Newsletters

We like to keep the NCH2 community updated on the most important events and information through our bi-monthly newsletters. Click the title below to see our most recent newsletter. If you are not on our mailing list yet, please head to our Get Involved page to sign-up.

Highlights from the most Recent Newsletter

Click on the date to see details and links!

Date: 10/14/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Brushwood Center Climate Justice & Healing Story Circle. On Saturday, October 16th from 10 am - 12 pm, join Faith in Place and Brushwood Center for a Story Circle exploring our connection to the environment, our migration stories, and our experience of climate change. This program will begin with a 30-minute guided tour of Brushwood Center’s current youth art exhibition: “Our Future: Youth Perspectives on the Environment,'' followed by the Story Circle outside led by Princess Harris. Build community and connection outdoors as we enjoy the gorgeous fall colors at Ryerson, and explore what it means to heal in nature. The Story Circle will also be live streamed via Zoom for those who prefer to join virtually.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Fall Color Walk: Oaktober. On Saturday, October 16th at 10 am, travel with us through two magnificent preserves—Palos Park Woods and McClaughrey Springs Woods—as we look for the beautiful changing colors of the fall season. This area is among the largest contiguous tract of Forest Preserves in Cook County and the highest priority for restoration. We will have color scavenger hunts for the little ones, as well. Perfect for families. 3.4 miles.
Chicago Botanic Garden Fall Woods Walk. On Sundays, October 17, 24, and 31 from 11am – 2pm, celebrate fall and get out in nature in the McDonald Woods. Get involved with our community science program, Budburst, by observing plants changing color and setting seed. Find out how to be part of our new EcoQuest monthly challenges and how to submit observations with our mobile app. Then set out on a self-guided walk in McDonald Woods. (A short trail loop is about 1/3 mile; the longer trail loop is about 2/3 mile.) We’ll have one guided woods walk, lasting approximately 45 minutes, at 1 p.m.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Forest Therapy Walk. On Tuesday, Oct 26 at 10 am, treat yourself to an encounter with nature that will awaken your senses and renew your bonds with the preserves. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up.
One Book One Northwestern Keynote Address. On Thursday, Oct 28, join Professor Hope Jahren, author of “The Story or More” and “Lab Girl” will be in conversation with Professor William Miller, the One Book faculty chair and NCH2 member, about her book The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here on Thursday, October 28th. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
Walk with a Future Doc Chicago. Saturdays at 9 AM in Jackson Park and Thursdays at 6 PM in Lincoln Park. Brought to you by the Chicago Parks Foundation. Take a 45-minute walk with local medical students and enjoy a short talk on a health related topic. This is a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with your neighbors, and learn more about your own health! Presented by Chicago Parks Foundation in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Keynote Speaker: Melody Mobley, the first African-American woman in the U.S. Forest Service will talk about her experiences and views of the future. Read more about Melody Mobley, click here. Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
Funding Opportunities. The Forest Preserves of Cook County has two funding initiatives available. Please, see the linked PDFs for a description of each funding request. One is for a visioning/strategic planning initiative for the Conservation and Experiential Programming department, the other is for community engagement work around FPCC sites. Click here for the Community Engagement RFP. Click here for the Vision Strategic Plan RFP. Click here for information about proposals, bids, registering as a vendor etc.
Job Opportunity. The Forest Preserves of Cook County are looking to fill a few more Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) Aide positions. The position is 29 hours a week at one of our Nature Centers or with one of our programming teams. CEP Aides play an important role on our team with many duties including providing environmental education, outdoor recreation and interpretation to connect people to nature and to the Forest Preserves. The pay is $15.73 per hours. All applications must be submitted online by Nov 12, 2021.
Thinking about a Career in Parks and Recreation? Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP).
GP RED and University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs Institute. Online certification program for people who want to move ahead into upper levels of Parks and Recreation administration. Individuals across the United States and Colorado are eligible. https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/programs/professional-development/leadership-training/parks-and-recreation-emerging-professionals-program
Current Research. “A Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Physical Activity.” Christiana, Richard W., et al. Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living, 23 Sept. 2021, http://profpubs.com/index.php/jheal/article/view/25. Author's Abstract: The health benefits of physical activity and spending time in nature are well established. However, children and adults in the United States are not participating in sufficient levels of physical activity and are not spending much time outdoors. Recently, increased access to nature for the health and wellness of all populations has seen growing public health attention, though a specific focus on nature-based physical activity has been limited. The purpose of this scoping review is to operationalize the health benefits of nature-based physical activity to provide guidance to program administrators, advocates, and researchers for nature-based physical activity to facilitate collaborations. This review supports and encourages multiple strategies to increase nature-based physical activity as this provides even greater benefit to health and wellness than exposure to nature or physical activity alone. Although many of the physical and mental health benefits of nature and physical activity are well established, additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity. However, the existing information justifies the promotion of nature-based physical activities in public health initiatives.
In the News. “UN Says Access to a 'Clean, Healthy' Environment Is a Human Right.” Dewan, Angela, and Lauren Said-Moorhouse. CNN, Cable News Network, 8 Oct. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/08/world/un-clean-environment-human-right-climate-intl/index.html. This CNN article discusses how last Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) acknowledged that access to a "safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment" is a basic human right for the first time. We felt that this was an important article to highlight the recognition that "environmental degradation and climate change as interconnected human rights crises." Yolande Wright, Global Director of Child Poverty, Climate and Urban at Save the Children, hailed the "landmark" resolution in a statement, noting it could have "huge implications for children's rights to a safe and sustainable future."

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Date: 9/30/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike. Saturday, Oct. 2nd at 2p.m., venture out on our scenic trails for a 3- to 4-mile hike led by our nature education staff. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale. Saturday and Sunday, October 9th-10th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., tabletop displays, from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids, will be artistically arranged. The Illinois Orchid Society presents this show, in which individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for red, white, and blue ribbons. The Society will provide an orchid sales area and repotting services.
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Meet Our Birds. Sunday, Oct. 10th at 1:30 p.m., Come take a closer look at Sand Ridge Nature Center’s birds. Learn more about our animal ambassadors on display and discover some of their unique adaptations. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 or email at sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
Walk with a Future Doc Chicago. Saturdays at 9 AM in Jackson Park and Thursdays at 6 PM in Lincoln Park. Brought to you by the Chicago Parks Foundation. Take a 45-minute walk with local medical students and enjoy a short talk on a health related topic. This is a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with your neighbors, and learn more about your own health! Presented by Chicago Parks Foundation in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The Walder Foundation: Resilient by Nature Project. Instead of resuming NCH2 Virtual Coffees and Discussions in September, we encourage you to register for and attend these events hosted by the Walder Foundation. RxN (Resilient by Nature Project) is an initiative that aims to expand the role of nature in our neighborhoods to improve health and quality of life, provide economic opportunities, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
- How might we…

…Align and Scale Green Infrastructure Efforts?
Wednesday Oct 6, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.

University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. October 12-14 via Zoom. Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H.

2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
- Keynote Speaker: Melody Mobley, the first African-American woman in the U.S. Forest Service will talk about her experiences and views of the future. Read more about Melody Mobley, click here.

Grant Opportunity. The National Park Trust has grants for getting kids outdoors. Deadline is October 6th. National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, supporting the transportation and activity needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands. This grant program supports the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative with the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage.
Thinking about a Career in Parks and Recreation? Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP). GP RED and University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs Institute. Online certification program for people who want to move ahead into upper levels of Parks and Recreation administration. Individuals across the United States and Colorado are eligible. https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/programs/professional-development/leadership-training/parks-and-recreation-emerging-professionals-program
Current Research. The affective benefits of nature exposure. Bratman, G. N., Olvera-Alvarez, H. A., & Gross, J. J. (2021, June 30). Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/spc3.12630. Author's Abstract: Mounting evidence demonstrates that nature exposure can have affective benefits. These include behavioral and psychophysiological responses consistent with (a) decreases in stress and negative affect; and (b) increases in subjective well-being and positive affect. What is less clear, however, is what mechanisms are responsible for these effects. In this article, we examine the evidence for affective impacts of nature exposure, consider underlying mechanisms (with a focus on affect regulation), and discuss what might moderate these effects at the individual and population level.
In the News. Trevor Hancock: Measures to tackle climate change bring health benefits, too. Trevor Hancock. September 2021. www.timescolonist.com/islander/trevor-hancock-measures-to-tackle-climate-change-bring-health-benefits-too-1.24360418 This Times Colonist article discusses an editorial titled “Call for emergency action to limit global temperature increases, restore biodiversity, and protect health,” published in 231 medical journals around the world. This editorial lists some of the health impacts that are already apparent as a result of these changes, as well as the link between unsustainable development and inequality. The good news, the editorial points out, is that the dramatic changes we must make bring with them “huge positive health and economic outcomes.” Trevor Hancock focuses on these benefits towards the later half of his article, as he echoes the calls made in the editorial to, “do all we can to aid the transition to a sustainable, fairer, resilient and healthier world.”

Date: 9/16/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Students Reading Recent Research. This past quarter the Horton Research Group has started having students read current research papers and present the findings and methods to lab meetings, including creating a blog post about the papers to make them more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to read the entire papers in their free time. We invite others who might want to try their hand at blogging to submit potential posts. Submit items of 500 words or less to NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. This week's blog post is written by Emma Crumpton. To read the full blog post by Emma click here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Fall Nature Fest. Saturday, September 18th from 12:00-3:00pm at LaBagh Woods, celebrate the fall season with fun and educational entertainment for all ages in this second annual event! Enjoy food, drinks, games, Jesse White Tumblers, animal ambassadors, native plant give-a-ways, and much more. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and others. For group registration or info, email district12@cookcountyil.gov. Meet at Grove #1. This event is presented with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Central States Dahlia Society Show. Sunday, September 19th from 10:00am – 4:30 pm, hundreds of dahlia blooms ranging in size from a silver dollar to a dinner plate will be on display. Dahlias are known for their unique features, vibrant colors, perfect petal arrangements, and overall "wow" factor. More than 2,000 flowers in the dahlia family will be judged and on display in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and forms, with floral designs and photography completing the show. Society members will be on hand to provide written information and to answer questions about dahlias.
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
Walk with a Future Doc Chicago. Saturdays at 9 AM in Jackson Park and Thursdays at 6 PM in Lincoln Park. Brought to you by the Chicago Parks Foundation. Take a 45-minute walk with local medical students and enjoy a short talk on a health related topic. This is a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with your neighbors, and learn more about your own health! Presented by Chicago Parks Foundation in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The Walder Foundation: Resilient by Nature Project. Instead of resuming NCH2 Virtual Coffees and Discussions in September, we encourage you to register for and attend these events hosted by the Walder Foundation. RxN (Resilient by Nature Project) is an initiative that aims to expand the role of nature in our neighborhoods to improve health and quality of life, provide economic opportunities, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
- How might we…

…Align and Scale Green Infrastructure Efforts?
Wednesday Oct 6, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.

University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. October 12-14 via Zoom. Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H.
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
- Keynote Speaker: Melody Mobley, the first African-American woman in the U.S. Forest Service will talk about her experiences and views of the future. Read more about Melody Mobley, click here.
Notes from Past Events. In our past newsletter we mentioned that instead of holding an NCH2 Discussion Session this month, we encouraged you to attend the Walder Foundation’s Resilient by Nature (RxN) webinar “How Might We...Develop a Vibrant NBS Eco-System in Chicago?” on 9/14/2021.
- The webinar featured Harriet Bulkeley from the University of Durham who led the Naturvation Project and Lisa Beyer of the World Resources Institute who is leading the development of a Joint Benefits Authority which is a tool to allow multiple city agencies to work collaboratively with local communities. Both speakers discussed their programs and how they provide exciting examples that could be used as models to expand nature-based solutions to improve the resilience of Chicago and do so in an equitable manner. Of interest to the NCH2 community was the comment that many of the organizations addressing climate change are just beginning to include public health in their discussions.
Grant Opportunity. The National Park Trust has grants for getting kids outdoors. Deadline is October 6th. National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, supporting the transportation and activity needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands. This grant program supports the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative with the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage.
Thinking about a Career in Parks and Recreation? Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP). GP RED and University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs Institute. Online certification program for people who want to move ahead into upper levels of Parks and Recreation administration. Individuals across the United States and Colorado are eligible. https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/programs/professional-development/leadership-training/parks-and-recreation-emerging-professionals-program
In the News.
- One’s connection to nature examined in public health research. Karen Rowan. September 2, 2021. University of Hawai’I News. Manoa. https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/09/02/connection-to-nature-study/ This University of Hawai’I News article discusses a paper is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which examines how feelings of nature connection can be measured for public health research. Scales deigned to measure people's nature connectedness, environmental attitudes and values, cultural or spiritual connectedness provided validated measurements of relatedness to nature. These types of scales can help to reconstruct the way health is thought about by, "quantifying people’s health needs and could lend support to policies and programs that promote health equity."
- Youth report feeling physically, mentally better after spending time in nature. Nardy Baeza Bickel. University of Michigan Health. September 13, 2021. https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/youth-report-feeling-physically-mentally-better-after-spending-time-nature This University of Michigan Health article discusses a recent survey conducted by the university aiming to assess perceptions regarding nature. Using a text messaging poll they found that of the 994 respondents, many felt that spending time in nature positively impacted their mental health, with 88% of respondents waning to spend more time in nature and 22% mentioning barriers impeding them from doing so. This information can inform community-level policies and interventions that aim to support youth mental and physical health.

Date: 9/2/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
Faith in Place's Green Team Summit. September 12-14 via a virtual platform. We believe our environmental and social crises are rooted in disconnection. During this summit, we will explore ways to heal our connection with our land, body, mind, spirit, and community. From walking through vividly green wetlands in Shawnee National Forest, to touring a farm, and gathering in a racial healing circle, this virtual Summit will honor our interconnectedness and inspire our environmental work through healing.
Walk with a Future Doc Chicago. Saturdays at 9 AM in Jackson Park and Thursdays at 6 PM in Lincoln Park. Brought to you by the Chicago Parks Foundation. Take a 45-minute walk with local medical students and enjoy a short talk on a health related topic. This is a free, low-pressure way to get moving, connect with your neighbors, and learn more about your own health! Presented by Chicago Parks Foundation in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The Walder Foundation: Resilient by Nature Project. Instead of resuming NCH2 Virtual Coffees and Discussions in September, we encourage you to register for and attend these events hosted by the Walder Foundation.
- How might we…

…Develop a Vibrant NBS Ecosystem in Chicago?
Tuesday Sept. 14, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.
…Align and Scale Green Infrastructure Efforts?
Wednesday Oct 6, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.

Natural Capital Project Virtual Event: “Bringing the Value of Nature into the Economic Mainstream”. On Sept. 7th from 10:00am-11:30am PT. Nature provides numerous benefits to people and essential life support, but the values of nature are often largely invisible in market economies (“nature works for free”). The ongoing partnership between the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP), a global network of researchers and policy makers conducting quantitative analysis of international trade and environmental policies, and the Natural Capital Project is working to change this. The integration of global economic models with ecosystem service models can quantify how nature contributes to the economic bottom-line including income, employment, and international trade that are central to government and corporate decision-making.
University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. October 12-14 via Zoom. Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H.
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
Thinking about a Career in Parks and Recreation? Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP). GP RED and University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs Institute. Online certification program for people who want to move ahead into upper levels of Parks and Recreation administration. Individuals across the United States and Colorado are eligible. https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/programs/professional-development/leadership-training/parks-and-recreation-emerging-professionals-program
Current Research. Nature and Psychology : Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social Pathways to Well-being. Sullivan, W. C. and D. Li (2021). Nature and Attention. A. R. Schutte, J. C. Torquati and J. R. Stevens. Cham, Springer International Publishing: 7-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69020-5_2 NCH2 Comments: This is the second chapter in an edited book that is part of the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation. The 67th Symposium was titled “Nature and Psychology. Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social Pathways to Well-being”. This chapter provides an introduction to one of the central theories of ecopsychology –Attention Restoration Theory. The other seven chapters are equally informative and written by leaders in the field. The URL takes you to a webpage from which you can download the entire book for free.
In the News.
- Growing numbers of doctors are prescribing calibrated doses of time outside to treat ailments including obesity and anxiety. Carey L. Biron. Thomson Reuters Foundation. August 2021. https://news.trust.org/item/20210831100001-qppwk. This Thomson Reuters Foundation News article discusses the growing faction of the U.S. medical community is prescribing time outside the same way they would traditional medication. While obesity and anxiety have spiked during the pandemic, the pandemic has also highlighted the health benefits of spending more time outdoors. Nature prescriptions are new but may have substantial benefits. Databases of parks and public land, as well as park prescription programs can help doctors and their patients find fitting outdoor prescriptions.
- Madrid Will Plant a Massive Urban Forest to Combat CO2 Emissions in City. Rain Jordan. Nature World News. July 2021. https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/46850/20210726/madrid-will-plant-massive-urban-forest-combat-co2-emissions-city.htm. This Nature World News article discusses Madrid's move to counteract the city's island of heat by surrounding itself with a sea of green. Their urban forest project will entail planting almost 500,000 trees within a 46-mile (75-kilometer) ring surrounding the city. The trees should be able to absorb about 175,000 tons of CO2 each year once they reach maturity. It also touches on the increasing need and benefits of urban forests. Filtering air and water, controlling storm water, conserving energy, and providing animal habitat and shade are all benefits of urban woods.

Date: 8/19/2021
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Students Reading Recent Research. This past quarter the Horton Research Group has started having students read current research papers and present the findings and methods to lab meetings, including creating a blog post about the papers to make them more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to read the entire papers in their free time. We invite others who might want to try their hand at blogging to submit potential posts. Submit items of 500 words or less to NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. Our second blog post is written by Arseniy Minasov. To read the full blog post by Arseniy click here.
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
Chicago Park District - Astronomy in the Parks at Park No. 579. On Friday, Aug. 20th from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM, the Chicago Astronomer (Joe Guzman) and enthusiastic astro-crew connects park visitors of all ages and cultures with the cosmos via telescopic viewing, instruction and guidance across urban skies. Stargazing begins at 8:00 pm. In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.
Forest Preserves of Cook County - Wellness in the Woods: Introduction to Forest Bathing. On Saturday, Aug. 21st at 1:30 PM, discover this Japanese physiological and psychological exercise practice and learn how to adapt it to your own life. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 or email at sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.

Forest Preserves of Cook County - Sunset Watercolors. On Friday, Aug. 27th at 7:30 PM, join for a peaceful evening as we gain inspiration from the sunset and paint outdoors. Paintbrushes, watercolors, and paper will be provided. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 or email at sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov.

Betty Swan Arboretum Partner Tree Walk. On Saturday, Aug. 28th from 10:00 AM to 11:15 PM, join TreeKeepers Program Manager Al De Reu and CRTI Stewardship Manager Trinity Pierce for an in-person tour of the Betty Swan Arboretum in West Garfield Park. We’ll focus on tree identification and appreciation, environmental justice initiatives, and learn more about efforts to increase the local tree canopy. This walk is in person only and will be capped at 25 people, so please register early. Following CDC guidelines is required, as is mask wearing and social distancing.
Faith in Place's Green Team Summit. September 12-14 via a virtual platform. We believe our environmental and social crises are rooted in disconnection. During this summit, we will explore ways to heal our connection with our land, body, mind, spirit, and community. From walking through vividly green wetlands in Shawnee National Forest, to touring a farm, and gathering in a racial healing circle, this virtual Summit will honor our interconnectedness and inspire our environmental work through healing.
Natural Capital Project Virtual Event: “Bringing the Value of Nature into the Economic Mainstream”. On Sept. 7th from 10:00am-11:30am PT. Nature provides numerous benefits to people and essential life support, but the values of nature are often largely invisible in market economies (“nature works for free”). The ongoing partnership between the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP), a global network of researchers and policy makers conducting quantitative analysis of international trade and environmental policies, and the Natural Capital Project is working to change this. The integration of global economic models with ecosystem service models can quantify how nature contributes to the economic bottom-line including income, employment, and international trade that are central to government and corporate decision-making.
University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. October 12-14 via Zoom. Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H.
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work. The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Remote options are now available.
Thinking about a Career in Parks and Recreation? GP RED, is a non-profit organization whose goal is to fully recognize and expand research, education, and resource development activities for community “quality of life” agencies. Their research team has recently issued a research report documenting the shortage of Parks, Recreation and Related professionals. The report delves into the state of education programs for P&R professionals, and the requirements for employment.
Grant Opportunity. John Z. Duling Grant Program. The goal of this program is to provide start-up or seed funding to support innovative research and technology transfer projects that have the potential of benefiting the everyday work of arborists. John Z. Duling Grants may be used to support exploratory work in the early stages of untested, but potentially transformative, research ideas and approaches. Examples may include application of new approaches to research questions, or application of new expertise involving novel disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspectives.
In the News.
- How 'Guerrilla Gardening' Can Change Your City. Leslie Nemo. Discover Magazine. August 2021. https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/how-guerrilla-gardening-can-change-your-city This Discover article discusses the concept of guerilla gardening and guerilla gardeners, who discreetly garden in places where they don’t have the legal rights to do so. This article touches on the positives of guerilla gardens like influencing city policy faster than petitioning for greener spaces and the creativity and expression for those gardening.
- 1 in 2 primary-aged kids have strong connections to nature, but this drops off in teenage years. Here’s how to reverse the trend. R. Keith, D. Hochuli, J. M. Martin, L. M. Given. The Conversation. August 2021. https://theconversation.com/1-in-2-primary-aged-kids-have-strong-connections-to-nature-but-this-drops-off-in-teenage-years-heres-how-to-reverse-the-trend-165660 This Conversation article discusses a recent research project focusing on Australian children in urban areas and their connection to nature. Their findings showed that younger children, especially girls, said they have a strong connection to nature. While 1 in 2 primary aged kids reported a strong connection with nature only 1 in 5 teenagers reported this strong connection, leading to the suggestion that to preserve a connection with nature, parents and educators should focus on the transition between childhood and the teenage years.
- LeadingAge Florida, Eldergrow awarded $1M to launch therapeutic gardening program for dozens of facilities. Danielle Brown. McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. June 2021. www.mcknights.com/news/the-brighter-side/leadingage-florida-eldergrow-awarded-1m-to-launch-therapeutic-gardening-program-for-dozens-of-facilities/ This article discusses a $1 million Civil Monetary Penalty grant that will give two dozen Florida nursing homes access to a national indoor gardening program designed for residents to combat isolation and loneliness during the ongoing public health crisis. This program will focus on indoor sensory gardens and six therapeutic wellness goals: socialization, cognitive stimulation, sensory stimulation, spatial awareness, motor skills and creative expression.

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Date: 8/5/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Students Reading Recent Research. This past quarter the Horton Research Group has started having students read current research papers and present the findings and methods to lab meetings, including creating a blog post about the papers to make them more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to read the entire papers in their free time. We invite others who might want to try their hand at blogging to submit potential posts. Submit items of 500 words or less to NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. Our second blog post is written by Arseniy Minasov. To read the full blog post by Arseniy click here.

Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.

Forest Preserves of Cook County Falling Star Watch. On Wednesday, August 11th from 10pm-11pm we will be watching for falling stars tonight, which is part of the Perseid Meteor Showers. This is the night which should provide a maximum number of sightings right after the moon sets. Bring a chair to sit in. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.

Forest Preserves of Cook County Songs of Summer Nights. On Thursday, August 12th from 7pm-9pm enjoy the chorus of insects as the sun sets. Learn about how and why crickets, katydids, cicadas and grasshoppers sing.
Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.

University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines. October 12-14 via Zoom. Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H.

2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story. Early Bird Registration ends August 20th. Proposal/Abstract submissions are due August 13th.
Due to the changing status of COVID-19 SHIFT will be accepting a limited number of remote presentations. Some sessions will be live -streamed. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.

Save the Date: Children and Nature Network: Inside Out International Conference. May 9-12 2022 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, GA. The Inside-Out International Conference is the largest gathering of nature connection advocates in the world. We will bring together children and nature movement leaders (like you!) in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. The conference will feature inspiring keynotes, plenaries, workshops, exhibit hall, poster session, field trips, networking, and more.
A call for proposals will open in Summer 2021. The Inside-Out International Conference and year-round Leadership Series events bring children and nature leaders together for networking, workshops, special events and our world-class conference. Let’s turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature!
Local Job Opening. The Nature Conservancy, Trinity United Church of Christ, and a team of partners behind the Imani Green Health Advocates Program are recruiting paid, 12 week career training positions based out of Imani Village near 95th and Cottage Grove in Chicago. The Imani Green Health Advocates Program trains young people aged 18-25 in community health and urban forestry job skillsets, while engaging community members in conservation and health-promoting programs in Washington Heights, Cottage Grove Heights, Chatham, Pullman, West Pullman and adjacent areas. We are seeking candidates from South Side communities with interest and a strong learning and work ethic - no or limited experience is ok! More info and application here:  https://bit.ly/3ALyAEJ. For more information contact Forrest Cortes forrest.cortes@TNC.ORG.
Recent Research.
- Browning, M., K. J. Mimnaugh, C. J. van Riper, H. K. Laurent and S. M. LaValle (2019). "Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health? Comparing Short, Single-Doses of 360-Degree Nature Videos in Virtual Reality With the Outdoors." Frontiers in Psychology 10: 2667. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32010003. Nature exposure in virtual reality (VR) can provide emotional well-being benefits for people who cannot access the outdoors. Little is known about how these simulated experiences compare with real outdoor experiences. We conduct an experiment with healthy undergraduate students that tests the effects of 6 min of outdoor nature exposure with 6 min of exposure to a 360-degree VR nature video, which is recorded at the outdoor nature exposure location. Skin conductivity, restorativeness, and mood before and after exposure are measured. We find that both types of nature exposure increase physiological arousal, benefit positive mood levels, and are restorative compared to an indoor setting without nature; however, for outdoor exposure, positive mood levels increase and for virtual nature, they stay the same. The nature-based experience shows benefits above and beyond the variance explained by participants' preferences, nature and VR experiences, and demographic characteristics. Settings where people have limited access to nature might consider using VR nature experiences to promote mental health.
- McIntosh, J., B. Marques, J. Cornwall, C. Kershaw and R. Mwipiko (2021). "Therapeutic Environments and the Role of Physiological Factors in Creating Inclusive Psychological and Socio-Cultural Landscapes." Ageing International. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-021-09452-8. The outdoor environment offers an important platform for engaging older adults from a variety of social, cultural and ethnic orientations for the purpose of improving or maintaining their physical and mental health as well as facilitating their social and cultural connections. Using a multidisciplinary lens, this study looks at the requirements and potential of a more inclusive landscape design that acknowledges different modes of health, recovery and rehabilitation, drawing from both the past and the future and providing suggestions on how more efficient and culturally appropriate ways of maintaining health and social connectivity can be achieved in later life.
- Marques, P., A. S. Silva, Y. Quaresma, L. R. Manna, N. de Magalhães Neto and R. Mazzoni (2021). "Home gardens can be more important than other urban green infrastructure for mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemics." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening: 127268. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866721002958. The current COVID-19 pandemics is a major threat to human populations. The disease has rapidly spread, causing mass hospitalization and the loss of millions of people mainly in urban areas which are hubs for contagion. At the same time, the social distancing practices required for containing the outbreak have caused an eruption of mental illnesses that include symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The severity of such mental distress is modulated by the context of media coverage and the information and guidelines from local health authorities. Different urban green infrastructures, such as gardens, parks, and green views can be important for mitigating mental distress during the pandemics. However, it is unclear whether some urban green infrastructures are more efficient than others in reducing mental distress or whether their effectiveness changes with the context. Here we assess the relative importance of different urban green infrastructures on the mental distress of residents of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We show that although urban parks and green views are important, home gardens are the most efficient in mitigating mental distress. This is likely related to the practice of self-isolation seen for the residents of Rio de Janeiro. Information on the efficiency of different urban green infrastructures in mitigating mental distress can be important to help guide programs to inform the public about the best practices for maintaining mental health during the current outbreak. This can also help planning cities that are more resilient to future pandemics.
In the News. Spending more time in nature crucial to children's mental health and development, study say. Gabriela Miranda. USA Today. July 2021. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/07/20/time-nature-benefits-childs-mental-health-cognitive-development/8025064002/ This USA Today article discusses a recent study conducted over four years to see the affect access to green spaces has on children's' cognitive development and mental health. "The more children were exposed to green spaces such as woods and parks, the higher they scored for cognitive development, according to the study. And the participants accessing more green spaces were 17% less likely to experience emotional and behavioral risks." This article also discusses the affect the pandemic might have on children's health since the start of online schooling, as well as links tips for children's mental health as they return to the classroom.

Date: 7/22/21
Key Points:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network.
Students Reading Recent Research. This past quarter the Horton Research Group has started having students read current research papers and present the findings and methods to lab meetings, including creating a blog post about the papers to make them more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to read the entire papers in their free time. We invite others who might want to try their hand at blogging to submit potential posts. Submit items of 500 words or less to NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com. Our first blog post is written by student Peyton Meyer. To read the full blog post by Peyton click here.
Take a Hike Challenge. This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment. October 18-20 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work.  The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story.
Chicago Park District: Astronomy in the Parks at Park No. 579 (Ridgeway Trailhead). Fri, Jul 23, 2021 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Join us at the Exelon Observatory on the Bloomingdale Trail, 1800 N. Ridgeway Ave, as the Chicago Astronomer (Joe Guzman) and enthusiastic astro crew connects park visitors of all ages and cultures with the cosmos via telescopic viewing, instruction and guidance across urban skies. In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Summer Hike. Sat, Jul 24, 2021 at 10AM. Enjoy a morning hike with a naturalist. Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.
Smith Nature Symposium Collaborative Conversations: Anti-Racism & the Environment. July 29th 2021 at 5:30PM. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods believes in the power of nature and art to heal and nourish communities. However, natural areas, parks and preserves are often not safe or accessible places for BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) communities, due to over-policing, racial profiling within green spaces, institutional bias, and other systemic injustices. Join this six-part virtual workshop series, hosted via Zoom, exploring environmental inequity in Lake County and surrounding areas through connection, empathy, and anti-racist action. Our next session will discuss a podcast series by Connor Kennedy, created four years ago for Libertyville High School's student newspaper, Drops of Ink. This three-part series explores the history of redlining, white flight, and its impact on Lake County. You can listen to the episodes here. We ask that all of our participants arrive open to learn and ready to listen. Anti-racism work asks us to go beyond what is convenient; it is a daily practice that must be cultivated carefully and intentionally.
Tuesday Morning Music at the Chicago Botanic Gardens - Arcomusical, Afro-Brazilian Berimbau Trio. Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 10AM-11AM. Projeto Arcomusical is a world music trio reimagining the Afro-Brazilian berimbau through unique and powerful chamber music. The ensemble formed in 2013 specifically to interpret MeiaMeia, the composition cycle co-composed by ensemble co-founders Gregory Beyer and Alexis C. Lamb. Arcomusical released MeiaMeia as its first album in 2016 on Innova Recordings. That same year, Arcomusical received a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant that produced “Roda,” the kaleidoscopic, 20-minute, four-movement work by Elliot Cole. “Roda” is featured on Arcomusical’s second album, Spinning in the Wheel, which is now available on National Sawdust Tracks.The Garden View Café will be open for breakfast or lunch, and the Garden Grille will be open for lunch. This event is free and open to the public, regular parking fees apply. Chairs will be provided. There is no picnicking allowed at this event.
Local Job Openings. Forest Preserves of Cook County is looking for more Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) Aides to work at our Nature Centers, with our Zone teams or our Outreach Team. Please pass on the attached job announcement link to anyone you think might be interested. This is a year round part time job. 29 hours/week $15.73 per hour. The position accrues some benefit time. More info and application here: https://cookcountyil.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=00125957&lang=en#.YPH0pwCmZlw.mailto

The Nature Conservancy, Trinity United Church of Christ, and a team of partners behind the Imani Green Health Advocates Program are recruiting paid, 12 week career training positions based out of Imani Village near 95th and Cottage Grove in Chicago. The Imani Green Health Advocates Program trains young people aged 18-25 in community health and urban forestry job skillsets, while engaging community members in conservation and health-promoting programs in Washington Heights, Cottage Grove Heights, Chatham, Pullman, West Pullman and adjacent areas. We are seeking candidates from South Side communities with interest and a strong learning and work ethic - no or limited experience is ok! More info and application here:  https://bit.ly/3ALyAEJ. For more information contact Forrest Cortes forrest.cortes@TNC.ORG.

Recent Research. Santos, O., A. Virgolino, A. V. Carneiro and M. G. d. Matos (2021). "Health Behavior and Planetary Health." European Psychologist 26(3): 212-218. https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/abs/10.1027/1016-9040/a000437 Health and environmental psychology have long been walking side by side. These two disciplines of psychology have imported and applied common psychological frameworks and each of them developed specific theories and methodologies. At a time when humankind faces tremendous challenges ahead (climate change, global warming, ocean sickness, the reemergence of infections pandemics), environmental health is more and more a crucial domain of research. Both environmental psychology and health psychology need to be engaged in environmental health issues in order to enhance planetary health.
In the News. 5 Tips for Improving Health and Happiness by Basking in Nature. Bija Bennett. Rolling Stone. July 2021. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/5-tips-for-improving-health-and-happiness-by-basking-in-nature-1194615/ This rolling stone article touches on how past research has made clear many physical and mental health benefits to engaging with nature in whatever way one can. The author, a wellness consultant, gives five ways to bring nature into one's everyday lives as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and people start to re-engage with the world

Date: 5/13/21
Key Points:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re celebrating! Here are some upcoming events and things to be on the lookout for:

Follow us on social media. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All can be found using handle @NCH2Network. Throughout the month of May, we will be posting daily tips for ways to get outside and stay well.
Post pictures. Show places you enjoy going, things you do outside to support your wellbeing on Instagram (@NCH2Network) or on your own social media sites using these hashtags: #NCH2, #Take5OutsidetoThrive, #Tools2ThriveOutside, and #CultivateWellbeing.
THE POWER OF NATURE TO HEAL. Presented by CARES (Chicago Associate for Research and Education in Science) in support of the Veterans Administration Research Week (May 17-21) 10:00-11:30am Wednesday, May 19th; Location on Zoom, Meeting ID: 894 864 2443, Passcode: CARES2021; Moderator: Teresa Horton, PhD, Northwestern University ; Speakers: Sally Coulthard, COL (Ret.), Defence Garden Scheme, UK; Kristen Walter, PhD, Naval Medical Center San Diego; Catherine Game, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, Lake County, Illinois; ALL ARE INVITED ◊ ALL TIMES CENTRAL ◊ ALL PROGRAMS VIRTUAL
Geographies of Racial Justice in Chicago May Webinar: Finding Food and Food Justice in Chicago. Join us Wednesday, May 26th 7:00-8:30pm for a discussion about the widening food disparity in Chicago communities. For more information and registration click here.
Chicago organizations have been working on increasing food access for decades, yet many Black and Brown communities continue to have lower access to healthy food than white communities. This talk outlines these differences, then discusses examples of innovative projects growing and distributing food in new ways throughout the city and beyond, with a particular focus on responses to food access issues related to the COVID pandemic. Presented by the Geographic Society of Chicago https://www.geographicsociety.org/
Looking ahead: AHTA/IPPS Joint Symposium , The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development The 2021 AHTA/IPPS Joint Symposium, is a collaboration of the International People Plant Council, the American Horticultural Therapy Association, and the International Society for Horticultural Sciences and will be held in a virtual format, October 29-30, 2021.
The purpose of this international symposium is to provide a forum for researchers, educators, and practitioners to continue to discuss, identify, encourage, and expand the research used by professional and trade associations to clearly demonstrate the benefits of horticulture in wellness and quality of life. This research facilitates the expansion of programs in diverse areas from urban planning to healthcare. For more information and registration, click here.
Recent Research: Triguero-Mas, M., Anguelovski, I., García-Lamarca, M., Argüelles, L., Pérezdel Pulgar, C., Shokry, G., Connolly, J.J.T., Cole, H.V.S., Natural outdoor environments’ health effects in gentrifying neighborhoods: disruptive green landscapes for underprivileged neighborhood residents, Social Science & Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113964 This article highlights the need for careful research to examine the effects of urban greening projects. Not all change is therapeutic. In socially underprivileged neighborhoods, the addition of greenspace often comes with gentrification and stress which offset any proposed health benefits.

DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only. This information should not replace a medical consultation or treatment plan given by a qualified healthcare provider.