Newsletter Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
Apply for the NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant Round 2! It is time to apply for the next round of Catalyst Seed Grants, small planning grants that embrace our Triple Aims: Equity, Care for the Land, and Community Health. All of the information you need is Here. Background information and applications are available in Spanish and English.
We will host our first Webinar for this Round on November 28th at 7:00 p.m. Please let us know if translation services are needed at any step of this process.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking applications for vendors that help people connect to nature-- storytellers, musicians, artists, interpreters, outdoor adventurers and others. This would be for summer 2024 programming. If you are interested listen to the information Zoom on November 16 at 10:00 a.m.
https://fpdcc.zoom.us/j/85008443939 Meeting ID: 850 0844 3939
One tap mobile +13126266799,,85008443939# US (Chicago)
Please share both of these opportunities widely!
Apply for the NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant Round 2! It is time to apply for the next round of Catalyst Seed Grants, small planning grants that embrace our Triple Aims: Equity, Care for the Land, and Community Health. All of the information you need is Here. Background information and applications are available in Spanish and English.
We will host our first Webinar for this Round on November 28th at 7:00 p.m. Please let us know if translation services are needed at any step of this process.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking applications for vendors that help people connect to nature-- storytellers, musicians, artists, interpreters, outdoor adventurers and others. This would be for summer 2024 programming. If you are interested listen to the information Zoom on November 16 at 10:00 a.m.
https://fpdcc.zoom.us/j/85008443939 Meeting ID: 850 0844 3939
One tap mobile +13126266799,,85008443939# US (Chicago)
Please share both of these opportunities widely!
Index
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events and Ongoing
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Femme Defensa: Catalyst Seed Grantee
Title, Heritage
Artist Senkoe
This spectacular mural graces the eastern border of Harrison Park in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Seen this past weekend on a gorgeous sunny fall day, the mural displays the intrinsic and deep connection between humans and nature. NCH2 visited with Catalyst Seed Grantee Femme Defensa in Harrison Park where they were hosting their biweekly Free Store, where anyone can receive free produce and food and clothing. As a volunteer-run organization, Femme Defensa (FD) is a group of survivors of intimate partner violence who work "toward freedom through community self-defense, land connection, and supporting survivors." Their grant underscores how community gardens as well as home-based gardens can be restorative and healing working with the soil, planting seeds, and building community. They also fulfill an essential nutritional resource for people and their families.
Along with the Pilsen Solidarity Network (PSN), FD plans to use seed grant funds to develop a Grow Club that will cultivate cooperative garden spaces for intimate partner violence survivors with a focus on BIPOC people, queer people, people living in food deserts, and people with little or no resources for growing their own food. As always a challenge in identifying land in Chicago for this purpose, and FD has experienced this first hand, losing a garden space to land ownership turnover. With NCH2 grant funds, FD and PSN have held several planning meetings for the Grow Club launch in 2024.
Seeding a long-term plan for their next garden space where they will cultivate the land more securely , FD recently received a Community Growers' Program grant from the City of Chicago. With the name Milpa Mizan, FD will join with other community organizations to merge traditions and culture. The garden will be an integral piece of the city's efforts to expand access to local food. An invaluable and trusted support organization for community gardens and many other nearby nature spaces in Chicago, NeighborSpace will "provide infrastructure to the project sites, understand the specific needs of each project site, and provide the appropriate guidance."
Along with the Pilsen Solidarity Network (PSN), FD plans to use seed grant funds to develop a Grow Club that will cultivate cooperative garden spaces for intimate partner violence survivors with a focus on BIPOC people, queer people, people living in food deserts, and people with little or no resources for growing their own food. As always a challenge in identifying land in Chicago for this purpose, and FD has experienced this first hand, losing a garden space to land ownership turnover. With NCH2 grant funds, FD and PSN have held several planning meetings for the Grow Club launch in 2024.
Seeding a long-term plan for their next garden space where they will cultivate the land more securely , FD recently received a Community Growers' Program grant from the City of Chicago. With the name Milpa Mizan, FD will join with other community organizations to merge traditions and culture. The garden will be an integral piece of the city's efforts to expand access to local food. An invaluable and trusted support organization for community gardens and many other nearby nature spaces in Chicago, NeighborSpace will "provide infrastructure to the project sites, understand the specific needs of each project site, and provide the appropriate guidance."
Image, Femme Defense
Milpa Mizan Co-Workers
Upcoming Events
Image, Brushwood Center
Soundscapes: Visualizing the Healing Sounds of Nature
Celebrate our Veterans and their creative gifts. Join the At Ease Initiative at the Brushwood Center and the many artists at the opening reception for this new exhibit.
When: Exhibit runs November 5-26.
Where: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Celebrate our Veterans and their creative gifts. Join the At Ease Initiative at the Brushwood Center and the many artists at the opening reception for this new exhibit.
When: Exhibit runs November 5-26.
Where: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
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Building the Tree Canopy in your Community -- Millions of Grant $$ for Illinois
Join an informative Zoom session that will explain funding opportunities for communities across the state of Illinois. Co-hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the CRTI, this session will provide valuable insights into the new Inflation Reduction Act funding and how communities, especially under-resourced ones, can apply for grants with no match requirements. This session is ideal for local government officials and staff, community groups and leaders, and environmental organizations. In the event the recording is posted on the appropriate website, register for it here. |
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Jackson Park Bird Walk
Join David Rupp of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours for fall birding at Jackson Park. All Levels Welcome! Be prepared for November cold and two miles of birding. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow some from the leader. Free and Registration required here. When: November 17, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Where: Jackson Park, Chicago, exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Image, Laura Derks
Nature’s Recyclers
It's National Recycling Day on 11/15--learn more about nature's recycling process in Will County. Join this nature walk to get to know more about the decomposers responsible for breaking down and recycling the dead plant and animal matter in the woods.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request no later than 48 hours before the program
Free, all ages welcome; registration required here.
When: Friday, November 17, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Hammel Woods — Route 59 Access
It's National Recycling Day on 11/15--learn more about nature's recycling process in Will County. Join this nature walk to get to know more about the decomposers responsible for breaking down and recycling the dead plant and animal matter in the woods.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request no later than 48 hours before the program
Free, all ages welcome; registration required here.
When: Friday, November 17, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Hammel Woods — Route 59 Access
Future Events
Image, Bald Eagle River Forest Laura Derks
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Birdsgiving Stroll
Join the Chicago Ornithological Society for a slow-paced birding and walking outing. Per @chicago_birder, Riis Park is an "undergirded park and is bustling with large migrants, including Fox, White-throated, and Swamp sparrows...." Free, RSVP at chicagobirder.org/events. When: November 23, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Where: Riis Park, Chicago |
Image, Laura Derks
Starved Rock
Friday after Thanksgiving #OptOutside
Since 2015, REI company has encouraged its staff and other shoppers/followers to get outside and enjoy by promoting the day away from traditional "Black Friday" shopping (they actually close their stores!) and towards a nature-based experience of walking, cycling, hiking, fishing, kayaking, birding, or so many other experiences.
If you want to know where to go, check out our Resources on our website here and if you have a moment tag us on @nch2network!!
Since 2015, REI company has encouraged its staff and other shoppers/followers to get outside and enjoy by promoting the day away from traditional "Black Friday" shopping (they actually close their stores!) and towards a nature-based experience of walking, cycling, hiking, fishing, kayaking, birding, or so many other experiences.
If you want to know where to go, check out our Resources on our website here and if you have a moment tag us on @nch2network!!
Image, Laura Derks
Waterfowl Walk in Dupage County
Take a guided autumn bird walk where you’ll search for the bright, colorful feathers of migrating waterfowl. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
When: November 26, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00
Where: West Branch
Take a guided autumn bird walk where you’ll search for the bright, colorful feathers of migrating waterfowl. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
When: November 26, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00
Where: West Branch
Job Opportunities
New
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations--no immediate link but contact the organization for application information.
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
Current
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Enrichment.
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has several positions open including Director of Finance. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for academic high school students from Southern Illinois and the North & West Suburbs. Teens (14-18 years old) with a particular interest in Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and STEM education are encouraged to apply! Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill its Adult Conservation Corps position in the Palos area. Learn more here.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations--no immediate link but contact the organization for application information.
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
Current
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Enrichment.
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has several positions open including Director of Finance. Learn more here.
Faith in Place Eco-Ambassador applications for academic high school students from Southern Illinois and the North & West Suburbs. Teens (14-18 years old) with a particular interest in Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and STEM education are encouraged to apply! Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill its Adult Conservation Corps position in the Palos area. Learn more here.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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Peacefulness of Nature Can Help Veterans Heal
Just before Veterans Day this year, Vedia Barnett, a disabled veteran and Senior Campaign Representative of Sierra Club's Military Outdoors, offered eight “simple ways for vets to find solace in the great outdoors.” “I credit the time I spent in nature during my recovery from a stroke as paramount to my healing. My experience is a testament to the immense therapeutic potential of nature—a healing power that transcends age, gender, and background,” she wrote. Because she believes access to nature should not be a privilege afforded to the few, she lists eight ways to support veterans – by engaging in veteran-focused events, shopping at stores operated by veterans and helping to combat the stigma of mental illness, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as examples. Very similar to the At Ease program at Brushwood Center, the goal of the Sierra Club Military Outdoors program is “to improve the lives of military service members, veterans, and their families through connections with the outdoors and to inspire members of that community to become outspoken champions for environmental conservation and justice.” Read more Here. |
Image, Laura Derks
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Image, CTA website
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A Much Needed Vision for Far South Side Chicago Communities
The Chicago Transit Authority’s planned 5.6-mile, $4 billion Red Line extension into Chicago’s far south side – from 11th street to 130th street – must be more than a transit rail line, the editorial board of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote on Oct. 24. The extended Red Line, which lags behind the rest of the system by about 60 years, is “a reminder that correcting longstanding social and racial inequities is as expensive as it is necessary,” the editorial said. The success of the extension will be measured in whatever economic growth ensues – “a vibrant, mixed-use community centered around a high-quality transit system,” the editorial also said. The City of Chicago must bolster the livability of these communities, constructing or incentivizing schools and parks and other enhancements. Much of the money is there; it is up to the City and the CTA to make this an extension of Chicago’s growth. Read it here. |
Image, Lauren Nassef, Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, Evanston and other Municipalities Replace Lead Service Lines In 1986, Congress approved amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, banning lead pipes and phasing out lead solder. Even though municipalities may not use lead, many of the service lines – the lines that connect a private home to the municipal water main – are made of lead. Under the State of Illinois’ the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, Evanston, Chicago and other municipalities are required by law to inventory the number of suspected lead service lines in addition to creating and implementing a comprehensive plan to replace those service lines within a required timeframe. The City of Evanston will submit a final lead service line replacement plan by 2027. Upon approval of the plan by the Illinois EPA, the City anticipates it will then replace 3% to 5% of its water service lines each year. The City of Chicago just received a $336 million loan from the Environmental Protection Agency to begin to replace over 30,000 lead pipes. |
Preventing Bird Window Strikes and Mortality
The death by collision of nearly 1,000 migrating birds at Lakeside Center of McCormick Place may affect the redesign of the center. In a story in Engineering News-Record Annemarie Mannion wrote that the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which is planning to renovate Lakeside Center, has said that better protection of migratory birds is “‘one factor in planning,’for the renovation of the C.F. Murphy-designed building, which opened in 1971, says Cynthia McCafferty, a spokesperson for MPEA.” As previously noted here in this section, the massive bird death pictured here, happened during bird migration through the Chicago region in the fall of this year. After its Oct. 30 meeting, the MPEA Board issued a statement that reads in part, “MPEA has been a proud partner of the Field Museum’s study of bird collisions since 1978, we have participated in Lights Out Chicago since the program’s inception, we opened the McCormick Bird Sanctuary in 2003...and we installed bird-safe decals to repel birds. … Despite our existing efforts, MPEA still intends to do more to protect migrating bird populations. We have accelerated our efforts to identify both short- and long-term solutions. Immediately following the incident, we implemented a new procedure that requires drapes to be closed at night during migration season for windows that have them.” Read more here. 
Image, City of Evanston
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Connect with Us!
We are taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar--You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected]. Make sure you have accepted our newsletter email so it doesn't wind up in your junk folder!
FOLLOW US on our social media by clicking the icons below!
CREATE your own stories on Instagram and tag @NCH2Network so we can share how you engage with nature; we would love to see them!
EMAIL US and keep us updated on local events, exciting opportunities in the area, or send photos of local nature to be featured on the website.
CONTACT US at [email protected].
We are taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar--You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected]. Make sure you have accepted our newsletter email so it doesn't wind up in your junk folder!
FOLLOW US on our social media by clicking the icons below!
CREATE your own stories on Instagram and tag @NCH2Network so we can share how you engage with nature; we would love to see them!
EMAIL US and keep us updated on local events, exciting opportunities in the area, or send photos of local nature to be featured on the website.
CONTACT US at [email protected].