Newsletter from Thursday, September 30th, 2021
Dear NCH2 Community,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and well. Please submit materials for the next newsletter by Oct. 13th, 2021 so we can make sure to include them. Submit items by emailing [email protected].
This week's newsletter includes 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 upcoming local events, information on national and international conferences, career and grant opportunities, and links to articles in the research literature and popular press.
Local Events
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2nd Time: 2 p.m. Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Ave South Holland, IL 60473 Description: Venture out on our scenic trails for a 3- to 4-mile hike led by our nature education staff. 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 by Ron Lach from Pexels |
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Chicago Botanic Garden: Illinois Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale
Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 9th-10th Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Illinois. Description: Tabletop displays, from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids, will be artistically arranged. The Illinois Orchid Society presents this show, in which individual orchids in 128 classes will vie for red, white, and blue ribbons. Twenty-five entries will receive "best of class" green ribbons, and the best-appointed plant in the show will receive the Chicago Horticultural Society Award from American Orchid Society judges. The Society will provide an orchid sales area and repotting services. For more information, click here. |
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Forest Preserves of Cook County: Meet Our Birds
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10th Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Ave South Holland, IL 60473 Description: Come take a closer look at Sand Ridge Nature Center’s birds. Learn more about our animal ambassadors on display and discover some of their unique adaptations. 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. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606 or email at [email protected] For more information, click here. Photo by Jos van Ouwerkerk from Pexels |
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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.
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
Current Research
The affective benefits of nature exposure. Bratman, G. N., Olvera-Alvarez, H. A., & Gross, J. J. (2021, June 30). Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/spc3.12630.
Author's Abstract: Mounting evidence demonstrates that nature exposure can have affective benefits. These include behavioral and psychophysiological responses consistent with (a) decreases in stress and negative affect; and (b) increases in subjective well-being and positive affect. What is less clear, however, is what mechanisms are responsible for these effects. In this article, we examine the evidence for affective impacts of nature exposure, consider underlying mechanisms (with a focus on affect regulation), and discuss what might moderate these effects at the individual and population level. We end by pointing to future research directions and practical applications. This includes investigations into the range of effects and duration of their impact, harnessing knowledge about temporal dynamics for insights into causal mechanisms, broadening the discussions around moderators and effect modifications to include diverse perspectives on the relationship between nature exposure and psychological well-being, and integrating findings into existing frameworks from public health.
NCH2 Comments: This is a great open access research article that touches on the why as well as how nature exposure can have benefits for us. It defines affective sciences, which involves the examination of emotions, moods, and stress responses, all of which provide information about whether something is beneficial or harmful, and focuses on nature's impact on these facets of our affect and those mechanisms driving these benefits.
The affective benefits of nature exposure. Bratman, G. N., Olvera-Alvarez, H. A., & Gross, J. J. (2021, June 30). Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/spc3.12630.
Author's Abstract: Mounting evidence demonstrates that nature exposure can have affective benefits. These include behavioral and psychophysiological responses consistent with (a) decreases in stress and negative affect; and (b) increases in subjective well-being and positive affect. What is less clear, however, is what mechanisms are responsible for these effects. In this article, we examine the evidence for affective impacts of nature exposure, consider underlying mechanisms (with a focus on affect regulation), and discuss what might moderate these effects at the individual and population level. We end by pointing to future research directions and practical applications. This includes investigations into the range of effects and duration of their impact, harnessing knowledge about temporal dynamics for insights into causal mechanisms, broadening the discussions around moderators and effect modifications to include diverse perspectives on the relationship between nature exposure and psychological well-being, and integrating findings into existing frameworks from public health.
NCH2 Comments: This is a great open access research article that touches on the why as well as how nature exposure can have benefits for us. It defines affective sciences, which involves the examination of emotions, moods, and stress responses, all of which provide information about whether something is beneficial or harmful, and focuses on nature's impact on these facets of our affect and those mechanisms driving these benefits.
In the News
Overview: This Times Colonist article discusses an editorial titled “Call for emergency action to limit global temperature increases, restore biodiversity, and protect health,” published in 231 medical journals around the world in September. This editorial lists some of the health impacts that are already apparent as a result of these changes, as well as the link between unsustainable development and inequality. The good news, the editorial points out, is that the dramatic changes we must make bring with them “huge positive health and economic outcomes.” Trevor Hancock focuses on these benefits towards the later half of his article, as he echoes the calls made in the editorial to, “do all we can to aid the transition to a sustainable, fairer, resilient and healthier world.”
Read more here: Trevor Hancock: Measures to tackle climate change bring health benefits, too. Trevor Hancock. September 2021. www.timescolonist.com/islander/trevor-hancock-measures-to-tackle-climate-change-bring-health-benefits-too-1.24360418
Read more here: Trevor Hancock: Measures to tackle climate change bring health benefits, too. Trevor Hancock. September 2021. www.timescolonist.com/islander/trevor-hancock-measures-to-tackle-climate-change-bring-health-benefits-too-1.24360418