Newsletter from Tuesday, June 27th, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
As many of you know the NCH2 vision is for the Chicago region "where all of its residents live, work, and play in a healthy and vibrant natural environment--with clean air, clean water, welcoming, safe and equitable access to nature spaces" --essential resources to community health and resilience. Right now our region faces a serious drought (monitor it here) and experiences inequitable effects of summer heat (and awful air quality!). Both of these effects can make it unsafe and unhealthy for people to spend time outside in nature. And the drought also affects the native plants and trees we rely on to help mitigate the impacts of intensifying heat--don't forget to water both the newly planted and the Mother Trees if you can. For guidance on watering, see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site.
The City of Chicago is looking for Volunteers to help assess (and then address) where heat is most intense in the city. If you or you know of someone who is interested, please have them sign up here.
Earlier this month, the City of Chicago joined a nationwide campaign of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to measure heat throughout the city. Launched locally at Stone Temple Baptist Church, the program is a “community heat-mapping project that brings together local volunteers, public and private organizations, universities, and non-profit organizations to co-produce high-resolution heat maps and generate creative and collaborative solutions for extreme heat in Chicago.
Shout Out to Debra Williams with The Nature Conservancy for participating on a panel about Human Health and Nature at the Green Town Conference on Climate and Equity last week. Thank you!
As many of you know the NCH2 vision is for the Chicago region "where all of its residents live, work, and play in a healthy and vibrant natural environment--with clean air, clean water, welcoming, safe and equitable access to nature spaces" --essential resources to community health and resilience. Right now our region faces a serious drought (monitor it here) and experiences inequitable effects of summer heat (and awful air quality!). Both of these effects can make it unsafe and unhealthy for people to spend time outside in nature. And the drought also affects the native plants and trees we rely on to help mitigate the impacts of intensifying heat--don't forget to water both the newly planted and the Mother Trees if you can. For guidance on watering, see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site.
The City of Chicago is looking for Volunteers to help assess (and then address) where heat is most intense in the city. If you or you know of someone who is interested, please have them sign up here.
Earlier this month, the City of Chicago joined a nationwide campaign of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to measure heat throughout the city. Launched locally at Stone Temple Baptist Church, the program is a “community heat-mapping project that brings together local volunteers, public and private organizations, universities, and non-profit organizations to co-produce high-resolution heat maps and generate creative and collaborative solutions for extreme heat in Chicago.
Shout Out to Debra Williams with The Nature Conservancy for participating on a panel about Human Health and Nature at the Green Town Conference on Climate and Equity last week. Thank you!
Index
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Blacks In Green Juneteenth Celebration: Taking Stock of Biodiversity in West Woodlawn
Native landscape, Blacks in Green program across from Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley Home, photo by Laura Derks
Community Survey about greenspace, photo by Laura Derks
On June 17th Blacks in Green (BIG) hosted a "Bioblitz" where volunteers conducted an inventory of all the living organisms (except humans) in three lots around the Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley house. The lot pictured above was beautifully landscaped several years ago and helps with the community's flooding issues.
Scores of community members showed up for the Bioblitz and to enjoy the Juneteenth celebration of faceprinting, BBQ, information-sharing about BIG's vision for the community, and to help shape plans for new greenspace/nature spots in Woodlawn. Through a collaboration with the Delta Institute, Emerald South, and the Metropolitan Planning Council, BIG is working to ensure their vision and planning is shaped by and for the surrounding community. Over 50 residents participated in the survey! See more about their recent $10 million grant below In the News section.
Scores of community members showed up for the Bioblitz and to enjoy the Juneteenth celebration of faceprinting, BBQ, information-sharing about BIG's vision for the community, and to help shape plans for new greenspace/nature spots in Woodlawn. Through a collaboration with the Delta Institute, Emerald South, and the Metropolitan Planning Council, BIG is working to ensure their vision and planning is shaped by and for the surrounding community. Over 50 residents participated in the survey! See more about their recent $10 million grant below In the News section.
Upcoming Events
Chicago Ornithological Society Instagram post
Tomorrow! Virtual talk on Chicago Area Bird Murals
"Have you wondered why these bird murals have been popping up around the Chicago area?" The Chicago Ornithological Society is hosting a virtual discussion among three of the mural artists Ruben Aguirre, Cheri Charlton, and Shawn Bullen.
When: Wednesday, June 28th, 6:00 p.m.
Register Here
"Have you wondered why these bird murals have been popping up around the Chicago area?" The Chicago Ornithological Society is hosting a virtual discussion among three of the mural artists Ruben Aguirre, Cheri Charlton, and Shawn Bullen.
When: Wednesday, June 28th, 6:00 p.m.
Register Here
Image, Grow Greater Englewood
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Grow Greater Englewood Farmer's Market Every Saturday
Grow Greater Englewood will begin their 4th Annual Englewood Village Market at the Englewood Village Plaza offering fresh produce from local farmers, food and goods from Black-owned businesses, live music, and a rotation of featured programming! Many other farmers' markets are in full swing all over the region -- it is so important to support our local food sources, as it not only keeps economic resources locally, but our investment in these food sources has a much lower carbon footprint, as the food travels locally (and not from other spots in the world). Send us your local farmers' market that you would like featured! When: Saturdays 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
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Crystal Bowl Meditation Outdoors in Dupage County through The Conservation Foundation
Offered several times this summer at the Dickson-Murst Farm, this outdoor crystal bowl meditation will help restore your mind and spirit! Join instructor Ellen Von Ohlen this weekend for a transformative experience. Fee is $25. When: June 30th, 7:00 p.m. and other times. Where: The Farm. Register Here. |
Photo. sandhill cranes at sunset by Laura Derks
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Learn how to Ride a Bike/Improve your Skills
We Keep you Rollin', in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Ride Illinois, will offer free bike-riding workshops--learn from scratch or burnish your riding skills. Free and All are welcome. Please bring your helmet and bike or borrow from We Keep You Rollin's inventory. Reserve a spot! For more information and registration, email [email protected]. When: July 8, 17th 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Where: Beaubian Woods Boat Launch |
Herbalism Workshops with Urban Growers Collective Starting This Saturday
Learn more about cultivated and wild herbs with Urban Growers Collective (UGC) at their South Chicago Farm. Led by UGC staff and Herbalism Conductor Kim Crutcher the walks offer learning, community, and knowledge sharing. Fee is $40. Register Here.
When: Offered several times this summer, June 29th, 6:00 p.m.
Where: South Chicago Farm 9000 South Mackinaw Avenue Chicago
Future Events
Lyrics from Luke Wallace
2nd Annual EcoVoice Festival
This Festival celebrates collaborations in Chicago, Evanston, and Barrington. Headlining the festival will be singer/songwriter and activist Luke Wallace , who will present several performances, as well as an eco-songwriting workshop. The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology will host our festival Soundwalk, and the New Earth Ensemble will perform Nicholas Cline’s Watersheds.
When: July 7-9th, Register Here
This Festival celebrates collaborations in Chicago, Evanston, and Barrington. Headlining the festival will be singer/songwriter and activist Luke Wallace , who will present several performances, as well as an eco-songwriting workshop. The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology will host our festival Soundwalk, and the New Earth Ensemble will perform Nicholas Cline’s Watersheds.
When: July 7-9th, Register Here
Photo, Courtesy of CRR19
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5th Annual Commemorative Race Riot of 1919 Community Bike Ride
Bicycle in community; tour historic sites in Bronzeville, and learn about the history of Eugene Williams who unjustly died in the summer of 1919 due to racist beliefs. CRR19, a broad coalition of organizations in Bronzeville and beyond, have organized this event to bring awareness to this once-erased event, which sparked over twenty-five such incidents across the nation that came to be known as the Red Summer. After the ride, you will enjoy a a free lunch, music, and opportunity to engage with local organizations and resources tables. For more information and to register go here. |
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Faith in Place Hosts Double Dutch Festival!
So many activities for this event, it is a must attend! Beach clean-up, breakdances, double dutch jump rope workshops, Food Trucks, and Migration and Me education (about monarchs), and face painting. All welcome. No registration necessary but they would like to know you are coming here. When: July 15, 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Where: Rainbow Beach, Chicago 3111 E. 77th St. |
DD Festival 2022, photo by Laura Derks
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Job Opportunities
Black Oaks Farm is looking to hire for its current growing season. See listings Here.
Experimental Station has two new positions Deputy Director of Finance / Human Resources. For more information, go Here.
Friends of the Parks is looking to fill the Director of Policy and Advocacy. Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. The position will be posted on their website soon.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has multiple positions open including Senior Director of Development and Director of Finance. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for area high school students are open! Learn more here.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill several positions. Learn more here.
Imani Green Health Advocates Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee and Mentor positions. Learn more here.
Openlands is looking to fill two positions, including Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
Star Farm is looking to fill two positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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Brushwood Center in Lake County Publishes Report
"Everyone deserves a healthy environment and access to the outdoors" begins the Brushwood Center's newly release report Health, Equity, and Nature: A Changing Climate in Lake County. Catherine Game, Brushwood Center Executive Director, released the report for Lake County which documents and displays both qualitative and quantitative information about the health and wellbeing of its residents with a specific focus on access to and feelings about nature spaces there. In her email Catherine notes, "This report includes key findings about access to nature, human health, and a healthy environment in Lake County, as well as actionable recommendations to empower change." Pictured here is one of the display boards on exhibit at Brushwood that demonstrates how people of color have considerable concern about their safety in visiting parks and open spaces. These perceptions create a potential barrier to accessing and enjoying the benefits of spending time outside. To read the full report, access it here. |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley house, Photo Laura Derks
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BIG Grant for Woodlawn Organization Blacks in Green (BIG), founded 16 years ago by Naomi Davis, has received a boost in the form of a five-year, $10 million grant as it works to find sustainable ways to help Black communities in Chicago and beyond. Writing in “Inside Climate News” for the Chicago Sun Times on June 16th, Brett Chase and Aydali Campa described Ms. Davis’s efforts thus far and her plans to expand her work in finding sustainable, green solutions for Black communities. Ms. Davis “envisions rebuilding Black communities while responding to the climate crisis,” they wrote. “One day, she hopes to help build a revitalized, sustainable community that draws electricity from a renewable power microgrid. … She sees her plan as a possible model for reviving Black neighborhoods across the United States...Save the planet, and save Black neighborhoods," Davis tells people. After many years of going it almost alone, BIG has substantial support for its work and ideas, among them creating educational programs, job training, green energy, and community gardens. Read more here. |
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Urban Trees Provide Benefits But Suffer Climate Stress
Climate Central’s May issue, “The Power of Urban Trees,” lists five benefits of urban trees in this changing climate. They provide shade and reduce heat; prevent storm-water runoff; sequester carbon; reduce air pollution; and offer health, wellness and a connection to nature. Around 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas—and faces particular climate risks. At the same time, urban forests are themselves vulnerable to urbanization and climate change; they require adequate stewardship to continue benefiting communities. The report describes the benefits of trees but also notes that trees, like other living things, suffer from climate changes. The cities with the five most intense urban heat islands are New Orleans, Newark, N.J., New York City, Houston, and San Francisco. To read more about the five benefits go here. |
Photo, Mary Gavin
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Image, The Conservation Foundation
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The Conservation Foundation Offering Guidance for Climate Action
The Conservation Foundation has issued a “Quick Guide for Climate Action.” The pamphlet offers tips of how to:
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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].