Newsletter Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Hello NCH2 Community!
We are counting down to the NCH2 Summit--March 15--and hope you all will join us! We have just 30 spots left so please register! All are Welcome. Register here, regardless of ability to pay. See the agenda here. Plan to come at 7:30 a.m. for either a bird walk or a sunrise meditation.
Pictured above is La Ronda Parakata on the Lakefront, part of the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, Chicago Park District, one of our Models of Excellence that will be featured in the first workshop "Creating Welcoming Nature Spaces." It is spectacular nature spot on Lake Michigan in Chicago!
New location--As mentioned in our last newsletter, we have a new location for the Summit--Austin Townhall and Cultural Center. This location is accessible through the Green Line, Active Transport, and Car--street parking available. The Summit Planning Committee encourages the renaming of Columbus Park. A petition for its renaming can be found here.
Workforce Development, Volunteer Certificate and Apprenticeship programs--Please send the Summit invitation to people who are interested in these professional areas of work: renewable energy, care for our lands, tree care, and nature-focused volunteer certification programs. At lunch we will have staff from these programs available to discuss their organizations and how to apply. They include Elevate (Energy) Chicago, The Nature Conservancy, Openlands, and the Master Naturalist program.
Advocacy--Highlighting recent local victories as a result of Advocacy! Catalyst Seed Grantee Women for Green Spaces successfully worked with the surrounding community in Pilsen to have the Chicago Park District MOVE the Michelada Festival from Harrison Park, which is in heart of the community. This festival was disruptive, removed access to one of the only neighborhood green spaces, and literally "trashed" the park. Additionally see our In the News Section to read about a long-awaited ruling for the Illinois EPA , students asking for quality produce in their neighborhood, and Waukegan residents demanding community health protections at a Coal Ash hearing.
We are counting down to the NCH2 Summit--March 15--and hope you all will join us! We have just 30 spots left so please register! All are Welcome. Register here, regardless of ability to pay. See the agenda here. Plan to come at 7:30 a.m. for either a bird walk or a sunrise meditation.
Pictured above is La Ronda Parakata on the Lakefront, part of the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, Chicago Park District, one of our Models of Excellence that will be featured in the first workshop "Creating Welcoming Nature Spaces." It is spectacular nature spot on Lake Michigan in Chicago!
New location--As mentioned in our last newsletter, we have a new location for the Summit--Austin Townhall and Cultural Center. This location is accessible through the Green Line, Active Transport, and Car--street parking available. The Summit Planning Committee encourages the renaming of Columbus Park. A petition for its renaming can be found here.
Workforce Development, Volunteer Certificate and Apprenticeship programs--Please send the Summit invitation to people who are interested in these professional areas of work: renewable energy, care for our lands, tree care, and nature-focused volunteer certification programs. At lunch we will have staff from these programs available to discuss their organizations and how to apply. They include Elevate (Energy) Chicago, The Nature Conservancy, Openlands, and the Master Naturalist program.
Advocacy--Highlighting recent local victories as a result of Advocacy! Catalyst Seed Grantee Women for Green Spaces successfully worked with the surrounding community in Pilsen to have the Chicago Park District MOVE the Michelada Festival from Harrison Park, which is in heart of the community. This festival was disruptive, removed access to one of the only neighborhood green spaces, and literally "trashed" the park. Additionally see our In the News Section to read about a long-awaited ruling for the Illinois EPA , students asking for quality produce in their neighborhood, and Waukegan residents demanding community health protections at a Coal Ash hearing.
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: A Model of Excellence, Skinner Park Loomis Street Gardens and Tranquil Gardens
Image, May Toy
Join our first Workshop at the NCH2 Summit, where we will hear regional "Models of Excellence" present how they create welcoming spaces in nature. Community-based gardens are one of our best examples of accessible, community-shaped nature spaces.
May Toy, pictured here, leads one of the Models being presented at the Summit. She is the President, Skinner Park Advisory Council and helps to lead both the Loomis St. Gardens and Tranquil Garden, community gardens on both City of Chicago land and Chicago Park District land. May is an active member of the Chicago Community Gardeners Association (CCGA) and serves on both the Advocacy and Resources committee. May also serves on the 12th District Police Advisory Council, Vice President of Neighbors of West Loop (NoWL) and Chairs NoWL's Committee on Parks and Open Space.
May Toy, pictured here, leads one of the Models being presented at the Summit. She is the President, Skinner Park Advisory Council and helps to lead both the Loomis St. Gardens and Tranquil Garden, community gardens on both City of Chicago land and Chicago Park District land. May is an active member of the Chicago Community Gardeners Association (CCGA) and serves on both the Advocacy and Resources committee. May also serves on the 12th District Police Advisory Council, Vice President of Neighbors of West Loop (NoWL) and Chairs NoWL's Committee on Parks and Open Space.
Upcoming Events
Image, Common Milkweed, Laura Derks
Out in Nature Spring Into Action!
Join Out in Nature for a full day of outdoor activities such as birding, land stewardship and care, and community. "We invite you to join us for an early morning boardwalk, help clear invasive brush or warm yourself by the fire." Bring water and dress for weather. Tools and gloves provided. For more information and to register, go here.
When: March 9, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Whistler Woods, 735 W. 134th Street, Riverdale, IL
Join Out in Nature for a full day of outdoor activities such as birding, land stewardship and care, and community. "We invite you to join us for an early morning boardwalk, help clear invasive brush or warm yourself by the fire." Bring water and dress for weather. Tools and gloves provided. For more information and to register, go here.
When: March 9, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Whistler Woods, 735 W. 134th Street, Riverdale, IL
|
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
|
Image, Chicago Park District
Top of the Morning Free Bike and Brake in Will County
Join the Will County Forest Preserves at this informative and active event. "Pedal through time as we ride along the Illinois & Michigan Canal! An interpretive naturalist will share the origins of the water highway and its impact on Will County while guiding the group down the Gaylord Donnelley Trail to visit a former hot spot of industry." Bring your bike and helmet or rent bikes through the I&M Heritage Corridor bike share station, but availability is not guaranteed. Registration required by Friday, March 15: 815-722-9301. REGISTER Here. Ages 12 and up.
Where: The plaza outside Lockport’s Gaylord Building.
When: March 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join the Will County Forest Preserves at this informative and active event. "Pedal through time as we ride along the Illinois & Michigan Canal! An interpretive naturalist will share the origins of the water highway and its impact on Will County while guiding the group down the Gaylord Donnelley Trail to visit a former hot spot of industry." Bring your bike and helmet or rent bikes through the I&M Heritage Corridor bike share station, but availability is not guaranteed. Registration required by Friday, March 15: 815-722-9301. REGISTER Here. Ages 12 and up.
Where: The plaza outside Lockport’s Gaylord Building.
When: March 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Image, A walk in South Shore Nature Sanctuary
Free Women's Walk
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is honoring Women's History in March. "In celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, join us as we highlight conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and her work and discoveries at Thatcher Woods and around the country." More information available here.
When: March 9, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Thatcher Woods
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is honoring Women's History in March. "In celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, join us as we highlight conservation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson and her work and discoveries at Thatcher Woods and around the country." More information available here.
When: March 9, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Thatcher Woods
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, Laura Derks
Free Continuing Education for Volunteers in natural areas, community gardens, and parks!
New Free 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]
New Free 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!
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.
And in the meantime, prepare for Spring Migration with some tips from our friends at Climate Action Evanston.
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.
And in the meantime, prepare for Spring Migration with some tips from our friends at Climate Action Evanston.
Image, Mitchell Museum pollinator garden, Illinois Humanities website
Comed Green Region Grant Opportunity
The ComEd Green Region Grant awards grants of up to $10,000 for conservation projects, pollinators, and climate resiliency 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 dye on March 29, 2024.
A list of 2023 grantees is here.
The ComEd Green Region Grant awards grants of up to $10,000 for conservation projects, pollinators, and climate resiliency 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 dye on March 29, 2024.
A list of 2023 grantees is here.
Job Opportunities
New
The Delta Institute is hiring an Environmental Finance Center Specialist.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions, including a Communications Internship. Learn more here.
llinois Nature Conservancy, Climate and Energy Associate.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program.
The U.S. Forest Service has opened applications for the Midewin Youth Corps. Applications are due March 15.
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
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 Chief External Affairs 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 Joyce Foundation, Program Assistant for Education and the Environment and Climate Officer.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
The Metropolitan Mayors' Caucus is looking for an Energy Efficiency Outreach Specialist.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Adventure Sports Coordinator (scroll down) with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
The Delta Institute is hiring an Environmental Finance Center Specialist.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves has several new positions, including a Communications Internship. Learn more here.
llinois Nature Conservancy, Climate and Energy Associate.
The Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum is hiring for two positions and two internships Pollinator Conservation and Chicago Green Ambassadors Program.
The U.S. Forest Service has opened applications for the Midewin Youth Corps. Applications are due March 15.
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
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 Chief External Affairs 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 Joyce Foundation, Program Assistant for Education and the Environment and Climate Officer.
A Natural Resource Specialist at the Lake County Forest Preserves. Three-year full-time position.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
The Metropolitan Mayors' Caucus is looking for an Energy Efficiency Outreach Specialist.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Village of Oak Park
Adventure Sports Coordinator (scroll down) with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
|
KOA and GRIT Partner to Expand Accessibility to the Outdoors
Last month Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) announced a partnership with GRIT Freedom Chair that will place GRIT’s all-terrain wheelchairs at select properties, including KOA’s headquarters in Billings, Montana. For the 2024 season, Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Me., will be the test site. The GRIT Freedom Chair was designed by engineers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is part traditional wheelchair and part mountain bike, allowing users unpaved access to the outdoors, whether on trails, boardwalks, or sandy beaches, according to the announcement from KOA. This follows up from the KOA 2023 report on inclusion for your review here. Read more: [email protected] |
Image, KOA report on Inclusion, website
|
Image, Laura Derks
|
Months of Protest, a Lawsuit and a Hunger Strike Persuade EPA
In mid-February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled that the Illinois EPA must change its process for permitting polluting industries in residential neighborhoods. A Feb. 26 story by Siri Chilukuri & Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco in Grist recounted the years of protests and disappointments that ended on a somewhat positive note. The announcement that the Illinois EPA must shift its process came “four years after the Illinois EPA approved the move of General Iron, a scrap metal operation, to the city’s Southeast Side, a neighborhood already heavily polluted. The approval set off months of protests, a hunger strike, and the civil rights complaint filed with the federal EPA,” they wrote. Although there is no statement that the IL EPA violated any anti-discrimination laws, the story said, “the agreement does compel the Illinois EPA to make sweeping changes to its air-permitting process. It’s a rare victory for community groups that cite race-based discrimination when it comes to pollution, especially when working through the federal government.” Read more about the slow and often-disappointing path to this ruling. |
|
Students Bring Container Farm to Altgeld Gardens
A year-round hydroponic farm will bring fresh produce to the far south side community of Altgeld Gardens. A March 1 story by Atavia Reed in BlockClub Chicago said high-school students in By The Hand Club For Kids at Altgeld-Murray are the drivers of this innovative project. There was celebration last Saturday at the Bowen Harvest container at 13015 S. Ellis Ave., where, the story said, “in six weeks, students have grown 2,000 heads of pesticide-free lettuce in the container farm, said Andraya Yousfi, chief of partnership and development at By The Hand Club.” A $1 million grant from Kenilworth Union Church’s Gilbert and Marlene Bowen Christian Outreach Fund in 2022 laid the foundation for the farm and nutrition program, the article said, and Freight to Plate, a women-owned agriculture service company, helped create the 500-square-foot hydroponic container farm. Read more about this entrepreneurial project to bring fresh produce to a south side food desert. |
Image, By the Hand Club for Kids
|
Image, Environment America
Waukegan Residents Say No--Coal Ash Pond Should Not Be Exempt from ILEPA Regulation
The nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) has been fighting the coal ash ponds near Waukegan for more than a decade. A recent post on the PRN website recounted a Feb. 14 hearing conducted by the Illinois Pollution and Control Board on the request by NRG to exempt one of its coal ash ponds from the stricter regulations enhanced after the pond was established – the 2019 Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act. Leaders from Clean Power Lake County as well as many residents from the Waukegan area turned out for the hearing. The post stated, “The people of Waukegan made their message clear – NRG Energy shouldn’t get a pass and must be held accountable for their coal ash mess.”Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal that contains toxic substances that can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and the air.
The ILEPA reiterated that state rules for coal ash regulation should apply. NRG owns the Waukegan Power Station, where coal was burned for decades before the plant closed in 2022. Ash from the plant is stored in three coal ash ponds on site. Read more here.
The nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) has been fighting the coal ash ponds near Waukegan for more than a decade. A recent post on the PRN website recounted a Feb. 14 hearing conducted by the Illinois Pollution and Control Board on the request by NRG to exempt one of its coal ash ponds from the stricter regulations enhanced after the pond was established – the 2019 Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act. Leaders from Clean Power Lake County as well as many residents from the Waukegan area turned out for the hearing. The post stated, “The people of Waukegan made their message clear – NRG Energy shouldn’t get a pass and must be held accountable for their coal ash mess.”Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal that contains toxic substances that can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and the air.
The ILEPA reiterated that state rules for coal ash regulation should apply. NRG owns the Waukegan Power Station, where coal was burned for decades before the plant closed in 2022. Ash from the plant is stored in three coal ash ponds on site. Read more 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].