kayaking or canoeing adventure within an hour of the city. Read more here. Photo by Uriel Castellanos |
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Overview: 6 Reasons to Walk in the Rain It’s not just the clean invigorating smell that can entice people to don slickers and boots for a walk in the raindrops. Researcher say there are health benefits to walking in the rain, according to an editorial in Curious Mind Magazine. Among the rainy-day benefits are cleaner air, fewer people and a chance for introspection against the “white noise” backdrop of rainfall. Read more here. Photo by Viktorya Sergeeva |
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Overview: Simple, Sustainable Gardening
As the sustainable gardening movement continues to grow, landscaped yards give way to wilder spaces, where native plants, bugs and birds flourish. But not everyone is capable of a complete landscape overhaul, whether due to ability, money or time. Even small changes in your garden or habits can have a significant positive impact and help bring back bugs and migratory birds. This article from Evanston Round Table recommends simple, easy and tool free ways to enhance the natural biodiversity of your yard or garden. In addition, author Nancy Mclaughlin highlights the resilience and low maintenance of native plants, which could mean a better choice for your garden in the long run, for you and for the environment. Read more here. Photo by Children Nature Network |
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].