Newsletter from Thursday, September 16th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and well. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Sept. 29th, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing [email protected].
This week's newsletter includes a research blog post written by a current student, upcoming local events, information on national and international conferences, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
This week's newsletter includes a research blog post written by a current student, upcoming local events, information on national and international conferences, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Students & Staff Reading Recent Research
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This past quarter the Horton Research Group has started having students read current research papers and present the findings and methods to lab meetings, including creating a blog post about the papers to make them more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to read the entire papers in their free time. We invite others who might want to try their hand at blogging to submit potential posts. Submit items of 500 words or less to [email protected]. This week's blog post is written by Emma Crumpton.
Blog Post Teaser: Soundscapes Without Noise – An Elusive Health Benefit A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks. The true sounds of nature can positively influence health outcomes, but when those sounds are diluted with human-generated noise, the benefits are decreased, according to a recent study. The study, "A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks," by R.T. Buxton, A. L. Pearson, C. Allou, K. Fristrup and G. Wittemyer, focused on nature’s sounds and soundscapes, their possible health benefits, and their distribution across U.S. national parks. A soundscape is the collection of sounds perceived in an environment. There are biological sounds like the birds chirping, geophysical sounds like rain falling, and anthropogenic sounds like human voices and road traffic – these last often classified as “noise,” the unwanted sound in natural environments. To read the full blog post by Emma click here. |
About Emma Crumpton
Emma Crumpton is a fourth year student at Northwestern University studying music cognition with interests in ecology and sexuality studies. She is passionate about music and art therapies education and research. While finishing up her degree at Northwestern, she enjoys hiking, gardening, indoor plant collecting, reading, and painting. |
Recent Research Source Article
A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks.
Author's Abstract: Parks are important places to listen to natural sounds and avoid human-related noise, an increasingly rare combination. We first explore whether and to what degree natural sounds influence health outcomes using a systematic literature review and metaanalysis. We identified 36 publications examining the health benefits of natural sound. Meta-analyses of 18 of these publications revealed aggregate evidence for decreased stress and annoyance and improved health and positive affective outcomes. Examples of beneficial outcomes include decreased pain, lower stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance. Given this evidence, and to facilitate incorporating public health in US national park soundscape management, we then examined the distribution of natural sounds in relation to anthropogenic sound at 221 sites across 68 parks. National park soundscapes with little anthropogenic sound and abundant natural sounds occurred at 11.3% of the sites. Parks with high visitation and urban park sites had more anthropogenic sound, yet natural sounds associated with health benefits also were frequent. These included animal sounds and sounds from wind and water. Urban and other parks that are extensively visited offer important opportunities to experience natural sounds and are significant targets for soundscape conservation to bolster health for visitors. Our results assert that natural sounds provide important ecosystem services, and parks can bolster public health by highlighting and conserving natural soundscapes.
Citation: Buxton, R. T., A. L. Pearson, C. Allou, K. Fristrup and G. Wittemyer. "A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks." https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/118/14/e2013097118.full.pdf
A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks.
Author's Abstract: Parks are important places to listen to natural sounds and avoid human-related noise, an increasingly rare combination. We first explore whether and to what degree natural sounds influence health outcomes using a systematic literature review and metaanalysis. We identified 36 publications examining the health benefits of natural sound. Meta-analyses of 18 of these publications revealed aggregate evidence for decreased stress and annoyance and improved health and positive affective outcomes. Examples of beneficial outcomes include decreased pain, lower stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance. Given this evidence, and to facilitate incorporating public health in US national park soundscape management, we then examined the distribution of natural sounds in relation to anthropogenic sound at 221 sites across 68 parks. National park soundscapes with little anthropogenic sound and abundant natural sounds occurred at 11.3% of the sites. Parks with high visitation and urban park sites had more anthropogenic sound, yet natural sounds associated with health benefits also were frequent. These included animal sounds and sounds from wind and water. Urban and other parks that are extensively visited offer important opportunities to experience natural sounds and are significant targets for soundscape conservation to bolster health for visitors. Our results assert that natural sounds provide important ecosystem services, and parks can bolster public health by highlighting and conserving natural soundscapes.
Citation: Buxton, R. T., A. L. Pearson, C. Allou, K. Fristrup and G. Wittemyer. "A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks." https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/118/14/e2013097118.full.pdf
Local Events
Forest Preserves of Cook County: Fall Nature Fest
Date: Saturday, September 18th
Time: 12:00-3:00pm
Location: LaBagh Woods
N Cicero Ave, north of W Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60630
Description: Celebrate the fall season with fun and educational entertainment for all ages in this second annual event! Enjoy food, drinks, games, Jesse White Tumblers, animal ambassadors, native plant give-a-ways, and much more. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and others. For group registration or info, email [email protected]. Meet at Grove #1. This event is presented with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen.
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.
Date: Saturday, September 18th
Time: 12:00-3:00pm
Location: LaBagh Woods
N Cicero Ave, north of W Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60630
Description: Celebrate the fall season with fun and educational entertainment for all ages in this second annual event! Enjoy food, drinks, games, Jesse White Tumblers, animal ambassadors, native plant give-a-ways, and much more. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and others. For group registration or info, email [email protected]. Meet at Grove #1. This event is presented with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen.
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.
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Outdoor Yoga @ Thatcher Woods
Date: Saturday, September 18th Time: 9 am Location: Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest. Description: Join us for a free outdoor yoga classes surrounded by nature, for both experienced beginners and intermediate students. A variety of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation will be taught. The teacher will give guidance and options so all students can practice safely. Bring your mat, mask, and meet near Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest. Ages 12 & up. Taught by Heather Liecker. REGISTER by calling 708-366-6530. |
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Guided Bird Walk
Date: Sunday, September 19th Time: 8 am Location: railside Museum, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest Description: Join John Elliott, of Chicago Audubon, for a guided bird walk on our trails to see both resident and migrating birds. All levels of birding experience are welcome! We have some binoculars to lend. Meet at Trailside Museum, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. For adults and interested older children; free. REGISTER by calling 708-366-6530. |
Chicago Botanic Garden: Central States Dahlia Society Show
Date: Sunday, September 19th
Time: 10:00am – 4:30 pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
Description: Hundreds of dahlia blooms ranging in size from a silver dollar to a dinner plate will be on display.
What is it about dahlias that has attracted so many fans and admirers? Dahlias are known for their unique features, vibrant colors, perfect petal arrangements, and overall "wow" factor.
Get ready for an explosive burst of color at the Central States Dahlia Society Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 2,000 flowers in the dahlia family will be judged and on display in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and forms, with floral designs and photography completing the show. Society members will be on hand to provide written information and to answer questions about dahlias.
For more information, click here.
Date: Sunday, September 19th
Time: 10:00am – 4:30 pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden
Description: Hundreds of dahlia blooms ranging in size from a silver dollar to a dinner plate will be on display.
What is it about dahlias that has attracted so many fans and admirers? Dahlias are known for their unique features, vibrant colors, perfect petal arrangements, and overall "wow" factor.
Get ready for an explosive burst of color at the Central States Dahlia Society Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 2,000 flowers in the dahlia family will be judged and on display in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and forms, with floral designs and photography completing the show. Society members will be on hand to provide written information and to answer questions about dahlias.
For more information, click here.
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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. |
The Walder Foundation: Resilient by Nature Project.
Instead of resuming NCH2 Virtual Coffees and Discussions in September, we encourage you to register for and attend these events hosted by the Walder Foundation.
How might we…
…Align and Scale Green Infrastructure Efforts?
Wednesday Oct 6, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.
Learn more and register: https://www.rxnproject.org/events/ecosystem-what-is-required-to-create-a-thriving-nbs-sector-in-chicago-ara4p
RxN (Resilient by Nature Project) is an initiative that aims to expand the role of nature in our neighborhoods to improve health and quality of life, provide economic opportunities, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Through a series of 75-minute webinars, RxN aims to explore the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS), with an emphasis on implementing equitable and impactful NBS in the Chicago region. The series will convene Chicago-based organizations to collaborate on a vision for NBS in our region. We hope to inspire action and innovation by featuring best practices and initiatives locally and around the world.
Visit the RxN website to learn more about this initiative and register for the upcoming webinar series.
Instead of resuming NCH2 Virtual Coffees and Discussions in September, we encourage you to register for and attend these events hosted by the Walder Foundation.
How might we…
…Align and Scale Green Infrastructure Efforts?
Wednesday Oct 6, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT.
Learn more and register: https://www.rxnproject.org/events/ecosystem-what-is-required-to-create-a-thriving-nbs-sector-in-chicago-ara4p
RxN (Resilient by Nature Project) is an initiative that aims to expand the role of nature in our neighborhoods to improve health and quality of life, provide economic opportunities, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Through a series of 75-minute webinars, RxN aims to explore the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS), with an emphasis on implementing equitable and impactful NBS in the Chicago region. The series will convene Chicago-based organizations to collaborate on a vision for NBS in our region. We hope to inspire action and innovation by featuring best practices and initiatives locally and around the world.
Visit the RxN website to learn more about this initiative and register for the upcoming webinar series.
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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. |
National and International Conferences
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University of Washington, Nature & Health Virtual Conference: Generating Understanding Across Communities and Disciplines
Date: October 12-14, 2021 Location: via Zoom Description: Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being. We work to translate that understanding into programs, practices, policies, and the design of healthcare, educational, and community settings that benefit all people and nature. Speakers include Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Ph.D., Ed.M. (Choctaw Nation); Eugenia C. South, M.D., M.S.; Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H. For more information and registration, click here. Photo by Belle Co from Pexels |
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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.
Notes from Past Events
In our past newsletter we mentioned that instead of holding an NCH2 Discussion Session this month, we encouraged you to attend the Walder Foundation’s Resilient by Nature (RxN) webinar “How Might We...Develop a Vibrant NBS Eco-System in Chicago?” on 9/14/2021.
The webinar featured Harriet Bulkeley from the University of Durham who led the Naturvation Project and Lisa Beyer of the World Resources Institute who is leading the development of a Joint Benefits Authority which is a tool to allow multiple city agencies to work collaboratively with local communities.
Both speakers discussed their programs and how they provide exciting examples that could be used as models to expand nature-based solutions to improve the resilience of Chicago and do so in an equitable manner. Of interest to the NCH2 community was the comment that many of the organizations addressing climate change are just beginning to include public health in their discussions.
Prof. Bulekeley also mention a series of webinars hosted by the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities and the Global Program on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience. “Bringing Nature to Cities: Integrated Urban Solutions to Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change https://www.thegpsc.org/blogs/gpsc-webinar-series-bringing-nature-cities-integrated-urban-solutions-biodiversity-loss-and that provide deep-dives into topics related to climate change and biodiversity conservation.
In our past newsletter we mentioned that instead of holding an NCH2 Discussion Session this month, we encouraged you to attend the Walder Foundation’s Resilient by Nature (RxN) webinar “How Might We...Develop a Vibrant NBS Eco-System in Chicago?” on 9/14/2021.
The webinar featured Harriet Bulkeley from the University of Durham who led the Naturvation Project and Lisa Beyer of the World Resources Institute who is leading the development of a Joint Benefits Authority which is a tool to allow multiple city agencies to work collaboratively with local communities.
Both speakers discussed their programs and how they provide exciting examples that could be used as models to expand nature-based solutions to improve the resilience of Chicago and do so in an equitable manner. Of interest to the NCH2 community was the comment that many of the organizations addressing climate change are just beginning to include public health in their discussions.
Prof. Bulekeley also mention a series of webinars hosted by the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities and the Global Program on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience. “Bringing Nature to Cities: Integrated Urban Solutions to Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change https://www.thegpsc.org/blogs/gpsc-webinar-series-bringing-nature-cities-integrated-urban-solutions-biodiversity-loss-and that provide deep-dives into topics related to climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Grant Opportunity
The National Park Trust has grants for getting kids outdoors. Deadline is October 6th.
National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, supporting the transportation and activity needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands.
This grant program supports the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative with the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage.
For more information and grant criteria, click here.
The National Park Trust has grants for getting kids outdoors. Deadline is October 6th.
National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, supporting the transportation and activity needs of non-profits and schools that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands.
This grant program supports the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative with the goal to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit public lands and waters by the time they are 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage.
For more information and grant criteria, 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
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In the News
Overview: This University of Hawai’I News article discusses a paper is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which examines how feelings of nature connection can be measured for public health research. Scales deigned to measure people's nature connectedness, environmental attitudes and values, cultural or spiritual connectedness provided validated measurements of relatedness to nature. These types of scales can help to reconstruct the way health is thought about by, "quantifying people’s health needs and could lend support to policies and programs that promote health equity." Read more here: One’s connection to nature examined in public health research. Karen Rowan. September 2, 2021. University of Hawai’I News. Manoa. https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/09/02/connection-to-nature-study/ |
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Overview: This University of Michigan Health article discusses a recent survey conducted by the university aiming to assess perceptions regarding nature. Using a text messaging poll they found that of the 994 respondents, many felt that spending time in nature positively impacted their mental health, with 88% of respondents waning to spend more time in nature and 22% mentioning barriers impeding them from doing so. This information can inform community-level policies and interventions that aim to support youth mental and physical health.
Read more here: Youth report feeling physically, mentally better after spending time in nature. Nardy Baeza Bickel. University of Michigan Health. September 13, 2021. https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/youth-report-feeling-physically-mentally-better-after-spending-time-nature |