Newsletter Tuesday, September 19th, 2023
Dear NCH2 Community,
On a rainy Friday morning Chicago Wilderness Alliance and Urban Rivers led over 40 weatherproof participants on a tour of the Chicago River Wild Mile near Division and Halsted. Over the last decade many organizations and people have embraced the call for a clean and accessible Blueway in the heart of the city. The public waterway launch space open to anyone is also centered amidst native, pollinator gardens on the Chicago River's edges. Recently our friends at Black People Outside happened upon this oasis and posted it on their well-followed Instagram #blk.people.outside. A terrific find in this commercial and industrial corridor.
NCH2 celebrates the vision behind and creation of the Wild Mile as an example of an integral piece of community resilience--safe, accessible and welcoming nature spaces. Last week some NCH2 members participated in the Chicago Climate Resilience Workshop where health care delivery organizations, Chicago and Cook County Departments of Public Health, the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, and other community leaders discussed what truly makes our region climate resilient in an uncertain and changing ecoystem. Some of the integral components noted at the outset were "Air Quality, Clinical Care Interactions, Extreme Weather, Food Systems, Infrastructure, Transportation, Vector Borne Disease, and Water Management." What do you think makes a community resilient--what assets are core to surviving and thriving? Let us know at [email protected]
Other NCH2 members ventured to Portland and Bend, Oregon to participate in the Land Trust Alliance's RALLY and GP RED's SHIFT Summit. NCH2 members presented at both conferences on their work associated with integrating nature, health, and environmental justice and equity; all of which contribute to community resilience.
This month we also give a shout out to the Folded Map Project with collaborators the Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Chicago Mahogany Tours as they encourage people to become "segregation disrupters." Take the training and win a trip with the famous TikTok Chicagoan and historian Shermann Dilla Thomas. Learn more here.
On a rainy Friday morning Chicago Wilderness Alliance and Urban Rivers led over 40 weatherproof participants on a tour of the Chicago River Wild Mile near Division and Halsted. Over the last decade many organizations and people have embraced the call for a clean and accessible Blueway in the heart of the city. The public waterway launch space open to anyone is also centered amidst native, pollinator gardens on the Chicago River's edges. Recently our friends at Black People Outside happened upon this oasis and posted it on their well-followed Instagram #blk.people.outside. A terrific find in this commercial and industrial corridor.
NCH2 celebrates the vision behind and creation of the Wild Mile as an example of an integral piece of community resilience--safe, accessible and welcoming nature spaces. Last week some NCH2 members participated in the Chicago Climate Resilience Workshop where health care delivery organizations, Chicago and Cook County Departments of Public Health, the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, and other community leaders discussed what truly makes our region climate resilient in an uncertain and changing ecoystem. Some of the integral components noted at the outset were "Air Quality, Clinical Care Interactions, Extreme Weather, Food Systems, Infrastructure, Transportation, Vector Borne Disease, and Water Management." What do you think makes a community resilient--what assets are core to surviving and thriving? Let us know at [email protected]
Other NCH2 members ventured to Portland and Bend, Oregon to participate in the Land Trust Alliance's RALLY and GP RED's SHIFT Summit. NCH2 members presented at both conferences on their work associated with integrating nature, health, and environmental justice and equity; all of which contribute to community resilience.
This month we also give a shout out to the Folded Map Project with collaborators the Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Chicago Mahogany Tours as they encourage people to become "segregation disrupters." Take the training and win a trip with the famous TikTok Chicagoan and historian Shermann Dilla Thomas. Learn more here.
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
The Forest Preserves of Cook County Leads the Way on Intersectionality with Queer Ecology during Racial Equity Week
Raquel Garcia-Alvarez Policy Manager and Nate Alvarez Naturalist with the FPCC lead a field walk during the Queer Ecology presentation
Cook County scheduled many noteworthy events during its Fifth Annual Racial Equity Week September 11-17th including a nature-based event, the Queerness of Nature Walk in the Preserves, that focused on the intersectional issues of racial equity and the LGBTQIA+ community. Naturalists at Sand Ridge Nature Center explained how often a binary lens that historical and modern scientists, naturalists, conservationists have used to describe the flora and fauna of our natural world can be based on stereotypes and can produce inaccurate or misleading observations. Queer ecology is a "way of looking at nature, where labels and categorizations are not binary or are not the traditional human male/female traits. Nature is interpreted through a nonbinary lens." With a renewed interest and additional funding for this research, queer ecology is producing new, groundbreaking research. For example, new research shows that female birds sing, contradicting decades of assumptions and research that male birds only sing.
The Sand Ridge Walk leaders highlighted examples from nature that do not follow the traditional binary stereotype, e.g., two female kestrels, a regional falcon, raising a brood of chicks together; male red-tail hawks, smaller than females, most often are nest-builders; and native plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. Raquel Garcia-Alvarez Policy Manager underscored how people accept how "perfect" nature is--we observe and honor how the natural world presents itself. "We can learn from nature and recognize that Everyone is natural and perfect."
The Sand Ridge Walk leaders highlighted examples from nature that do not follow the traditional binary stereotype, e.g., two female kestrels, a regional falcon, raising a brood of chicks together; male red-tail hawks, smaller than females, most often are nest-builders; and native plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. Raquel Garcia-Alvarez Policy Manager underscored how people accept how "perfect" nature is--we observe and honor how the natural world presents itself. "We can learn from nature and recognize that Everyone is natural and perfect."
Upcoming Events
Bioblitz: Birds, Bikes, 'n, Beats Celebration at Big Marsh
It is the 6th Annual Big Marsh celebration! Join the Chicago Park District, Friends of Big Marsh, the Geographic Society, the Wetlands Initiative and C2ST.
This event is a celebration of the people, wildlife, and activities that help make Big Marsh Park a one-of-a-kind destination! The festival will include music, food, and fun. This event closes out a weekend of fun at the park that begins Saturday with our Biodiversity Festival! More details are here. Register here!
When: September 23, 10:00 am -4:00 pm
Where: Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
It is the 6th Annual Big Marsh celebration! Join the Chicago Park District, Friends of Big Marsh, the Geographic Society, the Wetlands Initiative and C2ST.
This event is a celebration of the people, wildlife, and activities that help make Big Marsh Park a one-of-a-kind destination! The festival will include music, food, and fun. This event closes out a weekend of fun at the park that begins Saturday with our Biodiversity Festival! More details are here. Register here!
When: September 23, 10:00 am -4:00 pm
Where: Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
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National Public Lands Day--Salsa Dance Party for the Preserves OR head to the Dunes!
Celebrate national public lands day in your local forest preserves or at your closest National Park: 1) A Salsa Dance Party. Dance lessons and a live salsa band will provide entertainment. Also, enjoy bi-lingual hikes and family activities. Where: Thatcher Woods Pavilion. 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest. When: Saturday, September 23 • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 2) Join Brown Faces Green Spaces in partnership with Save the Dunes for a hike with the rangers of the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate National Public Lands Day on the new, fully accessible pollinator trail in Miller Woods. Get a free Hydroflask! More info here. When: Saturday, September 23, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm |
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Sunday Stroll at Spring Bluff in Lake County
Join the Lake County Forest Preserves District in a leisurely walk at this lovely nature spot. Take a closer look at plants, birds and other wildlife and enjoy the community of others. All ages are welcome but you need to reserve a spot. Service dogs welcome. For more information look here. When: September 24th, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Where: Winthrop Harbor, IL. |
Photo, Laura Derks
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Image, Chad Merda
All are Welcome to Join the White Pelicans in Will County
This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the return of American white pelicans to area waters with fun activities and live pelican presentations.
When: September 23, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the return of American white pelicans to area waters with fun activities and live pelican presentations.
When: September 23, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
Future Events
 Image, Laura Derks
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Community Fall Celebration: EcoVoice
Join the EcoVoice Project for a free, virtual community gathering to celebrate the fall and the first full year of eco-musical programming. Trivia, performances, and fun. Register Here. All welcome. When October 6, 6:00-7:00 PM Where: Virtual Event |
Image, The Nature Conservancy
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
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
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
Job Opportunities
New
The Conservation Foundation is looking to fill its Volunteer Coordinator position- more found 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.
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
Other job postings:
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
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
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Urban Growers Collective is hiring for two positions --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.
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.
Imani Village Green Health Advocates (Conservation and Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
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.
Star Farm is looking to fill two positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
The Conservation Foundation is looking to fill its Volunteer Coordinator position- more found 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.
Greening Americas' Cities Community Fellow with the Chicago Community Trust. More about this fellowship Here.
Other job postings:
Northwestern Feinberg Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities-Assistant Director
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
Windy City Harvest is accepting applications for its Apprenticeship program.
Urban Growers Collective is hiring for two positions --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.
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.
Imani Village Green Health Advocates (Conservation and Is looking for applicants for its Paid Trainee position--preference for South Side residents. Learn more here.
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.
Star Farm is looking to fill two positions. Learn more here.
Please send us your job openings to be featured!
In the News
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Chicago’s Zoning and Land-Use Policies Under Scrutiny
At risk of losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal housing funds if it does not correct policies and processes found by the government to be racially discriminatory, the City of Chicago is looking for ways to address environmental injustice. Both the South and West side of Chicago have significant amounts of heavy industry, wrote Aydali Campa in Inside Climate News last month. These areas have “the highest percentage of Black and Latino residents in the city and are considered ‘sacrifice zones’ for bearing the brunt of pollution from industrial activity and other polluting sources,” she wrote in the Aug. 15 article. Among American cities, she notes, “Chicago has the largest life expectancy gap, with people in some neighborhoods expected to live up to 30 years longer than people in other neighborhoods a few miles away, according to research by the New York University School of Medicine.” Mayor Brandon Johnson is listening to environmental justice organization; officials from his office are working with some of these key organizations to craft a plan to present this fall. Read more about who, where and how |
Image, replicated from Mark Capapas, Chicago Sun Times
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Image, Laura Derks
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‘Outdoors for All’ Act Has Potential Link Health Care with Access to Nature
Jackie Ostfeld of the Sierra Club and Stacy Stryer of Park RX America are calling for ways to connect under-resourced children to nature, thus improving their chances for better physical and mental health. “This can be done,” they wrote in a post in commondreams.org, “at the individual patient level through providers, at the society level through education and impactful recommendations, and at the federal level through legislation and collaboration.” The federal legislation they are focusing on now is the Outdoors for All Act, which would formally establish the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, a National Park Service grant program aimed at helping economically disadvantaged communities with little to no access to public outdoor recreation spaces. They cite the Network for Excellence in Health Innovation that “an estimated 59% of an individual’s health determinants can be positively influenced by nature-based health interventions.” Read more about what is being done and what can be done to allow all children the benefits of being in nature. (and stay tuned for more information on Illinois HB 1526 the Outdoor Rx Program) |
Photo by Nicole Segnini/NPS
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New National Monument Honors Heritage and Protects the Land
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, designated late August, will protect some 917,000 acres of federal land from new mining claims and will also bring added protections to thousands of Native American cultural sites in the area, according to a recent article from the Sierra Club. With this designation, President Biden extended the protection of lands near Grand Canyon National Park and large parts of the Colorado watershed from uranium mining.. Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument will be co-managed by the federal government and Native American tribes. Read more here. |
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].