Newsletter Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
NCH2 enjoyed participating in the Awe of Nature Festival on October 7th at Midlothian Meadows. During a beautiful, windy day, we enjoyed talking to over 100 families, staff, and organizations about the health benefits of spending time outside, in nature. Organized by Debra Williams with The Nature Conservancy Indian Boundary Prairies site, the Festival attracted many other sponsors such as Faith in Place, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and Imani Green Health, hundreds of participants, and several local public officeholders, including the Mayor of Markham. We encouraged attendees to answer our brief poll "How do you experience Nature?" and a chance to win our raffle prize. In all it was a successful and well-organized event.
An indigenous view on what makes communities resilient
Another view point of what "resiliency' is in its fullest sense came from Dr. Lyla June who spoke on a virtual panel during Day 2 of the Faith In Place Green Summit October 9th, Indigenous People's Day. As a person with Dine and Tsetsehestahese lineage, she explained how we can ensure the Resiliency of our home (Our Eco-home) by understanding and honoring the six Rs in our relationship with the natural world: “Reverence, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Respect, Restraint, Regeneration, and Relationality.” To learn more about her, her Ted Talk and other speakers in the 2023 summit, check it out here.
Thanks for joining us and feel free to forward to a friend or colleague!
NCH2 enjoyed participating in the Awe of Nature Festival on October 7th at Midlothian Meadows. During a beautiful, windy day, we enjoyed talking to over 100 families, staff, and organizations about the health benefits of spending time outside, in nature. Organized by Debra Williams with The Nature Conservancy Indian Boundary Prairies site, the Festival attracted many other sponsors such as Faith in Place, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and Imani Green Health, hundreds of participants, and several local public officeholders, including the Mayor of Markham. We encouraged attendees to answer our brief poll "How do you experience Nature?" and a chance to win our raffle prize. In all it was a successful and well-organized event.
An indigenous view on what makes communities resilient
Another view point of what "resiliency' is in its fullest sense came from Dr. Lyla June who spoke on a virtual panel during Day 2 of the Faith In Place Green Summit October 9th, Indigenous People's Day. As a person with Dine and Tsetsehestahese lineage, she explained how we can ensure the Resiliency of our home (Our Eco-home) by understanding and honoring the six Rs in our relationship with the natural world: “Reverence, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Respect, Restraint, Regeneration, and Relationality.” To learn more about her, her Ted Talk and other speakers in the 2023 summit, check it out here.
Thanks for joining us and feel free to forward to a friend or colleague!
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
A New Educational and Sustainability Asset on Chicago's Southwest Side
Ribbon Cutting for new Academy for Global Citizenship last week
On a crisp October day community members, elected officials, city officials, and leadership from Cultivate Collective (Cultivate), cut the ribbon for the new facility for the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a prekindergarten-8th grade initiative. This building is truly outstanding in its field--the first of its kind in the region--and is part of a bold vision for the southwest neighborhood Chicago, adjacent to the former Chicago Housing Authority LeClaire Courts and surrounding neighborhoods. AGC has a promising framework that aims to educate "the next generation of environmental leaders, social entrepreneurs, and global citizens." At every opportunity the building provides opportunities to guide and teach students about a sustainable world--where energy, food, and technological systems allow all species (including humans) to thrive. With the goal of being the first Net-Positive Energy (generating 105% of annual energy needs) and Net-Positive Water building in the region, AGC will also lead the Chicago area by example and provide the best kind of experiential learning for its students and local residents.
The surrounding community has worked closely with Cultivate over 10 years to outline the "shared dream" for a campus that offers not only excellence in education, but that would also be a resource for them to ensure better healthcare, fresh produce, and employment and training opportunities. AGC is the first phase of this exciting plan for the Cultivate campus, and will eventually include an early childhood education center, a fresh food market and café, an urban farm operated by Urban Growers Collective, multiple solar arrays, as well as a federally qualified healthcare facility operated by Esperanza Health Centers. For more information, check out AGC and Cultivate.
The surrounding community has worked closely with Cultivate over 10 years to outline the "shared dream" for a campus that offers not only excellence in education, but that would also be a resource for them to ensure better healthcare, fresh produce, and employment and training opportunities. AGC is the first phase of this exciting plan for the Cultivate campus, and will eventually include an early childhood education center, a fresh food market and café, an urban farm operated by Urban Growers Collective, multiple solar arrays, as well as a federally qualified healthcare facility operated by Esperanza Health Centers. For more information, check out AGC and Cultivate.
Upcoming Events
Image, Lake Michigan, Laura Derks
Taking Care of Our Water | Webinar
Conserving water can be simple with the right items in place and a few small habit changes. We all know the obvious “turn the water off” ways to save water, but what about considering water quality and how you can be a better water caretaker and consumer.
Join this webinar to learn about ways to conserve and care for our most important natural resource.
When: October 18, 6-7:00 p.m.
Registration required here
Conserving water can be simple with the right items in place and a few small habit changes. We all know the obvious “turn the water off” ways to save water, but what about considering water quality and how you can be a better water caretaker and consumer.
Join this webinar to learn about ways to conserve and care for our most important natural resource.
When: October 18, 6-7:00 p.m.
Registration required here
Image, Laura Derks
|
Two Ways to Help During Bird Migration (this Fall and Next Spring)
1) Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County Bird Bioblitz! Help biologists understand bird populations and species diversity in our area by joining the Fall Migratory Bird BioBlitz! During the BioBlitz, log all the birds you spot at Brookfield Zoo or in the Forest Preserves of Cook County on iNaturalist for a chance to win prizes. Registration required here to qualify for prizes. When: The week of October 14-21st 2) Prevent Bird Mortality/Window Strikes Talk about ways with your local elected officials and chambers of commerce so that we can create a more Bird Friendly Chicago area (especially after the massive mortality event at McCormick Place along the Lakefront) Bird safety measures should include: --All buildings participation in the Lights Out Program --Retrofit existing buildings for bird safety --Full implementation of bird-friendly building requirements for new construction before the end of 2023. |
|
Caminata en ESPAÑOL
Únase a un educador ambiental y explore la Reserva Forestal Fort Sheridan. Caminata es en Español y Ingles Familias. Se requiere supervisión de un adulto para menores de 18 años. GRATIS. Se requiere registro. When: Saturday, November 04, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Where: Fort Sheridan |
Photo, Laura Derks
|
Image, Laura Derks
Queer Ecology Free Presentation and Discussion
"Queer Ecology is a philosophical framework for how we approach nature, our understanding of it, and by extension, the world around us. It is about teaching people to see themselves as part of the natural world, rather than in control of it."
Dani Abboud will lead the presentation and provide background on queer ecology, explore examples of the many cool organisms that exist outside of binaries, and how this framework can be applied to create more inclusive programs and curriculum, with expansive understandings of nature, for youth and families. As an example of this framework--Seen here is a milkweed pod, a plant that includes both male and female reproductive parts, considered "perfect" by Illinois Extension. Register here.
When: October 24, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Where: Brushwood Center, Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL
"Queer Ecology is a philosophical framework for how we approach nature, our understanding of it, and by extension, the world around us. It is about teaching people to see themselves as part of the natural world, rather than in control of it."
Dani Abboud will lead the presentation and provide background on queer ecology, explore examples of the many cool organisms that exist outside of binaries, and how this framework can be applied to create more inclusive programs and curriculum, with expansive understandings of nature, for youth and families. As an example of this framework--Seen here is a milkweed pod, a plant that includes both male and female reproductive parts, considered "perfect" by Illinois Extension. Register here.
When: October 24, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Where: Brushwood Center, Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL
Future Events
Pumpkin Smash Events
The pumpkin smash is a community effort to keep pumpkins out of our landfills. To participate, collect pumpkins and other organic fall decorations from your home neighborhood, school, or workplace. Remove candles, ribbons, and other non-organic materials. Drop off the pumpkins at a smash site and they will be transported to a composting facility. Participants will have the opportunity to smash the pumpkins to break them down for composting. No sign-up is needed for this free, family friendly event.
Lake County
When: November 3rd 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion, IL 60099
Kane County
When: November 3, 3:00--5:00 p.m
Where: McCleary Elementary School, 1002 W. Illinois Ave. Aurora, IL 60506
Cook County
When: November 4th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where:
The pumpkin smash is a community effort to keep pumpkins out of our landfills. To participate, collect pumpkins and other organic fall decorations from your home neighborhood, school, or workplace. Remove candles, ribbons, and other non-organic materials. Drop off the pumpkins at a smash site and they will be transported to a composting facility. Participants will have the opportunity to smash the pumpkins to break them down for composting. No sign-up is needed for this free, family friendly event.
Lake County
When: November 3rd 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion, IL 60099
Kane County
When: November 3, 3:00--5:00 p.m
Where: McCleary Elementary School, 1002 W. Illinois Ave. Aurora, IL 60506
Cook County
When: November 4th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where:
- Chicago High School for Agricultural Science, 3857 W. 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655
- Coonley Elementary School, 4046 N. Leavitt St. Chicago, IL 60618
- Comer Crops Youth Farm, 7200 Ingleside Ave., Chicago, IL 60619
- Disney II Magnet School, 3815 N. Kedvale Ave., Chicago, IL 60641
- George Washington High School, 3535 E. 114th St. Chicago, IL 60617
- Linné Elementary School, 3221 N. Sacramento Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
- Morton School of Excellence, 431 N. Troy St. Chicago, IL 60612
- Plant Chicago, 4459 S. Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
- Solorio High School, 5400 S. St Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
Imani Green Health Advocates planting trees in Chicago
Save the Date: Chicago Regional Trees Initiative Webinar: Information Session on New Inflation Reduction Act Funding in Illinois
Join an informative and engaging Zoom session that will shed light on exciting 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.
Register for this session here.
When: November 14 , 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join an informative and engaging Zoom session that will shed light on exciting 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.
Register for this session here.
When: November 14 , 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Job Opportunities
New
Cultivate Collective is hiring for two positions: Associate Director, Cultivate Collective
Community Engagement Coordinator, Cultivate Collective
Current
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Clinical and Community Wellness.
Center for Neighborhood Technology-Senior Project Manager or Program Director, Water Equity
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
The Experimental Station has its Deputy Director of Finance position open. For more information, go Here.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has multiple positions open including Senior Director of Development and 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 applyare open! Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Openlands is looking to fill its Land Management Specialist, and Director of Development--Learn more here.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill several positions in the Adult Conservation Corps including new listings in the Palos area. Learn more here.
The Sinai Health Institute in Chicago is accepting applications for the virtual 2024 SUHI Equity Research Fellows program until October 13, 2023. Fellows in this program are immersed in our unique, community-focused research center, working on collaborative research related to advancing health equity. The Fellowship runs from January 1 – December 30, 2024. For more information see their website.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
Cultivate Collective is hiring for two positions: Associate Director, Cultivate Collective
Community Engagement Coordinator, Cultivate Collective
Current
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
BUILD Chicago has multiple positions open including a Director of Clinical and Community Wellness.
Center for Neighborhood Technology-Senior Project Manager or Program Director, Water Equity
Chicago United for Equity-Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
Dupage Forest Preserves has an opening for Natural Resources Restoration Supervisor here
The Experimental Station has its Deputy Director of Finance position open. For more information, go Here.
Elevate is looking to fill many positions. Look through their career opportunities here.
Equiticity has multiple positions open including Senior Director of Development and 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 applyare open! Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Openlands is looking to fill its Land Management Specialist, and Director of Development--Learn more here.
The Friends of the Forest Preserves is looking to fill several positions in the Adult Conservation Corps including new listings in the Palos area. Learn more here.
The Sinai Health Institute in Chicago is accepting applications for the virtual 2024 SUHI Equity Research Fellows program until October 13, 2023. Fellows in this program are immersed in our unique, community-focused research center, working on collaborative research related to advancing health equity. The Fellowship runs from January 1 – December 30, 2024. For more information see their website.
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
|
OAKtober Is Oak Awareness Month
The white oak is the Illinois state tree. In 2015, the governor of Illinois proclaimed that October would officially become OAKtober: Oak Awareness Month, a time to celebrate oaks and promote caring for and planting new oaks. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative offers ways to celebrate oaks, such as hosting an oak workday or talk, sponsoring a campout or leading a walk through an oak woodland, as well as OAKtober events and resources about oak trees. |
Image Laura Derks
|
Image, Mary Gavin
|
Wild Animals Need Protection From Climate Change
“Wild” urban animals should have “a seat at the table,” says Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo. Writing in the Chicago Tribune on Oct. 2, Rebecca Johnson described how many commonly seen animals – foxes, deer, skunks and the like – are suffering from urbanization and climate change. A study Magle and a group of scientists published in the September edition of Nature Ecology & Evolution found that animals living in warmer cities with less vegetation are hardest hit by urbanization – something exacerbated by climate change. Johnson says Magle recommends that property owners plant native plants in their yards and secure trash from rats. “‘As we build our cities, we need to remember to give animals a seat at the table because they are residents here and they always will be,’ Magle said. "It’s going to make a huge difference towards creating a better kind of planet, a kind of a planet where we can protect rare species and protect biodiversity even as we continue to urbanize.’” |
GRIT Freedom Chair
Invasive Lantern Fly Spotted Here
Last month the Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the spotted lanternfly (SLF)(Lycorma deliculata) in Illinois. The presence of this plant-hopper, native to eastern Asia has also been recorded in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and NYC! Although the SLF does not present any human or animal health concerns, it does harm trees. According to Illinois extension, "The spotted lanternfly damages trees by feeding on them, and its waste product, honeydew, encourages the growth of mold that harms the health of the host plant." Furthermore, it is a nuisance and interferes with enjoying the outdoors. A press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture noted, “SLF feeds on a wide variety of plants, including a strong affinity to the invasive tree of heaven (TOH), grapes (both wild and cultivated), and maple trees.” The statement noted that prevention and early detection are vital and recommends checking vehicles and clothing and reporting any sightings – with photos for identification – to [email protected]. Read more, including the press release, fact sheets and the Morton Arboretum’s fact link: |
With Wheelchair Initiative, Wisconsin Expands Access to State Parks
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched an outdoor wheelchair program, enabling outdoor access in various state-owned properties. “These specially designed chairs allow people of all abilities to recreate within state parks and forests in new ways, providing universal access to trails and programs,” Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Bureau Director, said in a statement. Motorized and non-motorized outdoor wheelchairs and a manual all-terrain wheelchair are available at various state parks. Read more: [email protected] 
Image, Laura Derks (from NYC)
|
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].