Newsletter from Thursday, October 14th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and well. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Oct. 27th, 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 on national conferences, career and funding opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes upcoming local events, information on national conferences, career and funding opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Local Events
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Brushwood Center Climate Justice & Healing Story Circle
Date: Saturday, October 16th Time: 10 am - 12 pm Location: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd. Riverwoods, IL 60015 Description: Join Faith in Place and Brushwood Center for a Story Circle exploring our connection to the environment, our migration stories, and our experience of climate change. This program will begin with a 30-minute guided tour of Brushwood Center’s current youth art exhibition: “Our Future: Youth Perspectives on the Environment,'' followed by the Story Circle outside led by Princess Harris. Build community and connection outdoors as we enjoy the gorgeous fall colors at Ryerson, and explore what it means to heal in nature. The Story Circle will also be live streamed via Zoom for those who prefer to join virtually. For registration and more information, click here. Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels |
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Forest Preserves of Cook County Fall Color Walk: Oaktober
Date: Saturday, October 16th Time: 10 am Location: Palos Park Woods-North Kean Ave, south of Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83 Cook County, IL 60464 Description: Travel with us through two magnificent preserves—Palos Park Woods and McClaughrey Springs Woods—as we look for the beautiful changing colors of the fall season. This area is among the largest contiguous tract of Forest Preserves in Cook County and the highest priority for restoration. We will have color scavenger hunts for the little ones, as well. Perfect for families. 3.4 miles. 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 registration and more information, click here. Photo by Marta Wave from Pexels |
Chicago Botanic Garden Fall Woods Walk
Date: Sundays, October 17, 24, and 31
Time: 11am – 2pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Description: Celebrate fall and get out in nature in the McDonald Woods. Get involved with our community science program, Budburst, by observing plants changing color and setting seed. Find out how to be part of our new EcoQuest monthly challenges and how to submit observations with our mobile app. Then set out on a self-guided walk in McDonald Woods. (A short trail loop is about 1/3 mile; the longer trail loop is about 2/3 mile.) We’ll have one guided woods walk, lasting approximately 45 minutes, at 1 p.m. Before or after your walk, warm up by the fire at the McDonald Woods Shelter (weather permitting). Dress for the weather. If winds are 20 or more miles per hour or if there is heavy rain, the program will be cancelled. Meet at the McDonald Woods Shelter
For more information, click here.
Date: Sundays, October 17, 24, and 31
Time: 11am – 2pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Description: Celebrate fall and get out in nature in the McDonald Woods. Get involved with our community science program, Budburst, by observing plants changing color and setting seed. Find out how to be part of our new EcoQuest monthly challenges and how to submit observations with our mobile app. Then set out on a self-guided walk in McDonald Woods. (A short trail loop is about 1/3 mile; the longer trail loop is about 2/3 mile.) We’ll have one guided woods walk, lasting approximately 45 minutes, at 1 p.m. Before or after your walk, warm up by the fire at the McDonald Woods Shelter (weather permitting). Dress for the weather. If winds are 20 or more miles per hour or if there is heavy rain, the program will be cancelled. Meet at the McDonald Woods Shelter
For more information, click here.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Forest Therapy Walk
Date: Tuesday, Oct 26
Time: 10 am
Location: Forest Way Grove
Forest Way Dr, south of Dundee Rd
Cook County, IL 60022
Description: Forest therapy opens the gateway for creativity and a deepened relationship with self and the natural world. Treat yourself to an encounter with nature that will awaken your senses and renew your bonds with the preserves. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up.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 registration and more information, click here.
Photo by Kris Møklebust from Pexels
Date: Tuesday, Oct 26
Time: 10 am
Location: Forest Way Grove
Forest Way Dr, south of Dundee Rd
Cook County, IL 60022
Description: Forest therapy opens the gateway for creativity and a deepened relationship with self and the natural world. Treat yourself to an encounter with nature that will awaken your senses and renew your bonds with the preserves. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide. Ages 18 & up.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 registration and more information, click here.
Photo by Kris Møklebust from Pexels
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One Book One Northwestern Keynote Address by Professor Hope Jahren
Date: Thursday, Oct 28 Location: Virtual Event Description: Professor Hope Jahren, author of “The Story or More” and “Lab Girl” will be in conversation with Professor William Miller, the One Book faculty chair and NCH2 member, about her book The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here on Thursday, October 28th. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here for more information about One Book One Northwestern and to register for the event. |
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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. |
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Take a Hike Challenge
Date: Sept. 1 to Oct. 27 Description: This fall, we invite you to join the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends. We are partnering with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week! The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations. When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award. For more information, a Take a Hike! Tracker, and registration click here. |
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National Conference
2021 SHIFT Summit: Ensuring Access to Nature – For Human Health and the Environment
Date: October 18-20, 2021
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Keynote Speaker: Melody Mobley
The first African-American woman in the U.S. Forest Service will talk about her experiences and views of the future. Read more about Melody Mobley, click here.
Description: The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work. The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story.
Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
For more information and registration, click here.
Date: October 18-20, 2021
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Keynote Speaker: Melody Mobley
The first African-American woman in the U.S. Forest Service will talk about her experiences and views of the future. Read more about Melody Mobley, click here.
Description: The SHIFT Summit is a national gathering of hundreds of land managers, researchers, funders, educators, retailers, and conservationists, along with outdoor recreation, health, military, and nature therapy professionals who share experiences, evidence, and ideas for better linking of both humans and nature. The Summit is based on sound science combined with experiential, health, stewardship, and land management aspects to balance equitable reciprocity and access to the places, flora, and fauna that we all need to exist and thrive. SHIFT Awards will also be presented for organizations and individuals who are excelling in our collective work. The Summit will include a variety of research, practice, and experiential aspects, including workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, nature and forest therapy practices, and plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation so we can deepen our connections to place and story.
Remote options are now available. Please, see the SHIFT website (https://www.gpred.org/shift/) for updated information as it becomes available.
For more information and registration, click here.
Funding Opportunities
The Forest Preserves of Cook County has two funding initiatives available. Please, see the linked PDFs for a description of each funding request. One is for a visioning/strategic planning initiative for the Conservation and Experiential Programming department, the other is for community engagement work around FPCC sites.
Click here for the Community Engagement RFP
Click here for the Vision Strategic Plan RFP
Here is additional information from Jacqui Ulrich, Director, Conservation & Experiential Programming, FPCC: “The Forest Preserves is seeking proposals for two projects that the Conservation & Experiential Programming team is managing. One is a visioning/strategic plan for our department and the other is community engagement work around three Forest Preserve sites. While I’ve attached copies of the two RFPs here, all question must go to our finance team and the proposals must be submitted through our online process. Additionally it’s important to register as a vendor for these specific proposals in order to receive updates, addendum and additional information that is posted.
Click here for information about proposals, bids, registering as a vendor etc.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County has two funding initiatives available. Please, see the linked PDFs for a description of each funding request. One is for a visioning/strategic planning initiative for the Conservation and Experiential Programming department, the other is for community engagement work around FPCC sites.
Click here for the Community Engagement RFP
Click here for the Vision Strategic Plan RFP
Here is additional information from Jacqui Ulrich, Director, Conservation & Experiential Programming, FPCC: “The Forest Preserves is seeking proposals for two projects that the Conservation & Experiential Programming team is managing. One is a visioning/strategic plan for our department and the other is community engagement work around three Forest Preserve sites. While I’ve attached copies of the two RFPs here, all question must go to our finance team and the proposals must be submitted through our online process. Additionally it’s important to register as a vendor for these specific proposals in order to receive updates, addendum and additional information that is posted.
Click here for information about proposals, bids, registering as a vendor etc.
Job Opportunity
The Forest Preserves of Cook County are looking to fill a few more Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) Aide positions.
The position is 29 hours a week at one of our Nature Centers or with one of our programming teams. CEP Aides play an important role on our team with many duties including providing environmental education, outdoor recreation and interpretation to connect people to nature and to the Forest Preserves. The pay is $15.73 per hours. All applications must be submitted online by Nov 12, 2021.
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.
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
Current Research
“A Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Physical Activity.” Richard W. Christiana, Gina M. Besenyi, Jeanette Gustat. Teresa H. Horton, Teresa L. Penbrooke, Courtney L. Schultz. Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living, 23 Sept. 2021, https://doi.org/10.51250/jheal.v1i3.25.
Author's Abstract: The health benefits of physical activity and spending time in nature are well established. However, children and adults in the United States are not participating in sufficient levels of physical activity and are not spending much time outdoors. Recently, increased access to nature for the health and wellness of all populations has seen growing public health attention, though a specific focus on nature-based physical activity has been limited. The purpose of this scoping review is to operationalize the health benefits of nature-based physical activity to provide guidance to program administrators, advocates, and researchers for nature-based physical activity to facilitate collaborations. Peer-reviewed literature was searched in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as in published reviews of the literature. The literature was divided into three categories of: 1) amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity; 2) added health benefits of exposure to nature-based components and physical activity; and 3) nature-based components and physical activity effect on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. This review supports and encourages multiple strategies to increase nature-based physical activity as this provides even greater benefit to health and wellness than exposure to nature or physical activity alone. Although many of the physical and mental health benefits of nature and physical activity are well established, additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity. However, the existing information justifies the promotion of nature-based physical activities in public health initiatives.
NCH2 Comments: Are you looking for an article that consolidates current information about the added benefits of engaging in outdoor physical activity? Are you trying to decide whether the evidence is solid enough for your organization or agency to develop programming based on nature and health? Are you looking for information about whether a specific topic may be ripe for additional research? Look no further. Written by members of the Parks and Green Space Work Group of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Physical Activity Policy, Research, and Evaluation Network (PAPREN), this article provides an introduction to the rapidly growing body of literature to help program administrators, advocates, and researchers quickly identify resources to help inform decision making. (Full disclosure, two NCH2 members, Teresa Horton and Courtney Schultz, are co-authors.) The article contains a glossary of key terms used to describe nature-based spaces (i.e., why “green”, not “blue” or “brown”?). Information with key citations is organized into three tables that accompany short narrative descriptions. Using the concept of “components” adopted by landscape architects and park and recreation planners, the first section describes the amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity (i.e. “what characterizes a good space”) associated with improved health outcomes. The second section summarizes the burgeoning literature describing the positive interactions between nature-based interventions and physical activity. Using the lens of environmental justice, the third section delves into the literature on the impact of nature-based physical activity on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. We hope you find this to be a handy and helpful reference.
“A Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Physical Activity.” Richard W. Christiana, Gina M. Besenyi, Jeanette Gustat. Teresa H. Horton, Teresa L. Penbrooke, Courtney L. Schultz. Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living, 23 Sept. 2021, https://doi.org/10.51250/jheal.v1i3.25.
Author's Abstract: The health benefits of physical activity and spending time in nature are well established. However, children and adults in the United States are not participating in sufficient levels of physical activity and are not spending much time outdoors. Recently, increased access to nature for the health and wellness of all populations has seen growing public health attention, though a specific focus on nature-based physical activity has been limited. The purpose of this scoping review is to operationalize the health benefits of nature-based physical activity to provide guidance to program administrators, advocates, and researchers for nature-based physical activity to facilitate collaborations. Peer-reviewed literature was searched in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as in published reviews of the literature. The literature was divided into three categories of: 1) amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity; 2) added health benefits of exposure to nature-based components and physical activity; and 3) nature-based components and physical activity effect on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. This review supports and encourages multiple strategies to increase nature-based physical activity as this provides even greater benefit to health and wellness than exposure to nature or physical activity alone. Although many of the physical and mental health benefits of nature and physical activity are well established, additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity. However, the existing information justifies the promotion of nature-based physical activities in public health initiatives.
NCH2 Comments: Are you looking for an article that consolidates current information about the added benefits of engaging in outdoor physical activity? Are you trying to decide whether the evidence is solid enough for your organization or agency to develop programming based on nature and health? Are you looking for information about whether a specific topic may be ripe for additional research? Look no further. Written by members of the Parks and Green Space Work Group of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Physical Activity Policy, Research, and Evaluation Network (PAPREN), this article provides an introduction to the rapidly growing body of literature to help program administrators, advocates, and researchers quickly identify resources to help inform decision making. (Full disclosure, two NCH2 members, Teresa Horton and Courtney Schultz, are co-authors.) The article contains a glossary of key terms used to describe nature-based spaces (i.e., why “green”, not “blue” or “brown”?). Information with key citations is organized into three tables that accompany short narrative descriptions. Using the concept of “components” adopted by landscape architects and park and recreation planners, the first section describes the amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity (i.e. “what characterizes a good space”) associated with improved health outcomes. The second section summarizes the burgeoning literature describing the positive interactions between nature-based interventions and physical activity. Using the lens of environmental justice, the third section delves into the literature on the impact of nature-based physical activity on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. We hope you find this to be a handy and helpful reference.
In the News
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Overview: Last Friday United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) acknowledged that access to a "safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment" is a basic human right for the first time. We felt that this was an important article to highlight the recognition that "environmental degradation and climate change as interconnected human rights crises." Yolande Wright, Global Director of Child Poverty, Climate and Urban at Save the Children, hailed the "landmark" resolution in a statement, noting it could have "huge implications for children's rights to a safe and sustainable future."
Read more here: “UN Says Access to a 'Clean, Healthy' Environment Is a Human Right.” Dewan, Angela, and Lauren Said-Moorhouse. CNN, Cable News Network, 8 Oct. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/08/world/un-clean-environment-human-right-climate-intl/index.html. Photo by Flora Westbrook from Pexels |