Newsletter Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
We have spent the last two weeks enjoying the changing light of late fall, venturing outside in warmer November weather, and searching for the familiar Sandhill Crane flocks flying South. We would love to know how you all #optoutside?
Join us tonight (11/28/2023) at 7:00 p.m. for our online information session about the NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant Round 2! Register on Eventbrite Here. Applications for these small planning grants (due on December 20th) should be community-engaged, community-based in the Chicago Metropolitan area and include our Triple Aims: Equity, Care for the Land, and Community Health. All of the information about the Catalyst Seed Grant and application process is Here. Background information and applications are available in Spanish and English. Please let us know if translation services are needed at any step of this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Derks at [email protected].
Please share this session with anyone you think might be interested. Thank you!
We have spent the last two weeks enjoying the changing light of late fall, venturing outside in warmer November weather, and searching for the familiar Sandhill Crane flocks flying South. We would love to know how you all #optoutside?
Join us tonight (11/28/2023) at 7:00 p.m. for our online information session about the NCH2 Catalyst Seed Grant Round 2! Register on Eventbrite Here. Applications for these small planning grants (due on December 20th) should be community-engaged, community-based in the Chicago Metropolitan area and include our Triple Aims: Equity, Care for the Land, and Community Health. All of the information about the Catalyst Seed Grant and application process is Here. Background information and applications are available in Spanish and English. Please let us know if translation services are needed at any step of this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Derks at [email protected].
Please share this session with anyone you think might be interested. Thank you!
Index
Community Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Events and Save the Dates
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Stein Learning Garden: Catalyst Seed Recipient
Image, Laura Derks
A community collaboration between the Stein Learning Gardens and community resident, documentarian, and photojournalist Valerie Goodloe provides much appreciated and needed fresh produce--almost 6 months of the year! Vibrant murals, a community gathering space, and nutrient dense food anchor the Black on Black Love garden in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. This project is one of many fresh produce/garden initiatives that the Stein Learning Gardens' supports in an effort to "deliver high quality garden education and community programs that create positive learning experiences, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and increase community members’ access to fresh and affordable healthy produce." Since 2018 Stein has created many ways to reach families in a community that has very limited access to convenient grocery stores, especially fresh produce. This year alone, Stein has distributed 4,000 pounds of produce at their fresh produce market called "Barbara’s" and other events.
NCH2 is excited to fund the Triple Aims--Equity, Community Health, and Care for the Land--of the Stein proposal. As a Catalyst Seed Grantee, Stein is collaborating with the health care staff of the nearby University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhood Health clinic to develop a Produce Prescription Program. This clinic serves as one of the anchors to the Healthy Lifestyle Hub. Fresh produce on a regular schedule will serve as a "dose of prevention and a boost for health to eligible patients due to diet-related health risks or food insecurity." Up to this point, Stein has conducted several site visits with several other Produce Rx programs in the Chicago area.
The planning grant will also allow them to develop a permanent home for Barbara's Market at the Hub and to further develop a beautiful and safe outside community gathering space so that the neighborhood, or anyone who might be interested, can enjoy nature and expose community members to the joys of community gardens.
NCH2 is excited to fund the Triple Aims--Equity, Community Health, and Care for the Land--of the Stein proposal. As a Catalyst Seed Grantee, Stein is collaborating with the health care staff of the nearby University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhood Health clinic to develop a Produce Prescription Program. This clinic serves as one of the anchors to the Healthy Lifestyle Hub. Fresh produce on a regular schedule will serve as a "dose of prevention and a boost for health to eligible patients due to diet-related health risks or food insecurity." Up to this point, Stein has conducted several site visits with several other Produce Rx programs in the Chicago area.
The planning grant will also allow them to develop a permanent home for Barbara's Market at the Hub and to further develop a beautiful and safe outside community gathering space so that the neighborhood, or anyone who might be interested, can enjoy nature and expose community members to the joys of community gardens.
Events and Save the Dates
Image, Laura Derks
Sandhill Crane Sit
Often you hear the fluting of Sandhill Cranes first and then see the southern-bound meandering flocks in the sky. Join Openlands and Out in Nature this Saturday to catch the thousands of Sandhills, a bird that dwindled in numbers to almost extinction, as they stop over in Indiana on their way South. Please note that this event is for people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or Black, Indigenous, Latinx or People of Color. For more information and to register, connect here.
When: December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: Jasper-Pulaski State Park
Often you hear the fluting of Sandhill Cranes first and then see the southern-bound meandering flocks in the sky. Join Openlands and Out in Nature this Saturday to catch the thousands of Sandhills, a bird that dwindled in numbers to almost extinction, as they stop over in Indiana on their way South. Please note that this event is for people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or Black, Indigenous, Latinx or People of Color. For more information and to register, connect here.
When: December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: Jasper-Pulaski State Park
Image, Laura Derks
Candle Lantern Night Walk
Enjoy a free Winter walk along the trails at the Sand Ridge Nature Center within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Who knows what evening/night forest activity you will discover! Registration required -- Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 ; [email protected].
When: December 2, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Sand Ridge Nature Center
Candlelight Ski / Hikes
Free Cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome. Bring your own equipment. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4" of snow or more or Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike. No pets please. More information here.
When: December 15 or 16, 5:00- 9:00 pm
Where: Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake
Enjoy a free Winter walk along the trails at the Sand Ridge Nature Center within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Who knows what evening/night forest activity you will discover! Registration required -- Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 ; [email protected].
When: December 2, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Sand Ridge Nature Center
Candlelight Ski / Hikes
Free Cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome. Bring your own equipment. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4" of snow or more or Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike. No pets please. More information here.
When: December 15 or 16, 5:00- 9:00 pm
Where: Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake
Image, Trickster Cultural Center
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Save the Date: Winter Solstice Ceremony
Join the Trickster Cultural Center and the McHenry County Conservation District for the ceremony and community. More information will be upcoming here. When: December 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Where: Lost Valley Visitor Center in McHenry County |
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Image, GRIT
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Adaptive Equipment Grants
Several public organizations have developed adaptive programming for outdoor activities. Both Wisconsin and Michigan now have GRIT Wheelchairs for use on trails in state parks. GRIT has closed its window for 2023 grants but peruse this list of grant opportunities for adaptive equipment and let us know if you apply! https://asfadaptivesports.org/directory/additional-grant-resources |
Job Opportunities
New
Several positions open at the Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago.
Crew Supervisors and Program Supervisor, Greencorpschicago
Community Outreach Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
Current
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
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.
Lake County Forest Preserves is looking for a Landscape Architect.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
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!
Several positions open at the Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago.
Crew Supervisors and Program Supervisor, Greencorpschicago
Community Outreach Coordinator with R.E.A.C.H. (there are several other job openings here.)
Current
Active Transport Alliance is hiring a Managing Director of Operations
Center on Community Health at Northwestern University is hiring a Program Coordinator.
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.
Lake County Forest Preserves is looking for a Landscape Architect.
Mano y Mano is hiring Community Health Workers and other positions.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee is looking for its first Executive Director.
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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Mortality and Health Risks Fueled by Climate Change
Extreme heat is an increasingly serious threat to seniors and babies, but it is not the only danger posed by climate change, which has yet to be slowed. A report (The Lancet Countdown) published in Lancet earlier this month and described by Delger Erdenesanaa in a Nov. 14 New York Times article found that economic losses and food insecurity follow this persistent rise in global temperatures. She quotes Marina Romanello, a researcher at University College London and the executive director of the report, as saying, “We’ve lost very precious years of climate action and that has come at an enormous health cost...The loss of life, the impact that people experience, is irreversible.” One of the authors of the report likened it to tracking the vital signs of a patient – but on a global scale. This Lancet Countdown measures risks rather than outcomes, and, in an unusual step includes projections. "The value of The Lancet Countdown is its ongoing monitoring of climate change’s effects on global health", said Sharon Friel, director of the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse at the Australian National University. Ms. Erdenesanaa ends her article on a somewhat pessimistic note: “The researchers point out that health care systems, and other societal infrastructure health care depends on, haven’t adapted quickly enough to our current level of global warming." Read more here. |
Image, The Healing House, Sam Kirk artist (Laura Derks)
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Image, Toxic Site of Corps of Engineers on Chicago's Southeast side (Laura Derks)
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Less Biodiversity Found in Historically Marginalized Neighborhoods
A diagram from a 2020 study published in the journal Science found its way to a meeting of wildlife researchers in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. In a Nov. 21 article in the New York Times, Hillary Rosner described the study, Ecological and evolutionary consequences of systemic racism in urban environments, which shows how the clutches of racism have held the environment and its biodiversity hostage for decades. “In the unequal distribution of birds and other species, ecologists are tracing the impact of bigoted urban policies adopted decades ago,” she wrote. Christopher J. Schell, an ecologist at the University of California, Berkeley, led the study that shows the “overlap between environmental justice and biodiversity conservation,” she wrote. The Home Owners Loan Corporation, whose maps date back as far as 1933, was the source of the term “redlined;” areas recommended for investment [such as federal mortgage loans] were labeled “A” and outlined in green. Areas not recommended – such as inner-city neighborhoods where immigrants and Black people lived, – were labeled “D” and outlined in red. One result of disinvestment in certain neighborhoods is the contrast in biodiversity. Neighborhoods with greater investment have more trees, flowers and varieties of wildlife. Read more here and Science article on our website here. |
Image, Raingarden, (Laura Derks)
Trying to Adapt to Heavy, Erratic Rainfall
Heavy but sporadic rainfall in the Chicago area this year points to the persistent but often erratic nature of climate change. Writing in the Chicago Tribune on Nov. 27, Adrianna Pérez quoted Michelle Carr, the director of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. “And what we’re seeing in our urban environment is [that] climate change isn’t something that’s just about melting poles and polar bears — it’s about erratic weather events that are quite unusual to the everyday person.” The Conservancy’s chief scientist often calls it “global weirding,” Ms. Carr said.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released in early November, assessed the Midwest as being threatened by rising temperatures, drought and extreme precipitation. Ms. Pérez noted that the most recent report shows the Midwest incurred more than $49 billion in economic damages due to flooding since 1980. Heavy downpours take a toll on the infrastructure – streets and basements flood as sewer pipes are overwhelmed, resulting in release of untreated water into rivers. Communities with fewer resources bear the brunt of these floods. Green and blue infrastructure – such as rain gardens and ponds – offer ways to adapt to the uncertainty of precipitation. The article concludes with Ms. Carr: “What we’re doing is seeing ambitious goals but also thinking about how to make those goals with an eye toward equity … [W]e’re trying to make connectivity and bring the resources to where they’re needed the most. And it’s … slow work because it requires authentic relationships and slowing down to listen to one another.”
Heavy but sporadic rainfall in the Chicago area this year points to the persistent but often erratic nature of climate change. Writing in the Chicago Tribune on Nov. 27, Adrianna Pérez quoted Michelle Carr, the director of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. “And what we’re seeing in our urban environment is [that] climate change isn’t something that’s just about melting poles and polar bears — it’s about erratic weather events that are quite unusual to the everyday person.” The Conservancy’s chief scientist often calls it “global weirding,” Ms. Carr said.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released in early November, assessed the Midwest as being threatened by rising temperatures, drought and extreme precipitation. Ms. Pérez noted that the most recent report shows the Midwest incurred more than $49 billion in economic damages due to flooding since 1980. Heavy downpours take a toll on the infrastructure – streets and basements flood as sewer pipes are overwhelmed, resulting in release of untreated water into rivers. Communities with fewer resources bear the brunt of these floods. Green and blue infrastructure – such as rain gardens and ponds – offer ways to adapt to the uncertainty of precipitation. The article concludes with Ms. Carr: “What we’re doing is seeing ambitious goals but also thinking about how to make those goals with an eye toward equity … [W]e’re trying to make connectivity and bring the resources to where they’re needed the most. And it’s … slow work because it requires authentic relationships and slowing down to listen to one another.”
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].