Newsletter from Tuesday, May 16th, 2023
Image from Mental Health America
Dear NCH2 Community--We are mid-way through May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and continue to underscore how important time outside is for you and your family's mental health. Mental Health America notes that among many other influences that our surroundings have an unequivocal impact on our mental health.
Being outdoors in natural surroundings can offer many benefits including "improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition." A recent statewide campaign from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, called Unplug Illinois, is an effort to encourage people to take a break from screens and technology and head outside to enjoy and recreate in local parks. Stay tuned for more details about local Unplug events or let us know if you are participating in one!
On instagram (@nch2network) we have featured a few examples from our community about where and how they enjoy the outdoors and care for their mental health. Feel free to share your to our inbox and we would so enjoy posting them. NCH2 believes that access to nature -- clean air, clean water, and welcoming, safe nature spaces -- is an essential determinant to health and well-being. We very much enjoy sharing your ideas and experiences.
Index
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight: Green and Growing Summit
Sometimes all that is needed is intentional time and space to build new connections and to spark creative energy. Enthusiastic to create such a space is the partnership among Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Openlands, the Healthy Schools Campaign and Advocates for Urban Agriculture. Over 235 participants experienced such a collaborative space at the inaugural Green and Growing Summit on May 6th at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Open to all, especially educators who focus on student wellness, the Summit brought together teachers, artists, gardeners, farmers, and chefs around the theme of Imagine What’s Possible. The Summit dovetails with the conclusion of the first phase of the Space to Grow initiative, with green schoolyards designed and developed at 34 CPS schools.
“There are so many ways for students to connect with the Earth—gardening, bee keeping, cooking, artistic expression and we wanted to highlight as many as possible at the Summit and encourage educators to share their ideas and experiences with one another” notes Danielle Russell, Green Schoolyards Program Manager at Openlands, a member of the Summit planning team and a member of the NCH2 Steering Committee. Danielle clearly knows the impact that green schoolyards have on teachers, students and their families, as they learn to care for the land and spend more time outside. “The Summit created energy and excitement as so many teachers came together to learn about these programs.” An essential partner to the Summit and the Space to Grow program, CPS encouraged educators and others simply interested in these practices to join the professional development space so that together, they could imagine what is, and will be, possible for the future caretakers of our Earth.
“There are so many ways for students to connect with the Earth—gardening, bee keeping, cooking, artistic expression and we wanted to highlight as many as possible at the Summit and encourage educators to share their ideas and experiences with one another” notes Danielle Russell, Green Schoolyards Program Manager at Openlands, a member of the Summit planning team and a member of the NCH2 Steering Committee. Danielle clearly knows the impact that green schoolyards have on teachers, students and their families, as they learn to care for the land and spend more time outside. “The Summit created energy and excitement as so many teachers came together to learn about these programs.” An essential partner to the Summit and the Space to Grow program, CPS encouraged educators and others simply interested in these practices to join the professional development space so that together, they could imagine what is, and will be, possible for the future caretakers of our Earth.
Upcoming Events
Lake County Forest Preserves Bird Walk
Boost your mental health through birding! May is the Big month for songbird migration. Join a skilled birder in Lake County to spot and hear songbirds. Free. No pre-registration necessary. Bring binoculars if you have them. All ages allowed but adult supervision required. More information here. Questions: Email [email protected] with questions or to inquire about accommodations.
When: May 20th, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Where: Independence Grove North Bay Parking Lot
Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserves of Cook County
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Spring Wetland Exploration and Walk along the Des Plaines
Explore the local wetland habitat and all that lives in and around the Des Plaines River and nearby wetlands with a naturalist. Age 13+. When: May 21st, 1:30 p.m. Where: Evans Field Call (708) 366-6530 for more information and registration. |
Photo, Laura Derks
Photo, Courtesy of Forest Preserves of Cook County
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Kayaking: Paddle with a Ranger in Dupage County
Take a guided paddle through a the Dupage forest preserves. Bring your own canoe or kayak to this free program or rent one for $20 per person. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Register online or call 630-933-7248. When: May 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m. Where: Fullersburg Woods It's also Bike Month: Learn about Completing the Des Plaines River Trail--Webinar
Join the Active Transportation Alliance in this webinar to understand what is at stake. "Completing the Des Plaines River Trail is a high priority for our region and has been the focus of several recent studies. If the collective visions are realized, the trail would run continuously to the Wisconsin border, connecting to the Salt Creek Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path, through some of Cook County’s most densely populated communities and key destinations." When: Wednesday, May 24 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Register here |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Want to Learn About Organic Gardening?
Join the Jeffery Manor Library and the Chicago Community Gardeners Association to learn how to get started in organic gardening--how to start seeds, to combine the right seed and soil combinations, to transplant, to water, and so much more. Seedlings will be distributed following the event. Refreshments will be served. Open to all ages! When: May 27th, 1:00pm Where: Jeffery Manor Library, 2401 E. 100th St. Chicago |
Future Events: Save the Date
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Little Calumet River Paddling and Clean Up Day
The Forest Preserves of Cook County and Openlands will be hosting an event on the Little Calumet River, which flows through the community of Riverdale and forms a portion of Chicago's southern boundary. There will be river clean-up opportunities, kayaking lessons, and a presentation on the African American Heritage Water Trail. You can bring a canoe or kayak and there will also be boats available. Lunch provided for registered participants. Registration is limited and is available here. When: June 3rd, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Where: Kickapoo Woods |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Environmental Justice Awareness Day in Evanston
Join the Evanston community in this afternoon of a broad range of activities for all ages. The Evanston Environmental Justice Coalition developed this day to: --Learn how redlining, race, and income are some of the root causes of the lack of green space and the high level of tree inequity in the 5th Ward; --Discuss the ongoing issues of environmental injustice and the roles Black & brown communities have played historically in advocating for themselves against environmental pollutants. All are welcome. When: June 3rd, 1-4:00 p.m. Where: Fleetwood-Jourdain, 1655 Foster St. Self-Love in Nature: Affirmations, Manifestations, Creating Your Vision
Join Light of Loving Kindness along with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Kimberly Mhoon for a morning of mindful movement, meditation, and visioning. Free and all are welcome When: June 3rd, 11:30-1:00 p.m. Where: Green Lake Woods, located in Calumet City on Torrence Avenue, north of 159th/River Oaks Drive Registration and details Here |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Photo, Laura Derks
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Beaubian Woods/Flatfoot Lake Celebration
Celebrate the start of summer--the Beaubien Woods Celebration is a family fun day brought to you by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, The Field Museum, and many other community partners with all kinds of activities--canoeing, archery, art making, and nature exploration. Canoe slots are limited! When: June 10th, 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p..m. Where: Beaubien Woods Doty Ave Chicago, IL 60633 To find out more and to register (encouraged but not required) click here |
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Greentown Climate and Equity Conference
This daylong event in West Cook County will bring together public and private sectors from across the region to make a more vibrant community. This Greentown Climate and Equity conference will address how climate solutions and equity go hand in hand to create a healthy and sustainable West Suburban Cook County for all. Greentown Climate is offering an Emerging Leaders Plenary Session that aims to bring together young leaders to discuss, connect, and act. If you are interested in finding out more about the young leaders session, click here. For general details and to register, go here. When: June 22, 8:30 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m. Location: Triton College See map here |
Image, GreenTown
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Job Opportunities
New Listing
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.
Other Listings
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Lake County Forest Preserves is looking for applicants for its Youth Conservation Corp positions. Learn more here.
Equiticity has two positions open. 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.
STRONG Manoomin Collective is looking for two postdoctoral scholars in Indigenous Environmental Governance. Each postdoc is for 2-year terms (with possibility of renewal) beginning in Fall 2023 to be based at Northwestern University located in Evanston. Details of the positions are available here. Or if you have questions, contact Kelly Wisecup at [email protected].
Openlands is looking to fill four positions, including Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
Seven Generations Ahead is looking to fill several positions including an intern. Learn more here.
Star Farm is looking to fill several positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
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.
Other Listings
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Lake County Forest Preserves is looking for applicants for its Youth Conservation Corp positions. Learn more here.
Equiticity has two positions open. 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.
STRONG Manoomin Collective is looking for two postdoctoral scholars in Indigenous Environmental Governance. Each postdoc is for 2-year terms (with possibility of renewal) beginning in Fall 2023 to be based at Northwestern University located in Evanston. Details of the positions are available here. Or if you have questions, contact Kelly Wisecup at [email protected].
Openlands is looking to fill four positions, including Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
Seven Generations Ahead is looking to fill several positions including an intern. Learn more here.
Star Farm is looking to fill several positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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Lightfoot Exits with Executive Order and Grantee Awards Promoting Climate Action, Resilience and Environmental Equity
In the waning days of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s tenure, she named 133 small businesses and community organizations recipients of more than $54 million in grants. Finalists will receive funds through nine separate City programs. The press release stated, “The program prioritizes catalytic projects with a strong local impact that leverage local talents, capacities, and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community. They are open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners.” Read more here On May 10th, Lightfoot signed an executive order that mandates that “health and other community impacts” be of primary importance in City departments and policies. “While there are still years of work ahead, together we have laid the groundwork to remedy the harms caused by pollution and other burdens for generations of residents in environmental justice communities." Mayor Lightfoot said in a press release. Three items were highlighted:
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Photo by Neighborspace, 1900 S. Avers Block Club Garden
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Photo Laura Derks
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Supreme Court Case Could Shape the Future of Ecology
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA could give developers and property owners an edge over nature, as it will rule on the reach of the federal Clean Water Act. The EPA claims that even “isolated” wetlands (those that do not immediately abut flowing water) are within its purview. Sackett claims a broad definition, which would extend “wetlands” to include areas not directly abutting a flowing body of water, would infringe on the rights of property owners to build over and along such areas. The May 10th article by Karina Atkins in The Chicago Tribune describes the case and its possible application to wetlands in the Chicago area--please read if you have a subscription or a login, but if not, take a listen to this link here. |
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Local Kayaker Spots a Giant Snapping Turtle Along the Chicago River
While kayaking along the Chicago River and shooting an educational video about riparian plants, Chicagoan Joey Santore spotted an unexpected object on a pile of metal--a very large turtle. He nicknamed the reptile "Chonkosaurus." With almost 1 million views, it seems as if the general public needs verification that such a vibrant animal could thrive along a waterway that historically was quite polluted. Thankfully the Chicago River has many hands and organizations now caring for the ecosystem and its residents. Read more Here and watch the video Here |
Photo by Joey Santore/distributed by the Associated Press
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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 which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected].
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 which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected].
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].