Newsletter from Thursday, September 15th, 2022
Dear NCH2 Community,
Our days have been gorgeous with mornings cooler and sunshine brilliant. Our team took advantage of a lovely day at Big Marsh Park to work with the Chicago Regional Trees Initiative in planting thirty trees around the park. We planted species that will weather our changing climate and thrive on the South Side of Chicago include Swamp White Oak, Black Cherry, and Bur Oak.
Fall is one of the best times to participate in nature-based volunteer activities, whether it is planting trees and fall gardens, removing non-native species, cleaning up beaches (this Saturday adopt-a-beach-2022), or picking up trash in your local park or forest preserve. Not only does outdoor volunteerism help our local ecosystem, but it also helps your health-your pulse AND mood are boosted! Often families are welcome to participate and is a fun weekend activity. Let us know if you joined one of these volunteer events and enjoy.
NCH2 team
Index
Community Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight
Upcoming Events
Future Events: Save the Date
Job Opportunities
In the News
Connect with Us
Community Spotlight: Planting Trees with Chicago Regional Trees Initiative
Photo by Laura Derks
In 2019 the Chicago Regional Trees initiative (CRTI) envisioned a tree canopy by 2050 in the Chicago area that is “healthier, more abundant, more diverse, and more equitably distributed to provide needed benefits to people and communities across the Chicago region.” Working closely with community residents, organizations, park districts, conservation organizations, corporations, and other businesses, CRTI is actively mapping and ensuring a regional tree canopy that offers many ecosystem services in a rapidly changing climate. Take a look at their 2050 plan here. Created in 2014 at the Morton Arboretum, CRTI has grown exponentially to include over 200 partners in ensuring the canopy’s health and vibrancy.
To help fulfill this vision, CRTI regularly hosts tree planting events! At the tree planting last week, CRTI Stewardship Manager Trinity Pierce educates our large group about how to plant trees effectively in under five minutes, and she continues to coach us along the way over the next three hours. In first NCH2 team stewardship project, we enjoyed working together, learning how to use unfamiliar tree-planting tools and about tree species and the habitat on the South Side of Chicago. Once a landfill, Big Marsh is one of the new Chicago Park District assets --a unique biking destination in Chicago as well as an important bird spot for both migratory and non-migrating birds. These newly planted trees will add additional shade and shelter for birds. To learn about other events, including educational ones, click here.
To help fulfill this vision, CRTI regularly hosts tree planting events! At the tree planting last week, CRTI Stewardship Manager Trinity Pierce educates our large group about how to plant trees effectively in under five minutes, and she continues to coach us along the way over the next three hours. In first NCH2 team stewardship project, we enjoyed working together, learning how to use unfamiliar tree-planting tools and about tree species and the habitat on the South Side of Chicago. Once a landfill, Big Marsh is one of the new Chicago Park District assets --a unique biking destination in Chicago as well as an important bird spot for both migratory and non-migrating birds. These newly planted trees will add additional shade and shelter for birds. To learn about other events, including educational ones, click here.
Upcoming Events
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Englewood Nature Trail: Golden Hour Tours
Date: September 19th, 2022 Time: 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Location: Englewood Village Plaza (map) Experience the natural beauty of the Englewood Nature Trail on an early summer evening! Grow Greater Englewood is hosting group tours so Chicagoans can learn more about the plans for the trail and envision its potential as a community oasis and connector. All are welcome! #wecantgrowwithoutyou Click here to reserve your spot for your chosen date! |
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Using Nature to Improve Mental Health and Well-Being
Date: September 29th, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online Webinar
Presented by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and the US Forest Service (USFS), our webinar will share ways that healthcare professionals, outdoor interpretive and volunteer staff, and community organizations can use nature as a tool for promoting wellness, resilience, and recovery to their patients and community. We'll introduce how outdoor access improves physical and mental wellbeing, examine the community needs and barriers to getting outside, and explore best practice nature and health programs. You will learn:
• Strategies for engaging communities in nature access.
• Practical resources and tools for a successful program.
• Triggers that exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Examples of nature-based trauma informed care programs.
Register here.
Date: September 29th, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online Webinar
Presented by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and the US Forest Service (USFS), our webinar will share ways that healthcare professionals, outdoor interpretive and volunteer staff, and community organizations can use nature as a tool for promoting wellness, resilience, and recovery to their patients and community. We'll introduce how outdoor access improves physical and mental wellbeing, examine the community needs and barriers to getting outside, and explore best practice nature and health programs. You will learn:
• Strategies for engaging communities in nature access.
• Practical resources and tools for a successful program.
• Triggers that exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Examples of nature-based trauma informed care programs.
Register here.
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Integrating Public and Ecosystem Health Systems to Foster Resilience
Dates: September 19, 11:00 am-3:30 pm EDT virtual AND September 29 and 30, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT hybrid (in-person in Washington DC and virtual) This workshop will bring together research, practitioner, and policy communities along with other stakeholders to explore opportunities to advance understanding of the interconnections between public health and Nature and discuss how to move from knowledge to action through better integration of knowledge, policy, and practice. Hosted by the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, register here. |
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Future Events: Save the Date
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'Scopes in the City:
Date: September 24, 2022 Time: 1:00 pm CT Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland IL, 60473 ‘Scopes in the City returns! Adler astronomers and educators are bringing the museum—and the universe—a little closer to you with free telescope observing opportunities across Illinois! At this particular event, we'll be looking at the Sun through our solar-filtered telescopes. Please note: all 'Scopes in the City events are weather dependent. More information here. |
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Birds, Bikes, and BioBlitz:
Date: Saturday, September 24 Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Big Marsh Park | 11559 S. Stony Island, Chicago 60633 Join GSC and the Chicago Park District as they host a day of fun and nature exploration at one of Chicago's largest outdoor spaces. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. GSC will conduct BioBlitz, where participants team up with educators and experts, and using the free iNaturalist, spread out across the park to document the diverse species of plants and animals that call Big Marsh home. Explore the Parks nature trails, enjoy birding and biking and see a variety of live animals. The event continues from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with bike-focused activities, dance, music, food and family-focused fun. Register here. |
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Local Farmers Markets:
North Chicago: Sundays through October 16th, 2022
Englewood: Saturdays through October 29th, 2022
Downtown Evanston: Saturdays through November 5th, 2022
Skokie: Sundays through November 6th, 2022
Highland Park: Wednesdays through October 26th, 2022
North Chicago: Sundays through October 16th, 2022
Englewood: Saturdays through October 29th, 2022
Downtown Evanston: Saturdays through November 5th, 2022
Skokie: Sundays through November 6th, 2022
Highland Park: Wednesdays through October 26th, 2022
Job Opportunities
Illinois’ Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) is seeking to fill its newly created Executive Director role. This position will serve as the organization’s first full-time staff position, leading the organization in its exciting next chapter as a dynamic statewide collaborator with private and public conservation entities. The Job Description details job responsibilities, preferred qualifications, and a competitive compensation package, amongst many other details. In addition, we are hosting two virtual Open Houses (September 20th and 22nd). The purpose of the open houses is to allow individuals unfamiliar with PSCC and the work of its members to learn about the work of conservation land trusts and the broader conservation sector prior to submitting an application. These open houses are designed for individuals that may be new to the land conservation community or broader conservation sector; however, everyone is invited to attend regardless of experience or background. Applications received by October 14, 2022 will be given full consideration, but the position is open until filled. Need more information? Contact us at [email protected].
The Conservation Foundation is looking for a Farm Manager. The Farm Manager will manage day-to-day agricultural activities, lead and supervise our farm crew and volunteers, interact with our Green Earth Harvest program customers and support emerging community partnerships related to local food issues. Excellent agricultural, organizational, and communication skills are important qualifications for this position, as well as the ability to lead others. This position is located at our McDonald Farm, a 60-acre, certified organic farm located in Naperville, Illinois. Learn more here.
In the News
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Overview: Saving Isabella Woods
A Wilmette developer who knowingly purchased a landlocked parcel several years ago would like to have an easement to pave a portion of a wooded area on the Canal Shores Golf Course so the people in the homes he plans to build there will have a quick egress onto Isabella Street. Evanston City Council approved a resolution opposing the request by the Keefe Family Trust. Access via Wilmette streets is available, but Keefe prefers the quicker exit. Evanston’s resolution noted that a roadway “would subtract open space that manages storm water and, conversely, add impervious surfaces that would increase the burden of storm water that the City and MWRD must manage by other means for the benefit of the public … and the area of the golf course “includes a delineated wetland and several giant oak trees.” The property is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and leased to the Evanston-Wilmette Golf Course Association. The resolution in full can be read here. |
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Overview: Letting Children With Autism Learn Outside
Samantha Friedman and Scott Morrison have written “A Case Study of Two Special Educators and Five Autistic Children Learning Outside at School.” The report focuses on one elementary school in Southeastern United States and aims to “identify the effects of moving the class outside several times per week. Findings indicated that while there were challenges, the autistic children experienced numerous affordances that supported development toward achieving Individualized Education Plan.” This detailed study includes descriptions and references. Read more here. |
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Overview: Unsupervised Play – Empowering or Neglectful?
Many may have heard that the State of Colorado recently enacted a law clarifying that “reasonable and prudent” parents who allow their children to play outdoors by themselves are not guilty of neglect. Under Illinois law, children age 10 and older can play outside unsupervised. An opinion piece in letgrow.org expressed opposition to age limits. There is a lot to debate here – where children can play, how near a parent or guardian should be and the meaning of “unsupervised.” Read more here and here. |
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Overview: SAGE Advice for School Children
The SAGE program (Schools Are Gardening in Evanston) supports edible gardens in Evanston’s public schools. Since its inception more than 12 years ago at Dawes School, SAGE has implemented 16 gardens throughout the public school system. The garden program provides opportunities for children to engage in experiential learning in the fresh air, for planting, harvesting and tasting fresh foods they have grown themselves, and for giving back to others when donating surplus produce to local food pantries. Read more here. |
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Connect with Us!
We are currently taking requests for our Coffee & Discussion Series - Please submit Coffee and Discussion suggestions here.
We are also taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected] by July 20th, 2022.
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 currently taking requests for our Coffee & Discussion Series - Please submit Coffee and Discussion suggestions here.
We are also taking requests for any upcoming events to be added to future newsletters and our events calendar which can be done here. You can also submit materials for the next newsletter by emailing [email protected] by July 20th, 2022.
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].