Newsletter Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Hello NCH2 Community!
Wow, all we can say is wow! Thank you to all who joined us March 15 at the Austin Townhall and Cultural Center. If you were not able to be with us at the NCH2 Summit "Creating Welcoming Nature Spaces: an IDEAS Pathway (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, and Safe), here are some of the reasons we were so energized Friday and continue to be:
Ted Gross, Chicago Park District
Latrina Lee, Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois at Chicago School of Design
Kenyon Duner and Raquel Garcia-Alvarez, Forest Preserves District of Cook County
Terry Horton, NCH2 Steering Committee Chair
Cat Principe, The Nature Conservancy
Cassandra Powell and Levi Jenkins, Light of Loving Kindness
Donisha Reed, TCA Health.
Wow, all we can say is wow! Thank you to all who joined us March 15 at the Austin Townhall and Cultural Center. If you were not able to be with us at the NCH2 Summit "Creating Welcoming Nature Spaces: an IDEAS Pathway (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, and Safe), here are some of the reasons we were so energized Friday and continue to be:
- Over 120 participants and 20 presenters from throughout the Chicago area joined us. Interspersed with a packed agenda were three meditations--thanks to Cassandra Powell and Levi Jenkins, lead moderators.
- Summit attendees gave their rapt attention to State Representative Sonya Harper (D-6th, Chicago) as she discussed the importance of nature to health and well-being, especially in under-resourced communities that do not have access to quality nature spaces.
- Four Models of Excellence presented why and how they created welcoming nature spaces: Thanks to Chicago Adventure Therapy, Skinner Park Community Gardens, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Park District Burnham Wildlife Corridor!
- The Forest Preserves of Cook County presented their comprehensive approach to communicating with all of the county residents about the nature at their finger tips.
- Participants identified what they believe are essential elements to creating Safe and Welcoming Nature Spaces--a rough framework for our Toolkit--and what they believe the capacity to develop IDEAS spaces is at their workplace.
- We invite you to be part of a planning group that will draft and finalize the Toolkit, please email us at [email protected].
Ted Gross, Chicago Park District
Latrina Lee, Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois at Chicago School of Design
Kenyon Duner and Raquel Garcia-Alvarez, Forest Preserves District of Cook County
Terry Horton, NCH2 Steering Committee Chair
Cat Principe, The Nature Conservancy
Cassandra Powell and Levi Jenkins, Light of Loving Kindness
Donisha Reed, TCA Health.
Index
NCH2 Summit Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
NCH2 Summit Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Creating Welcoming Nature Spaces: The Future of Environmental Justice
Image, Kelvin Boyd, Wendy Lopez, Jailene Guevara, Aziz Evans, Catherine Hu, and Credell Wells
Another highight of the Summit was the five young leaders on the "Future of Environmental Justice" panel who shared their personal stories, their professional pathways and goals with the audience at the beginning of our day together. Credell Wells, Director, Sand Ridge Nature Center with the Forest Preserves District of Cook County, facilitated the conversation, asking them a broad range of questions from identifying their favorite nature spots, to the barriers they believe prevent people from accessing nature safely, and letting participants know about the range of professional roles young people can pursue in "caring for nature" professions.
Kelvin Boyd, Wendy Lopez, Jailene Guevara, and Catherine Hu all were former participants in the Youth Green Ambassador program at the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and currently have professional positions ranging from the Forest Preserves of Cook County to the Arlington Library. Aziz Evans, recent graduate of the University of Illinois, works at the Stein Learning Garden.
Kelvin Boyd, Wendy Lopez, Jailene Guevara, and Catherine Hu all were former participants in the Youth Green Ambassador program at the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and currently have professional positions ranging from the Forest Preserves of Cook County to the Arlington Library. Aziz Evans, recent graduate of the University of Illinois, works at the Stein Learning Garden.
Upcoming Events
Image, Laura Derks
Free Spring Flower Walk in Will County: Hammel Woods
"Will County is where the wildflowers are! Anemone, Dutchman’s breeches (seen here), trillium, hepatica – our wildflowers have stories to tell! Journey to Hammel Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties got their names, their uses through time and other lore and legends." (Website) The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long on natural surfaces with steep hills.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program. Registration required by Friday, March 29: 815-722-9470. Ages 10+
When: Saturday, March 30, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Hammel Woods
"Will County is where the wildflowers are! Anemone, Dutchman’s breeches (seen here), trillium, hepatica – our wildflowers have stories to tell! Journey to Hammel Woods, a top spot to seek wildflowers. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties got their names, their uses through time and other lore and legends." (Website) The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long on natural surfaces with steep hills.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program. Registration required by Friday, March 29: 815-722-9470. Ages 10+
When: Saturday, March 30, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Hammel Woods
|
Trickster Cultural Center hosts An All-Ages Camp
Join the Trickster staff for a cultural teachings, arts, activities camp. "Camp is for all ages. Everyone is invited to Trickster Cultural Center. Parents can drop off or stay. Register for 1, 2 or all 3 days." Register here When: March 28, 29, 30 Where: Register Rolling Knolls Nature Preserve, Elgin, IL. |
Image, Trickster Website
|
Webinar: Going Green and Saving Green for Renters
Do you rent in Illinois and are interested in saving money on utility bills and participating in eco-friendly programs, such as solar? Join us to learn about programs for Illinois residents that help you cut costs while making your home more comfortable and green. Join us to learn about programs for Illinois renters that help you save while making your home more comfortable and green. Register for the free webinar here.
When: Apr 11, 2024 06:00 PM Central
Image, Tree Planting La Villita Laura Derks
Basic Urban Forestry Training for Non-Forestry/Nonarborist Staff
Join the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative and Illinois Arborists Association for a one or two-day training for non-forestry professionals who work with or near trees or manage staff and/or contractors who work with trees. This training will include forestry topics such as
"planting, pruning, tree biology, providing proper tree care, and avoiding tree damage during construction. There is also a second optional day that is focused on chainsaw basics. The cost of the training is $10 per person per day. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Register here.
Where: Fountain Hills Golf Course, 12601 Kedzie Ave., Alsip,
When: April 1 and 2
Join the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative and Illinois Arborists Association for a one or two-day training for non-forestry professionals who work with or near trees or manage staff and/or contractors who work with trees. This training will include forestry topics such as
"planting, pruning, tree biology, providing proper tree care, and avoiding tree damage during construction. There is also a second optional day that is focused on chainsaw basics. The cost of the training is $10 per person per day. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Register here.
Where: Fountain Hills Golf Course, 12601 Kedzie Ave., Alsip,
When: April 1 and 2
Funding Opportunities and other Resources
Image, Women for Green Spaces Butterfly Sanctuary, Laura Derks
Free Continuing Education for Volunteers in Natural Areas, Community Gardens, and Parks!
Training opportunities for all volunteers, volunteer leaders, stipend staff, or early career professionals stewarding natural areas, parks, neighborhoods, and community gardens. The Volunteer Stewardship Network is providing training opportunities through The Morton Arboretum's Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) and adult learning programs to help "grow knowledge of the natural world, gardening, and more".
Check out the offerings here. Online, in person, and blended courses available.
For more information contact Brooke Thurau at [email protected]
Training opportunities for all volunteers, volunteer leaders, stipend staff, or early career professionals stewarding natural areas, parks, neighborhoods, and community gardens. The Volunteer Stewardship Network is providing training opportunities through The Morton Arboretum's Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) and adult learning programs to help "grow knowledge of the natural world, gardening, and more".
Check out the offerings here. Online, in person, and blended courses available.
For more information contact Brooke Thurau at [email protected]
Image, Laura Derks
Prepare for Spring Bird Migration--Lights Out Chicago!
Spring migration has moved up quite a bit this calendar year 2024. Check out the new "Lights Out Chicago" program. Last year, thousands of migrating birds crashed into the McCormick Conference Center in Chicago and sustained lethal damage.
Chicago is working on passing a new building ordinance that will shield migrating birds from potential injury. Find out more about the status of that legislation here.
Spring migration has moved up quite a bit this calendar year 2024. Check out the new "Lights Out Chicago" program. Last year, thousands of migrating birds crashed into the McCormick Conference Center in Chicago and sustained lethal damage.
Chicago is working on passing a new building ordinance that will shield migrating birds from potential injury. Find out more about the status of that legislation here.
Image, Mitchell Museum pollinator garden, Illinois Humanities website
ComEd Green Region Grant Opportunity
The ComEd Green Region Grants provide up to $10,000 for conservation, pollinators, and climate resiliency projects based in Northern Illinois. Learn more about how to apply here. $200,000 was awarded throughout the region last year.
Continuing this year, non-profits and educational agencies can apply for a grant with a letter of support from a government agency in their community. Applications are due on March 29, 2024.
A list of 2023 grantees is here.
The ComEd Green Region Grants provide up to $10,000 for conservation, pollinators, and climate resiliency projects based in Northern Illinois. Learn more about how to apply here. $200,000 was awarded throughout the region last year.
Continuing this year, non-profits and educational agencies can apply for a grant with a letter of support from a government agency in their community. Applications are due on March 29, 2024.
A list of 2023 grantees is here.
Job Opportunities
New
llinois Nature Conservancy, Indian Boundary Prairies Youth Program Assistant and Illinois Youth Environmental Thinkers Intern (age 16-18)– (Job 54847). Deadline to apply is May 3rd.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program.
Urban Growers Collective has 7 full-time positions open here.
The UGC Internship Program is open and accepting applications---must be 18 and older.
Continuing
Chicago Regional Trees Initiative: Community Coordinator (2 positions)
Learn more and apply Grant Administrator Learn more and apply
The Delta Institute is hiring an Environmental Finance Center Specialist.
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 other positions. 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.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions, including a Communications Internship. Learn more here.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Adventure Sports Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. here (Scroll down, there are several other job openings)
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
llinois Nature Conservancy, Indian Boundary Prairies Youth Program Assistant and Illinois Youth Environmental Thinkers Intern (age 16-18)– (Job 54847). Deadline to apply is May 3rd.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program.
Urban Growers Collective has 7 full-time positions open here.
The UGC Internship Program is open and accepting applications---must be 18 and older.
Continuing
Chicago Regional Trees Initiative: Community Coordinator (2 positions)
Learn more and apply Grant Administrator Learn more and apply
The Delta Institute is hiring an Environmental Finance Center Specialist.
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 other positions. 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.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions, including a Communications Internship. Learn more here.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Adventure Sports Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. here (Scroll down, there are several other job openings)
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
|
New Habitat Name a Late Valentine for Piping Plovers
On Feb. 20, the Chicago Park District voted that the 3.1-acre expansion to the Montrose Dunes Natural Area be named for Monty and Rose, the piping plovers that captured the hearts of Chicago bird-lovers since they began nesting there in 2019; they died in 2022. In an article for the Chicago Bird Alliance, Judy Pollock wrote that in 1986, the species was listed by the U/S/ Fish and Wildlife Service as “endangered.” Fledged at Montrose Beach, Monty and Rose were “the first two Piping Plovers [to nest] and fledge chicks in Chicago and Cook County in 71 years,” she wrote. Converting a recreational area to a wildlife habitat gives shorebirds, including Piping Plovers, a place to forage and nest. “Monty and Rose used the area extensively to nest and feed their chicks; they defended it from Killdeer and gulls to retain territorial rights of the area,” Ms. Pollock wrote. Read more here. |
Image, Joe Ward, Block Club Chicago
|
Image, Laura Derks
|
Millions of Federal Funds to Improve Humboldt Park (and surrounding area)
One of the crown jewel, landmark parks in Chicago, Humboldt Park will receive an infusion of funds to improve and open bathroom facilities and make pathway repairs thanks to recently signed federal legislation. In a recent article from Block Club Chicago, surrounding landscapes, streetscape and a nonprofit organization will also receive funds for restoration and rehabilitation. Quoted in the article is Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District Rosa Escareño, who applauds these federal investments and calls Humboldt Park "'a gem with history worth preserving.'" She also noted that the funds "'align with the District’s commitment to inclusivity and help further our ongoing work to ensure our parks are welcoming and accessible spaces for everyone."' Read about it here. |
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].