Newsletter from Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
This newsletter is coming out a few days early this week due to Thanksgiving. We hope you and your families are staying safe and have a happy Thanksgiving! Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Dec. 1st, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing NCH2.Chicago@gmail.com.
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information about the Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information about the Environmental Education Association of Illinois 50th Annual Conference, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Local Events
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Gratitude Nature Night Hike
Date: Fri, Nov. 26th
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Description: Hike with a naturalist as we share what we are thankful for in nature. Gratitude improves our health, helps people feel positive emotions, and is strongly associated with greater happiness.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Jade from Pexels
Date: Fri, Nov. 26th
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Description: Hike with a naturalist as we share what we are thankful for in nature. Gratitude improves our health, helps people feel positive emotions, and is strongly associated with greater happiness.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Jade from Pexels
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Fossil Hike
Date: Sat, Nov. 27th
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th St
Lemont, IL 60439
Description: Find out why dinosaur fossils aren’t found in the Chicago region, but ancient marine fossils are. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and bottled water to head out on a 2-mile hike to visit a fossil bed and learn how these fossils formed.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Email Sagawau at Sagawauenvironmental.learningcenter@cookcountyil.gov or call 224-501-6632.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Tony Haggerty from Pexels
Date: Sat, Nov. 27th
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th St
Lemont, IL 60439
Description: Find out why dinosaur fossils aren’t found in the Chicago region, but ancient marine fossils are. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and bottled water to head out on a 2-mile hike to visit a fossil bed and learn how these fossils formed.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Email Sagawau at Sagawauenvironmental.learningcenter@cookcountyil.gov or call 224-501-6632.
For more information, click here.
Photo by Tony Haggerty from Pexels
CRTI Eradication Innovation Virtual Panel
Date: Wed, Dec. 1st
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: 45% of our region’s tree canopy is invasive species! Participate in our free virtual panel of speakers presenting on innovative approaches to inspiring invasive species removal. You’ll learn about a callery pear buy back program, inspiring neighbors to join the Conservation@Home program, using the Miyawaki method to prevent growth of invasives, and more.
Speakers and Topics:
What’s Going on with Invasive Species in the Chicago Region? Dr. Chai-Shian Kua, The Morton Arboretum
Inspiring Awareness of a Popular Invasive Tree - Missouri’s Callery Pear Buy Back Program Carol Davit, Director, Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) and chair of the Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force (MoIP)
Healthy Homes and Sustainable Yards - Replacing Invasives in Residential Landscapes Sarah Michehl, Community Engagement Specialist, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
Designing with the Miyawaki Method - Keep Invasives Out and Grow a Healthy Ecosystem Ethan Bryson, Founder, Natural Urban Forests.
For more information and registration, click here.
Date: Wed, Dec. 1st
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: 45% of our region’s tree canopy is invasive species! Participate in our free virtual panel of speakers presenting on innovative approaches to inspiring invasive species removal. You’ll learn about a callery pear buy back program, inspiring neighbors to join the Conservation@Home program, using the Miyawaki method to prevent growth of invasives, and more.
Speakers and Topics:
What’s Going on with Invasive Species in the Chicago Region? Dr. Chai-Shian Kua, The Morton Arboretum
Inspiring Awareness of a Popular Invasive Tree - Missouri’s Callery Pear Buy Back Program Carol Davit, Director, Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) and chair of the Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force (MoIP)
Healthy Homes and Sustainable Yards - Replacing Invasives in Residential Landscapes Sarah Michehl, Community Engagement Specialist, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
Designing with the Miyawaki Method - Keep Invasives Out and Grow a Healthy Ecosystem Ethan Bryson, Founder, Natural Urban Forests.
For more information and registration, click here.
Chicago Wilderness Cafe Discussion: Leading a Network
Date: Thurs, Dec. 2nd
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: Facilitated by the Institute for Conservation Leadership, this skill-building session is open to anyone in Chicago Wilderness Alliance, with a high priority for recruiting goal group leaders and emerging Chicago Wilderness leaders. Learn to foster engagement, including for new members; facilitate effective and participatory meetings; and build decision-making capabilities.
Facilitators: Peter Lane - Institute for Conservation Leadership & Dianne Russell - Institute for Conservation Leadership.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels
Date: Thurs, Dec. 2nd
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: Facilitated by the Institute for Conservation Leadership, this skill-building session is open to anyone in Chicago Wilderness Alliance, with a high priority for recruiting goal group leaders and emerging Chicago Wilderness leaders. Learn to foster engagement, including for new members; facilitate effective and participatory meetings; and build decision-making capabilities.
Facilitators: Peter Lane - Institute for Conservation Leadership & Dianne Russell - Institute for Conservation Leadership.
For more information and registration, click here.
Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels
Center for Health & Nature Symposium
Date: Wed, Dec. 8th
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: Launched in 2018, the Center for Health & Nature is a partnership between Texan by Nature, Houston Methodist, and Texas A&M Health Science Center. The Health & Nature Symposium convenes friends of the center, researchers, potential funders, and donors to explore ways to advance the science of the interplay between exposure to natural environments, health and healing.
The Center for Health & Nature has identified academic leaders, conservation leaders, and physician-scientists from around the country and world who are engaged in research related to the intersection of nature and health. The 2021 Symposium’s theme is “The Nature of Change”, broken down into the following segments:
Date: Wed, Dec. 8th
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: via Zoom
Description: Launched in 2018, the Center for Health & Nature is a partnership between Texan by Nature, Houston Methodist, and Texas A&M Health Science Center. The Health & Nature Symposium convenes friends of the center, researchers, potential funders, and donors to explore ways to advance the science of the interplay between exposure to natural environments, health and healing.
The Center for Health & Nature has identified academic leaders, conservation leaders, and physician-scientists from around the country and world who are engaged in research related to the intersection of nature and health. The 2021 Symposium’s theme is “The Nature of Change”, broken down into the following segments:
- A Healthier You
- Working to Make a Difference
- Planning comes Naturally
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 is seeking applications for a Program Specialist to work with our Outreach Team. See job posting below. This is a full time position focusing on key projects including community engagement strategies for the department and with our Nature Centers and programming teams that work in geographic regions around the county and the Youth Outdoor Ambassador program as well as a variety of ongoing community engagement and outreach efforts. Applications close December 9th.
As a member of the Conservation & Experiential Programming Department, the Program Specialists works with Zone, Outreach or Campground staff, to develop community interest and participation at the Forest Preserves of Cook County through public program, engagement strategies, community outreach efforts and hands-on outdoor recreation activities. Program Specialists serve as the secondary lead for a specific team by overseeing and managing a variety of community engagement activities, special events, outdoor recreation activities and programs at numerous locations around Cook County as well as a variety of programming and community partners.
To learn more and apply: https://cookcountyil.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=00126498&lang=en#.YZJ30fbXaBo.mailto
As a member of the Conservation & Experiential Programming Department, the Program Specialists works with Zone, Outreach or Campground staff, to develop community interest and participation at the Forest Preserves of Cook County through public program, engagement strategies, community outreach efforts and hands-on outdoor recreation activities. Program Specialists serve as the secondary lead for a specific team by overseeing and managing a variety of community engagement activities, special events, outdoor recreation activities and programs at numerous locations around Cook County as well as a variety of programming and community partners.
To learn more and apply: https://cookcountyil.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=00126498&lang=en#.YZJ30fbXaBo.mailto
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
Grant Opportunity
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
Description: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between scholars working in largely disconnected fields who might together change the course of climate change’s impact on human health.
Interests of the RFP:
Award Range: Over the next two years, the Fund will dedicate $1M to supporting small, early-stage grants of $2,500 - $50,000 toward achieving this goal.
Deadline: Rolling through August 30, 2023
To learn more and apply click here.
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
Description: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between scholars working in largely disconnected fields who might together change the course of climate change’s impact on human health.
Interests of the RFP:
- Linking basic/early biomedical science to climate-focused thinking
- Sustainability in health care systems, health care delivery outside institutions, and biomedical research
- Health impacts and health systems impacts of extreme weather events and other crises
- Outreach, communication and education around climate & human health
Award Range: Over the next two years, the Fund will dedicate $1M to supporting small, early-stage grants of $2,500 - $50,000 toward achieving this goal.
Deadline: Rolling through August 30, 2023
To learn more and apply click here.
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: Native American Ways of Healing
Since November is Native American Heritage Month, readers may find intriguing information on Native American healing at the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of health. As an example, one learns that the relationship between the healer and the patient is a “lifelong responsibility.” Traditional healers, moreover, consider not only the present patient but also the family, community and future generations. These healers use stories, humor, music, tobacco and smudging “to bring healing energies into the healing space and focus their effects.” The ceremonies can include prayer, chants, drumming, songs, and the use of sacred objects – all reflecting the Native concepts of Spirit, Creator and the Universe.
Read more, such as “The Key Role of Ceremony,” “The Medicine Wheel and the Four Directions,” and “Healing Plants”: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/introduction.html
Since November is Native American Heritage Month, readers may find intriguing information on Native American healing at the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of health. As an example, one learns that the relationship between the healer and the patient is a “lifelong responsibility.” Traditional healers, moreover, consider not only the present patient but also the family, community and future generations. These healers use stories, humor, music, tobacco and smudging “to bring healing energies into the healing space and focus their effects.” The ceremonies can include prayer, chants, drumming, songs, and the use of sacred objects – all reflecting the Native concepts of Spirit, Creator and the Universe.
Read more, such as “The Key Role of Ceremony,” “The Medicine Wheel and the Four Directions,” and “Healing Plants”: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/introduction.html
Overview: New Studies on the “Healing” of Nature during the lockdown. With humans hunkered down in their pods, venturing out cautiously with much hand-washing and wearing of masks, it would seem that nature had a break from the intensity of the global carbon footprint. There is some evidence to that effect: wild animals “encroaching” on the urban landscape, dolphins swimming in the Hudson River, and a temporarily “smog-free” Los Angeles.
But author Jansen Baier headlined his September article in Mongabay “Studies debunk ‘nature is healing’ narrative from 2020 lockdowns.” He cited studies that indicate that while emissions of indirect greenhouse gases did decrease significantly, that effect will not be long-lasting. More wildlife sightings may reflect the fact that people stayed home, slowed down, and looked around.
The answer to the question whether nature experienced a reprieve during the lockdown, he acknowledged, “is complicated.”
He looked at reports from all over the globe, noting that In India, “researchers concluded there were “more negatives than positives for the environment, including a surge in the use of plastic packaging and PPE, as people shopped online and masked up.” He also quoted Phil Yang, a geospatial scientist and professor of geographic information science at George Mason University that the lockdown offered the opportunity to observe how humans have impacted the earth and contributed to climate change.
Read more here: "Studies debunk ‘nature is healing’ narrative from 2020 lockdowns" by Janson Baier. Mongabay News. Sept. 1st, 2021. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/09/studies-debunk-nature-is-healing-narrative-from-2020-lockdowns/
Photo by Antoine Giret
But author Jansen Baier headlined his September article in Mongabay “Studies debunk ‘nature is healing’ narrative from 2020 lockdowns.” He cited studies that indicate that while emissions of indirect greenhouse gases did decrease significantly, that effect will not be long-lasting. More wildlife sightings may reflect the fact that people stayed home, slowed down, and looked around.
The answer to the question whether nature experienced a reprieve during the lockdown, he acknowledged, “is complicated.”
He looked at reports from all over the globe, noting that In India, “researchers concluded there were “more negatives than positives for the environment, including a surge in the use of plastic packaging and PPE, as people shopped online and masked up.” He also quoted Phil Yang, a geospatial scientist and professor of geographic information science at George Mason University that the lockdown offered the opportunity to observe how humans have impacted the earth and contributed to climate change.
Read more here: "Studies debunk ‘nature is healing’ narrative from 2020 lockdowns" by Janson Baier. Mongabay News. Sept. 1st, 2021. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/09/studies-debunk-nature-is-healing-narrative-from-2020-lockdowns/
Photo by Antoine Giret
Overview: Trees of Life
Being among trees appears to boost longevity, Mary Jo DiLonardo wrote early last year in treehugger.com, citing findings published in Lancet Planetary Health. In “Living Near Green Spaces Can Help You Live Longer” she reports that researchers analyzed the results of nine studies that tracked more than 8.3 million people from seven countries and “found that no matter where on Earth people lived or what type of green space they were near, there were health benefits by the proximity of greenery. … Specifically, they found that a 10% increase in greenery led to about an average 4% drop in premature mortality.” Some local governments are recognizing the importance of public green spaces: New York has turned 27% of its land into public green spaces, she writes. Paris has promised to turn a significant amount of its public green space to sustainable urban farms. Read more here: "Living Near Green Spaces Can Help You Live Longer" by Mary Jo DiLonardo. Treehugger News. Feb. 5th, 2021. www.treehugger.com/living-near-green-spaces-can-help-you-live-longer-4864352 |
Overview: A Brain Change From Nature
Shivendra Misra gets right down to it: Her article “Scientific Reasons Why a Walk in Nature Changes Your Brain” describes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects of even a brief stay in nature. Moving away from nature, she says, is a move away from one’s self and from the living relationship to earth that each person has.
She quotes David Strayer of the University of Utah, “People have been discussing their profound experiences in nature for the last several 100 years — from Thoreau to John Muir to many other writers. … Now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we are interacting with nature.”
Studies conducted in Japan and Finland showed that participants who walk among trees had lower heart rates and less anxiety than those who walked the same speed and distance in urban settings.
Being in nature boosts creativity by way of “attention restoration”- relief from the bombardment of daily life.
Read more here: "4 Scientific Reasons Why a Walk in Nature Changes Your Brain" by Shivendra Misra. Medium. Oct. 31st, 2021. medium.com/publishous/4-scientific-reasons-why-a-walk-in-nature-changes-your-brain-c2c0a015ea94
Shivendra Misra gets right down to it: Her article “Scientific Reasons Why a Walk in Nature Changes Your Brain” describes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects of even a brief stay in nature. Moving away from nature, she says, is a move away from one’s self and from the living relationship to earth that each person has.
She quotes David Strayer of the University of Utah, “People have been discussing their profound experiences in nature for the last several 100 years — from Thoreau to John Muir to many other writers. … Now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we are interacting with nature.”
Studies conducted in Japan and Finland showed that participants who walk among trees had lower heart rates and less anxiety than those who walked the same speed and distance in urban settings.
Being in nature boosts creativity by way of “attention restoration”- relief from the bombardment of daily life.
Read more here: "4 Scientific Reasons Why a Walk in Nature Changes Your Brain" by Shivendra Misra. Medium. Oct. 31st, 2021. medium.com/publishous/4-scientific-reasons-why-a-walk-in-nature-changes-your-brain-c2c0a015ea94