"Prairie Boat," a gathering space in Beaubien Woods, designed by artist Christine Perri and many other artists--Ms. Deloris Lucas, We Keep You Rollin' on the right.
Newsletter Tuesday, October 2nd, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
We asked in our last newsletter--what creates community resilience? Within the past two weeks, we have seen community residents and organizations working collaboratively and collectively to ensure resilience. For example, the Chicago Englewood neighborhood has experienced a rapid expansion of urban farms and gardens over the past decade in an effort to provide better access to quality, nutritious produce. During the Chicago Urban Ag Crawl in mid-September, attendees explored multiple local food and urban farms and understood deeply how the Englewood Agro-Eco District has created and will continue to deepen community health. As Grow Greater Englewood says on its home page, "community health is wealth." With many communities experiencing a dearth of grocery stores and farmers' markets, it is no surprise that three of the five NCH2 Catalyst seed grants aim to plan projects that will provide better access to fresh, local food in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Active transport--walking and biking to where you need to go--is also an essential asset to community resilience. Three adjacent neighborhoods on Chicago's South Side--Altgeld Gardens, Golden Gate, and the Village of Riverdale not only have very limited access to fresh produce and other groceries, but also lack safe active transport infrastructure. Read below for more details about what they are doing to help bring community health (wealth) to their community.
Prescriptions for Time Outside in Illinois?
On a very exciting note, we recently learned of a new law --HB1526, the Outdoor Rx Act--that was signed into law with the strong leadership of State Representative Sonya Harper and State Senator Mattie Hunter. Upon the implementation/effective date of January 1, 2024, the IL Department of Human Services will develop and "set priorities and develop criteria for the award of grants, shall select activities eligible for the awarding of grants, and shall make the final decision on funding a natural resource-based or outdoor-based therapy program." We are eager to see how our community can lend a hand in developing this new law.
Thanks for joining us and feel free to forward to a friend or colleague!
We asked in our last newsletter--what creates community resilience? Within the past two weeks, we have seen community residents and organizations working collaboratively and collectively to ensure resilience. For example, the Chicago Englewood neighborhood has experienced a rapid expansion of urban farms and gardens over the past decade in an effort to provide better access to quality, nutritious produce. During the Chicago Urban Ag Crawl in mid-September, attendees explored multiple local food and urban farms and understood deeply how the Englewood Agro-Eco District has created and will continue to deepen community health. As Grow Greater Englewood says on its home page, "community health is wealth." With many communities experiencing a dearth of grocery stores and farmers' markets, it is no surprise that three of the five NCH2 Catalyst seed grants aim to plan projects that will provide better access to fresh, local food in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Active transport--walking and biking to where you need to go--is also an essential asset to community resilience. Three adjacent neighborhoods on Chicago's South Side--Altgeld Gardens, Golden Gate, and the Village of Riverdale not only have very limited access to fresh produce and other groceries, but also lack safe active transport infrastructure. Read below for more details about what they are doing to help bring community health (wealth) to their community.
Prescriptions for Time Outside in Illinois?
On a very exciting note, we recently learned of a new law --HB1526, the Outdoor Rx Act--that was signed into law with the strong leadership of State Representative Sonya Harper and State Senator Mattie Hunter. Upon the implementation/effective date of January 1, 2024, the IL Department of Human Services will develop and "set priorities and develop criteria for the award of grants, shall select activities eligible for the awarding of grants, and shall make the final decision on funding a natural resource-based or outdoor-based therapy program." We are eager to see how our community can lend a hand in developing this new law.
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
Cycling to Educate about Unsafe Bike Routes on the South Side of Chicago
Ambassadors for We Keep You Rollin' next to the map of proposed 130th Street Sidepath
One way to demonstrate unsafe biking and walking conditions is to gather a large group of cyclists and "take the street." Deloris Lucas, founder of Bike and Wellness group We Keep You Rollin' (WKYR) and resident of the Golden Gate neighborhood, has effectively used this educational and experiential model. WKYR ambassadors are " safety and cycling advocates, contributing to the health and wellness of their Environmental Justice communities."
At the "Party for the Preserves" event on September 23rd, WKYR Ambassadors and other participants cycled together to raise awareness about the need for safe routes on 130th street and to show the Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways and the Chicago Department of Transportation how difficult and unsafe it is to cycle in the Riverdale community. If funded, the 130th Street SidePath would create a safe route to bike on 130th street and also connect to two nearby bike trails the Cal Sag Trail and the Major Taylor Trail. WKYR will host another event on October 21st--stay tuned for more details!
At the "Party for the Preserves" event on September 23rd, WKYR Ambassadors and other participants cycled together to raise awareness about the need for safe routes on 130th street and to show the Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways and the Chicago Department of Transportation how difficult and unsafe it is to cycle in the Riverdale community. If funded, the 130th Street SidePath would create a safe route to bike on 130th street and also connect to two nearby bike trails the Cal Sag Trail and the Major Taylor Trail. WKYR will host another event on October 21st--stay tuned for more details!
Upcoming Events
Image, Imani Green Health Advocates
Plant a Tree in the Avalon Neighborhood with Imani Green Health Advocates
Learn about how trees benefit homeowners and the neighborhood and sign up for a free tree!
When: October 5, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m
Where: Avalon Branch Library, 8148 S Stony Island Ave Register Here.
Learn about how trees benefit homeowners and the neighborhood and sign up for a free tree!
When: October 5, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m
Where: Avalon Branch Library, 8148 S Stony Island Ave Register Here.
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Join Us at the Awe of Nature Festival
Join us with The Nature Conservancy and the Forest Preserves of Cook County in Markham for a free family friendly event. Join us for many nature-based activities and food at Midlothian Meadows. When: October 7, 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Midlothian Meadows |
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Fall Festival at Danada Center
The Forest Preserve of Dupage County hosts its largest event over two days this upcoming weekend. Festivities include equestrian performances and demonstrations in the outdoor arena, wagon rides, children’s activities, barn tours, and more. All ages. Admission and parking are free. No registration required. More information here. When: October 7-8 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Where: Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Care and Commune: A Queer Ecology Group
This free community-building series of events is hosted by Ignite Well-being, PLLC, specifically for Naper Pride, and is open to LGBTQIA+ community members affiliated with Naper Pride. This offering intends to facilitate relationships to self, to community, and to the earth, for improved, reciprocal, well-being of self, communities, and earth. Organizers are asking interested people to register here.
When: Beginning October 8, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Conservation Foundation, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road #B Naperville
This free community-building series of events is hosted by Ignite Well-being, PLLC, specifically for Naper Pride, and is open to LGBTQIA+ community members affiliated with Naper Pride. This offering intends to facilitate relationships to self, to community, and to the earth, for improved, reciprocal, well-being of self, communities, and earth. Organizers are asking interested people to register here.
When: Beginning October 8, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Conservation Foundation, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road #B Naperville
Future Events
Forest Therapy and Chronic Stress/Burnout
Join "that forest feeling" at two different events in October to help relieve some of the burnout and stress that we all experience. Sign up at www.thatflorestfeeling.com/register.
October 15, 9:30 a.m. Ryerson Woods
October 25, 1:00 p.m. Glenview Woods
Join "that forest feeling" at two different events in October to help relieve some of the burnout and stress that we all experience. Sign up at www.thatflorestfeeling.com/register.
October 15, 9:30 a.m. Ryerson Woods
October 25, 1:00 p.m. Glenview Woods
Native Gardeners' Club--Native Garden Planting: End of the Season Virtual Talk
Whether you are new to native gardening or a seasoned veteran, join us each month to learn about native plants and how to use them in your home landscapes. Free to Lake County residents and for nonresidents $5. For more details and to register go here.
When: October 26, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Whether you are new to native gardening or a seasoned veteran, join us each month to learn about native plants and how to use them in your home landscapes. Free to Lake County residents and for nonresidents $5. For more details and to register go here.
When: October 26, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Job Opportunities
New
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Current
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 area high school students are open! Learn more here.
Imani Village Green Health Advocates (Conservation and Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Openlands is looking to fill its Birds in My Neighborhood Associate, Director of Development, Director of Finance and Accounting and Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
The Conservation Foundation is looking to fill its Volunteer Coordinator position- more found 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!
One Earth Collective, is seeking a Development Manager to start immediately.
Current
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 area high school students are open! Learn more here.
Imani Village Green Health Advocates (Conservation and Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
Openlands is looking to fill its Birds in My Neighborhood Associate, Director of Development, Director of Finance and Accounting and Chief Executive Officer! Learn more here.
The Conservation Foundation is looking to fill its Volunteer Coordinator position- more found 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
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Chicago Looks to Address Environmental Inequities
The City of Chicago is compiling recommendations from more than 10 City departments with the aim of crafting an Environmental Justice and Cumulative Impact Ordinance that would, according to a recent statement, “establish new governance structures, authorities, and resources to protect neighborhoods more fully from the cumulative impact of environmental burdens.” Among the recommendations are that the City consider environmental, health and social stressors in its decision-making and that neighborhoods receive direct benefits from developments there. The City departments involved are public health, transportation, planning and development, and streets and sanitation. Steps to be taken for the remainder of this year include advancing the proposed policy, implementing changes, gathering additional data and continuing community engagement. Read the full description here, including cumulative impact, a values statement, the team, community input and a link to the full report. |
An icon of racial justice, Ida B Wells commemorative sculpture Chicago's South Side
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Image, Laura Derks
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White House Creates American Climate Corps
The American Climate Corps will offer workforce training and services for 20,000 young people to help them select careers in the fields of clean energy and climate resilience. The new program will ensure federal agencies are working together to train and employ the Climate Corps trainees --the Department of Labor, Energy, Interior and Agriculture, AmeriCorps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A Sept. 20 post by Julie Hurwit on the Outdoors Alliance for Kids website quoted Jackie Ostfeld, Founder and Co-Chair of the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, and Sierra Club Outdoors for All Campaign Director: “This move by the Biden-Harris Administration will dramatically expand the meaningful work youth conservation corps have been doing for years. Whether they’re planting trees to reduce the urban heat island effect, building living shorelines to mitigate the impact of hurricanes, fighting wildfires or building trails, corps provide young leaders with green jobs and meaningful opportunities to transform the health of our planet, people and economy.” Read more here. |
Image, Laura Derks
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New Nature Play Space in Evanston
The Evanston Ecology Center has a new nature play program for children ages 1-5. The Forest School model makes every day of learning an adventure. Outdoor programs allow children to learn at their natural levels of enthusiasm and energy. Long periods of building, inventing, nature discovery, and imagination play nurture every developmental domain. Classes meet Mondays at the lakefront. |
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].