Newsletter from Thursday, November 11th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and well. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Nov. 24th, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing [email protected].
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information on COP26 and a local conference, career opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information on COP26 and a local conference, career opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Local Events
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Stars, Stories & S’mores
Date: Fri, Nov 12 Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion S Western Ave & W 87th St Chicago, IL 60620 Description: Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. 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. For more information, click here. Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County |
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Wellness Walk
Date: Sun, Nov 14 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Trailside Museum of Natural History 738 Thatcher Ave River Forest, IL 60305 Description: Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk with Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer, to feel refreshed in body and soul. Ages 18 & up. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Trailside at 708-366-6530. For more information, click here. Photo by Jade from Pexels |
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods Nature Platoon: Veteran Art and Photography
Date and Time:
Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: Sunday, November 14, 1-3pm; Exhibition open through January 22, 2021
Location: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015
Description: Experience nature through the lens of these Veteran photographers and artists who participated in Brushwood Center's At Ease program. Enjoy live music, explore the artwork, and join the Gallery Talk with featured artists during this opening reception. Spending time in nature is a powerful practice for mental and physical well-being. This art and photography exhibition documents the beauty of Chicagoland, including Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Waukegan Dunes, the Cook County Forest Preserves, Montrose Bird Sanctuary in the Chicago Park District and Lake County Forest Preserves as experienced and captured by U.S. Military Veterans and their families during the Summer and Fall of 2021. This program is free of charge, but registration is required.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo by FOX from Pexels
Date and Time:
Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: Sunday, November 14, 1-3pm; Exhibition open through January 22, 2021
Location: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015
Description: Experience nature through the lens of these Veteran photographers and artists who participated in Brushwood Center's At Ease program. Enjoy live music, explore the artwork, and join the Gallery Talk with featured artists during this opening reception. Spending time in nature is a powerful practice for mental and physical well-being. This art and photography exhibition documents the beauty of Chicagoland, including Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Waukegan Dunes, the Cook County Forest Preserves, Montrose Bird Sanctuary in the Chicago Park District and Lake County Forest Preserves as experienced and captured by U.S. Military Veterans and their families during the Summer and Fall of 2021. This program is free of charge, but registration is required.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo by FOX from Pexels
Walder Foundation Resilient by Nature Project Webinar: How Might We Better Understand and Act on The Health Benefits of Nature?
Date: Wed, Nov 17
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Description: The connection between nature and human health is increasingly being researched and asserted. The positive benefits to both physical and mental well-being of regular exposure to trees, green spaces and the outdoors are indisputable, as well as better documented and understood by researchers from diverse fields. With this quickly growing body of evidence in hand, how might this knowledge more significantly inflect the design and function of urban areas like Chicago? This fourth session in RxN's webinar series features two leading national researchers on the health benefits of nature-based solutions, as well as a local spotlight highlighting a regional network for those interested in this topic.
Hosted by Jack Westwood, Senior Program Officer, Sustainability, at Walder Foundation and Foresight’s Founding Principal Peter Nicholson, with guest speakers Dr. Gregory Bratman of the University of Washington and Dr. Michelle Kondo, Research Scientist with the National Forest Service.
For more information and registration, click here.
Date: Wed, Nov 17
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Description: The connection between nature and human health is increasingly being researched and asserted. The positive benefits to both physical and mental well-being of regular exposure to trees, green spaces and the outdoors are indisputable, as well as better documented and understood by researchers from diverse fields. With this quickly growing body of evidence in hand, how might this knowledge more significantly inflect the design and function of urban areas like Chicago? This fourth session in RxN's webinar series features two leading national researchers on the health benefits of nature-based solutions, as well as a local spotlight highlighting a regional network for those interested in this topic.
Hosted by Jack Westwood, Senior Program Officer, Sustainability, at Walder Foundation and Foresight’s Founding Principal Peter Nicholson, with guest speakers Dr. Gregory Bratman of the University of Washington and Dr. Michelle Kondo, Research Scientist with the National Forest Service.
For more information and registration, click here.
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Moon Walk
Date: Fri, Nov 19 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center 9800 Willow Springs Rd Willow Springs, IL 60480 Description: Let the Beaver Full Moon be our guide as we hike our 1-mile White Oak Trail and warm up by a fire under the night sky afterwards. All ages. Please bring binoculars; limited pairs to lend. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897. For more information, click here. Photo by Dan Hadley from Pexels |
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The Conservation Foundation: Forest Therapy Walk
Date: Sat, Nov 20 Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Location: Naperville – Knoch Knolls Park 320 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville 60565 Description: Immerse yourself in nature and experience the healing effects of forest therapy or Shinrin-Yoku (Japanese for forest bathing). The walk is not about the destination, but instead the awakening of your senses to the natural environment around you. Reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide (Jeanne Iovenelli). The walk is entirely outdoors. Be prepared to walk over uneven terrain. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. We will follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing. For more information and the waiver you must sign and bring to the walk, click here. Photo Credit: The Conservation Foundation |
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Walk with a Future Doc Chicago
Date & Location: Saturdays at 9 AM in Jackson Park and Thursdays at 6 PM in Lincoln Park. Description: 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. For more information and registration, click here. Photo Credit: Chicago Parks Foundation |
International Conference
UN Climate Change Conference 2021
October 31st through November 12th, 2021 in Glasgow Scotland, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted by the UK. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must take the historic opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. We can deliver green recoveries across the globe that bring in good jobs, trillions in investment and ground-breaking new technology. And we must. To keep the temperature of the planet under control – limiting its increase to 1.5 degrees - the science dictates that by the second half of the century, we should be producing less carbon than we take out of the atmosphere. This is what reaching ‘net zero’ means." - Alok Sharma COP President-Designate.
To read more about COP26 and see any updates click here.
UN Climate Change Conference 2021
October 31st through November 12th, 2021 in Glasgow Scotland, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted by the UK. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must take the historic opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. We can deliver green recoveries across the globe that bring in good jobs, trillions in investment and ground-breaking new technology. And we must. To keep the temperature of the planet under control – limiting its increase to 1.5 degrees - the science dictates that by the second half of the century, we should be producing less carbon than we take out of the atmosphere. This is what reaching ‘net zero’ means." - Alok Sharma COP President-Designate.
To read more about COP26 and see any updates click here.
Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is excited to announce our 50th Anniversary Annual Conference will be held on April 8th and 9th at Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois. This annual event has provided professional development for thousands of Illinois educators over the course of those 50 years, impacting millions of students. This year will be no different, with an excellent keynote, dozens of current sessions, workshop and field experiences there will be extensive learning opportunities for IL educators and organizations.
This event will also be in partnership with IL Green Alliance and the IL Green Ribbon School Program bringing together educators and administrators focused on advancing sustainability and green initiatives for their institutions. We are excited to learn more about their projects and help build partnerships between formal and non-formal organizations.
This year's theme of "Building Connections" is an excellent opportunity to really examine and demonstrate the wide variety of fields that are involved with environmental literacy, environmental health and the protection of our natural spaces. We would be honored if you would consider taking a look at the information below and joining the event in some way.
Become an EEAI Annual Conference Sponsor!
Connect with participants through an Exhibit Booth!
Share an innovative project or resource with participants through a Presentation!
Support the advancement of environmental literacy through a donation to our auction!
Find all the conference details and registration links at the Annual Conference website!
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is excited to announce our 50th Anniversary Annual Conference will be held on April 8th and 9th at Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois. This annual event has provided professional development for thousands of Illinois educators over the course of those 50 years, impacting millions of students. This year will be no different, with an excellent keynote, dozens of current sessions, workshop and field experiences there will be extensive learning opportunities for IL educators and organizations.
This event will also be in partnership with IL Green Alliance and the IL Green Ribbon School Program bringing together educators and administrators focused on advancing sustainability and green initiatives for their institutions. We are excited to learn more about their projects and help build partnerships between formal and non-formal organizations.
This year's theme of "Building Connections" is an excellent opportunity to really examine and demonstrate the wide variety of fields that are involved with environmental literacy, environmental health and the protection of our natural spaces. We would be honored if you would consider taking a look at the information below and joining the event in some way.
Become an EEAI Annual Conference Sponsor!
Connect with participants through an Exhibit Booth!
Share an innovative project or resource with participants through a Presentation!
Support the advancement of environmental literacy through a donation to our auction!
Find all the conference details and registration links at the Annual Conference website!
Job Opportunities
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.
For information on the job, requirements, and application process, click here.
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.
For information on the job, requirements, and application process, click here.
The Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND) at Michigan State University is seeking a full-time Project Administrator to oversee projects funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The primary research examines geospatial exposures of greenspaces on health. Responsibilities include (1) liaising with the field team in Detroit and the MSU-based team and tracking participants through the data collection process, (2) ensuring that the Project's Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other protocols are followed and up to date, and (3) conducting general Project administration tasks including travel, arranging meetings, purchasing, reimbursements, timesheets, and budget management. The position will begin as early as December 1, 2021 and will continue until 2024, depending on performance and funding availability. The position includes a competitive salary and benefits. (Salary starting at $53,000.)
To apply: https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/508485/project-administrator
More about the study: www.stand-detroit.org
The primary research examines geospatial exposures of greenspaces on health. Responsibilities include (1) liaising with the field team in Detroit and the MSU-based team and tracking participants through the data collection process, (2) ensuring that the Project's Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other protocols are followed and up to date, and (3) conducting general Project administration tasks including travel, arranging meetings, purchasing, reimbursements, timesheets, and budget management. The position will begin as early as December 1, 2021 and will continue until 2024, depending on performance and funding availability. The position includes a competitive salary and benefits. (Salary starting at $53,000.)
To apply: https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/508485/project-administrator
More about the study: www.stand-detroit.org
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
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
Overview: Bell Bowl Reprieve
The Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford is safe for at least the next few months. This late-October article by Elizabeth Gamillo in the Smithsonian Magazine contains this update at the beginning: “’The FAA is reinitiating consultation under the Endangered Species Act with the USFWS to evaluate impacts to the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, so planned construction initially scheduled to continue on November 1 will be suspended until further consultation is completed. We anticipate the resumption of the project in the spring of 2022,’ said Zack Oakley, the airport's deputy director of operations and planning.”
The article is valuable because of its description of the prairie and its critical importance to the environment.
Read more here: "10,000-Year-Old Rare Prairie Land and Rusty Patched Bumblebee Threatened by Airport Construction in Illinois" by Elizabeth Gamillo. Smithsonian Magaizine. Oct. 28th, 2021 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-remnant-bell-bowl-prairie-threatened-by-airport-development-180978951/
Photo by Frans Van Heerden from Pexels
The Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford is safe for at least the next few months. This late-October article by Elizabeth Gamillo in the Smithsonian Magazine contains this update at the beginning: “’The FAA is reinitiating consultation under the Endangered Species Act with the USFWS to evaluate impacts to the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, so planned construction initially scheduled to continue on November 1 will be suspended until further consultation is completed. We anticipate the resumption of the project in the spring of 2022,’ said Zack Oakley, the airport's deputy director of operations and planning.”
The article is valuable because of its description of the prairie and its critical importance to the environment.
Read more here: "10,000-Year-Old Rare Prairie Land and Rusty Patched Bumblebee Threatened by Airport Construction in Illinois" by Elizabeth Gamillo. Smithsonian Magaizine. Oct. 28th, 2021 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-remnant-bell-bowl-prairie-threatened-by-airport-development-180978951/
Photo by Frans Van Heerden from Pexels
Overview: When Nature is Nurture: Structured Outdoor Learning
The fullness of nature can provide sensory overload to some children on the autism spectrum, but introduced in appropriate measures, nature can reveal its patterns that intrigue and stimulate young minds.
David, the author of “When Nature is Nurture, which appeared in Autism Parenting Magazine on Oct. 7, describes the benefits of “structured exploration and supported risk” that underpin the Forest School concept. This outdoor-school movement, which began in Sweden in the 1950s, promotes regular learning in a wooded or other natural area.
Curiosity and exploration take precedence over academic knowledge, but the number of trees in an area, their names and the intricate patterns of the can unlock creativity as well as lead to improvements in language and numeracy. Photography brings nature to the eye – a benefit for those less mobile or in wheelchairs. Where woodlands are not nearby, parks and gardens can be the classroom.
Research has shown benefits of outdoor learning in three areas for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): sensory-motor; social-emotional; and physical.
David concludes, “It’s about exploring the world safely and in a magical way.”
Read more here: "When Nature is Nurture: Structured Outdoor Learning" Autism Parenting Magazine. October 7, 2021. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/nurture-structured-outdoor-learning/
The fullness of nature can provide sensory overload to some children on the autism spectrum, but introduced in appropriate measures, nature can reveal its patterns that intrigue and stimulate young minds.
David, the author of “When Nature is Nurture, which appeared in Autism Parenting Magazine on Oct. 7, describes the benefits of “structured exploration and supported risk” that underpin the Forest School concept. This outdoor-school movement, which began in Sweden in the 1950s, promotes regular learning in a wooded or other natural area.
Curiosity and exploration take precedence over academic knowledge, but the number of trees in an area, their names and the intricate patterns of the can unlock creativity as well as lead to improvements in language and numeracy. Photography brings nature to the eye – a benefit for those less mobile or in wheelchairs. Where woodlands are not nearby, parks and gardens can be the classroom.
Research has shown benefits of outdoor learning in three areas for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): sensory-motor; social-emotional; and physical.
David concludes, “It’s about exploring the world safely and in a magical way.”
Read more here: "When Nature is Nurture: Structured Outdoor Learning" Autism Parenting Magazine. October 7, 2021. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/nurture-structured-outdoor-learning/
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Overview: Healing Wounds Physical and Emotional Wilderness therapy for veterans is designed to help them “adjust to and enjoy civilian life by gaining tools for enhancing mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health. While this is a summer-only program, Jimmy Strange posted “Reflections from a Solo” on Oct. 5. His meditation describes the hopefulness he discovered while looking at the mountains in Colorado: “There is the spirit of hope, even in the midst of darkness. This drives us to survive in the wilderness, in the woods, in the parks, in the suburban setting. We must not be driven by uncertainty or fear, but through the resilience now for a better tomorrow.” Read more here: "Reflections from a Solo" Huts For Vets Alumni. October 5, 2021. hutsforvets.org/reflections-from-a-solo/ Photo by Ali Şenol from Pexels |
Overview: Letting People Know the Outdoors Is Open to All
In 2017, Earl Hunter, then a marketing executive for SylvanSport, took his son on a part-business, part-adventure trip. In three months, they visited 49 campgrounds in 20 states and provinces – and met only one other Black family.
He saw the need for reciprocity – the camping industry needed to learn how to attract Black clientele and Black people needed to enjoy camping and an outdoor lifestyle.
The company he founded, Black Folks Camp Too, has succeeded in both areas, connecting about 400 people to the outdoors and partnering with companies and organizations to help create spaces that are more welcoming to all Black people and everyone else.
Ms. O’Connor quotes Mr. Hunter’s description of his work “to remove
generational fear, add knowledge, and invite more Black people to camp and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle — with any- and everyone. “And while we do that, we promote unity in the outdoors,”
The Unity Blaze campfire logo, which he created is a symbol that everyone should be accorded equal treatment.
Read more here: "How 'Black Folks Camp Too' is Making the Outdoors More Diverse" by Meredith O'Connor. August, 23rd, 2021. https://magazine.avocadogreenmattress.com/black-folks-camp-too/
In 2017, Earl Hunter, then a marketing executive for SylvanSport, took his son on a part-business, part-adventure trip. In three months, they visited 49 campgrounds in 20 states and provinces – and met only one other Black family.
He saw the need for reciprocity – the camping industry needed to learn how to attract Black clientele and Black people needed to enjoy camping and an outdoor lifestyle.
The company he founded, Black Folks Camp Too, has succeeded in both areas, connecting about 400 people to the outdoors and partnering with companies and organizations to help create spaces that are more welcoming to all Black people and everyone else.
Ms. O’Connor quotes Mr. Hunter’s description of his work “to remove
generational fear, add knowledge, and invite more Black people to camp and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle — with any- and everyone. “And while we do that, we promote unity in the outdoors,”
The Unity Blaze campfire logo, which he created is a symbol that everyone should be accorded equal treatment.
Read more here: "How 'Black Folks Camp Too' is Making the Outdoors More Diverse" by Meredith O'Connor. August, 23rd, 2021. https://magazine.avocadogreenmattress.com/black-folks-camp-too/