Newsletter from Thursday, October 28th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We would like to announce some personnel changes in the NCH2 organization! Our wonderful web designer and editor Kiersa Berg has graduated and moved on to new exciting opportunities and the wonderful Emma Crumpton has taken over the editing and deigning work for the NCH2 website and newsletter. We also welcome Mary Gavin, our new "In the News" correspondent, who is recently retired from the position of Executive Editor of the Evanston Roundtable newspaper. We are excited to have them working with us and we hope you and your families are staying safe and well. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Nov. 10th, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing [email protected].
This week's newsletter includes congratulations to some of NCH2's partner organizations, upcoming local events, information on international conferences, career and funding opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes congratulations to some of NCH2's partner organizations, upcoming local events, information on international conferences, career and funding opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Congratulations!
Two of our partner organizations received SHIFT Awards at the recent SHIFT Summit in Grand Junction, CO. Three awards were decided by a vote of attendees (virtual and in-person) at the Summit. Two of the three awards went to NCH2 partners
The Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and True North Treks. The third award went to the Claritin Outsideologist Project. Faith in Place and The Conservation Foundation were also nominated for awards. Seventeen organizations and individuals were nominated on the basis of three criteria: Impact, Innovation and Replicability. Winners will be highlighted in an article written by Todd Wilkinson and published in the Mountain Journal. Information about their programs will be distributed to over 15,000 outdoor recreation, environmental, and health organizations nation wide. Recipients also receive complementary registration at next year's SHIFT Summit which will be held in Fort Collins, CO.
Congrats again to our partners!
To learn more about these and other Shift award nominees click here.
Two of our partner organizations received SHIFT Awards at the recent SHIFT Summit in Grand Junction, CO. Three awards were decided by a vote of attendees (virtual and in-person) at the Summit. Two of the three awards went to NCH2 partners
The Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and True North Treks. The third award went to the Claritin Outsideologist Project. Faith in Place and The Conservation Foundation were also nominated for awards. Seventeen organizations and individuals were nominated on the basis of three criteria: Impact, Innovation and Replicability. Winners will be highlighted in an article written by Todd Wilkinson and published in the Mountain Journal. Information about their programs will be distributed to over 15,000 outdoor recreation, environmental, and health organizations nation wide. Recipients also receive complementary registration at next year's SHIFT Summit which will be held in Fort Collins, CO.
Congrats again to our partners!
To learn more about these and other Shift award nominees click here.
Local Events
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.
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.
NBS RxN Webinar Series: How Might NBS Center Equity and Justice in Chicago?
Date: Thursday, Oct. 28
Time: 11:00am-12:15pm
Location: via Zoom
Description: Environmental injustices have pervaded Chicago for decades, and continue to do so. While NBS can provide a multitude of benefits to neighborhoods, they must be planned and pursued in ways that respect the agency of local residents and avoid unintended consequences. This session's guests have extensive experience working with communities and possess deep understanding of the complex issues involved in truly equitable engagement and implementation of nature-based changes that are desired by a neighborhood. We look forward to an engaging discussion with these advocates about key principles and practices essential to equitable NBS.
For more information and registration click here.
Photo Credit: NBS
Date: Thursday, Oct. 28
Time: 11:00am-12:15pm
Location: via Zoom
Description: Environmental injustices have pervaded Chicago for decades, and continue to do so. While NBS can provide a multitude of benefits to neighborhoods, they must be planned and pursued in ways that respect the agency of local residents and avoid unintended consequences. This session's guests have extensive experience working with communities and possess deep understanding of the complex issues involved in truly equitable engagement and implementation of nature-based changes that are desired by a neighborhood. We look forward to an engaging discussion with these advocates about key principles and practices essential to equitable NBS.
For more information and registration click here.
Photo Credit: NBS
Chicago Botanic Garden Fall Woods Walk
Date: Sunday, October 31st
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.
Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden
Date: Sunday, October 31st
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.
Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden
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Forest Preserves of Cook County Forest Therapy Walk
Date: Tue, Nov 2 Time: 10 a.m. 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. Registration Required: Call 224-456-8602 to register. For more information, click here. Photo by Kris Møklebust from Pexels |
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One Book One Northwestern Webinar: What More? The Importance of Community and Time in Nature for Facing Climate Change and Building Constructive Hope by Dr. Louise Chawla
Date: Tuesday, Nov 9 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: via Zoom Description: Constructive hope is the capacity to acknowledge the hard facts about climate change yet still find meaning in taking action. The One Book One Northwestern selection for this year, The Story of More, tells us how we got to climate change but says less about actions we can take. This talk reviews research about experiences that encourage constructive hope and effective action, including taking time to recharge in nature, building social trust, and working together in community. About the speaker: Louise Chawla is Professor Emerita in the Program in Environmental Design at the University of Colorado Boulder. She holds a current position as a fellow in the Community Engagement, Design and Research Center in the Program in Environmental Design, and serves on the Executive Committee of Growing Up Boulder, a program that involves children and youth in urban design and planning. She publishes on the subjects of participatory planning and design with young people, benefits of access to nature for wellbeing, and the development of active care for the natural world. Register in advance for this webinar here. |
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Stars, Stories & S’mores
Date: Fri, Nov 12
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion
S Western Ave & W 87th St
Chicago, IL 60620
Description: Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. 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 more information, click here.
Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County
Date: Fri, Nov 12
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion
S Western Ave & W 87th St
Chicago, IL 60620
Description: Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. 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 more information, click here.
Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County
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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. Photo Credit: Chicago Parks Foundation |
International Conference
UN Climate Change Conference 2021
October 31st through November 12th, 2021 in Glasgow Scotland, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted by the UK. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must take the historic opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. We can deliver green recoveries across the globe that bring in good jobs, trillions in investment and ground-breaking new technology. And we must. To keep the temperature of the planet under control – limiting its increase to 1.5 degrees - the science dictates that by the second half of the century, we should be producing less carbon than we take out of the atmosphere. This is what reaching ‘net zero’ means." - Alok Sharma COP President-Designate.
To read more about COP26 and see any updates click here.
UN Climate Change Conference 2021
October 31st through November 12th, 2021 in Glasgow Scotland, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted by the UK. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must take the historic opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. We can deliver green recoveries across the globe that bring in good jobs, trillions in investment and ground-breaking new technology. And we must. To keep the temperature of the planet under control – limiting its increase to 1.5 degrees - the science dictates that by the second half of the century, we should be producing less carbon than we take out of the atmosphere. This is what reaching ‘net zero’ means." - Alok Sharma COP President-Designate.
To read more about COP26 and see any updates 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
In the News
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Overview: “Risk Competence” for Kids
The Triitopia, a climbing tower for children in Berlin-Frohnau’s Ludwig Lesser Park, is designed to keep children a bit on edge – and that is the point. The playground, built by Berliner Seilfabrik, is one of several in Germany that are designed to develop “risk competence.” The company’s co-director, David Köhler, claims that children are more careful when the feel insecure. Over the past five years in Germany, the trend has been to abandon the quest for “absolute safety” and “instead create challenging microcosms that teach children to navigate difficult situations even if the consequence is the odd broken bone,” the author writes. He cites a study that found that “children who had improved their motor skills in playgrounds at an early age were less likely to suffer accidents as they got older.” Steffen Strasser of Playparc, a German manufacturer whose playgrounds are found around the world, says the structures are designed to balance safety with freedom and risk-taking. The author indicates playgrounds like these could soon reach the U.K. and the U.S. Read more here: "Learning the ropes" by Philip Oltermann. The Guardian. October 24, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/24/why-germany-is-building-risk-into-its-playgrounds Photo by Alexander Dummer from Pexels |
Overview: Physicians Prescribing Nature
Gina Besenyi, an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, researches the relationship between the built environment and physical activity/nutrition behaviors. Erin Berger, a freelance writer based in Santa Fe, N. M., recently interviewed Dr. Besenyi about “park prescriptions.”
Looking at the relationship between nature and health, Dr. Besenyi suggests that physicians should consider writing “park prescriptions,” telling their patients to spend time in nature.
The idea, Ms. Berger writes, “is that a primary care physician or secondary provider like a physical therapist or mental health counselor could write a prescription for activity in nature, with specific directions that could be filled by patients much like any other prescription. Ideally, a prescription offered information on the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of activity, in addition to giving a specific location like a park where the activity could take place.”
Dr. Besenyi and her colleagues are developing an app for that. The Electronic Community Park Audit Tool consolidates information from park visitors about parks, trails and public exercise amenities such as soccer fields and basketball courts. The ability to “crowd source” information about parks is an advantage over similar tools which have relied on parks and recreation departments to provide that information.
This tool would give physicians specific knowledge to use in writing their park prescriptions. Perhaps as important, it would allow residents and park-users to assess the health of their parks, alerting people to disparities in such areas as accessibility, amenities, and upkeep.
Read more here: “How Park Prescriptions Improve Health" By Erin Berger. Oct. 22, 2021. https://magazine.avocadogreenmattress.com/park-prescriptions-mental-health/
Photo by Luis Dalvan from Pexels
Gina Besenyi, an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, researches the relationship between the built environment and physical activity/nutrition behaviors. Erin Berger, a freelance writer based in Santa Fe, N. M., recently interviewed Dr. Besenyi about “park prescriptions.”
Looking at the relationship between nature and health, Dr. Besenyi suggests that physicians should consider writing “park prescriptions,” telling their patients to spend time in nature.
The idea, Ms. Berger writes, “is that a primary care physician or secondary provider like a physical therapist or mental health counselor could write a prescription for activity in nature, with specific directions that could be filled by patients much like any other prescription. Ideally, a prescription offered information on the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of activity, in addition to giving a specific location like a park where the activity could take place.”
Dr. Besenyi and her colleagues are developing an app for that. The Electronic Community Park Audit Tool consolidates information from park visitors about parks, trails and public exercise amenities such as soccer fields and basketball courts. The ability to “crowd source” information about parks is an advantage over similar tools which have relied on parks and recreation departments to provide that information.
This tool would give physicians specific knowledge to use in writing their park prescriptions. Perhaps as important, it would allow residents and park-users to assess the health of their parks, alerting people to disparities in such areas as accessibility, amenities, and upkeep.
Read more here: “How Park Prescriptions Improve Health" By Erin Berger. Oct. 22, 2021. https://magazine.avocadogreenmattress.com/park-prescriptions-mental-health/
Photo by Luis Dalvan from Pexels
Overview: Constructing a Healing Garden
The interview with Dr. Chalfont covers his career of incorporating elements of nature into gardens for healing the mind. At present his concentration is on designing and building outdoor spaces for institutions that care for people with dementia. He involves residents, staff, and families in creating the concept for the spaces, designing them for holistic health – mind, body, and soul. In his research, he explores “how nature contributes to prevention of (and healing from) dementia.”
When he designs a space, he says, “The resident is my client; I don’t design for the owners—they only hire me and give me access to their residents. I also insist on being involved in training the care staff during the development of the design concept, so they are on-board with how the gardens will be used. So I won’t just go in and design something. I need commitment from the home that they are interested in truly providing an upgrade in daily life quality and experience for their residents.”
He says the challenge for the profession of landscape architecture is to consider itself “to be a true healing modality, an alchemist (rather than merely the creators of spaces that someone else’s healthcare practice resides within).” When that happens, he says, “I believe we could transform health outcomes and the lives of millions—a challenge worth stepping into, perhaps.”
Read more here: "Healthcare & Therapeutic Gardens Interview Series: Dr. Garuth Chalfont" by Afrouz Rahmati, Assoc. ASLA. October 14, 2021.
https://thefield.asla.org/2021/10/14/healthcare-therapeutic-gardens-interview-series-dr-garuth-chalfont/
Photo by Greta Hoffman from Pexels
The interview with Dr. Chalfont covers his career of incorporating elements of nature into gardens for healing the mind. At present his concentration is on designing and building outdoor spaces for institutions that care for people with dementia. He involves residents, staff, and families in creating the concept for the spaces, designing them for holistic health – mind, body, and soul. In his research, he explores “how nature contributes to prevention of (and healing from) dementia.”
When he designs a space, he says, “The resident is my client; I don’t design for the owners—they only hire me and give me access to their residents. I also insist on being involved in training the care staff during the development of the design concept, so they are on-board with how the gardens will be used. So I won’t just go in and design something. I need commitment from the home that they are interested in truly providing an upgrade in daily life quality and experience for their residents.”
He says the challenge for the profession of landscape architecture is to consider itself “to be a true healing modality, an alchemist (rather than merely the creators of spaces that someone else’s healthcare practice resides within).” When that happens, he says, “I believe we could transform health outcomes and the lives of millions—a challenge worth stepping into, perhaps.”
Read more here: "Healthcare & Therapeutic Gardens Interview Series: Dr. Garuth Chalfont" by Afrouz Rahmati, Assoc. ASLA. October 14, 2021.
https://thefield.asla.org/2021/10/14/healthcare-therapeutic-gardens-interview-series-dr-garuth-chalfont/
Photo by Greta Hoffman from Pexels