Newsletter Articles & Photo/Video Gallery

Articles from the CSI Summer 2010 Newsletter:

New Greencorps Chicago Calumet Program

By Nicole Kamins, Chicago Department of Environment

I am thrilled to announce a new program that is being developed by Chicago Department of Environment called Greencorps Chicago -  Calumet (GCC). GCC is funded by the USDA Forest Service through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project begins in May 2010 and runs for approximately two years.

The program is based on the traditional Greencorps Chicago that offers horticultural instruction, plant materials and technical assistance to organizations who garden in a public space—including schools, faith-based institutions, libraries, public housing communities and block clubs. Greencorps Chicago also provides a green jobs training program for people with multiple barriers to employment to help them reenter the work force.

Greencorps Chicago - Calumet will focus most of its work in the Calumet region while expanding to include ecological restoration training for the crew members.  Nine crew trainees will be hired through delegate agencies and will get to practice ecological restoration in Calumet. The crew trainees will learn ecological restoration techniques to prepare them to plant native seeds, plugs, shrubs and trees, manage forested areas, apply herbicide to control invasive species and conduct prescribed burns. The Project Manager will be working with partners to create a calendar of trainings so the crew is ready for work in the field.  In addition to the restoration training, the crew will also participate in some of the traditional Greencorps Chicago training sessions including basic horticulture, environmental remediation, and more. Chicago Department of Environment is seeking crew trainees that are residents of the Calumet region.

There are many sites in the Calumet region of Chicago that need restoration.  We would love to hear about any sites you know of where Greencorps Chicago - Calumet could lend a hand. A project proposal form is being developed for partners to fill out and submit to us so we can assess projects and create a master schedule.

I want to welcome Zach Taylor of WRD Environmental as our new Project Manager for Greencorps Chicago - Calumet. He can be reached at (312) 287-3566 or Zachary.Taylor@cityofchicago.org  to answer questions about proposed site work and other program details.  A hearty thank you to the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station for this invaluable opportunity.

CSI WEBSITE GALLERY SECTION:

Included below is a photographic and videographic sampling of recent activities performed by CSI Member Organizations who work at cleaning up, restoring and maintaining Calumet Region environmental treasures, preserving, recording and transmitting the culture of the region, and developing its economy in environmentally responsible ways.   [Please note that the newest entries are closest to the bottom of this page.]

Calumet Stewards – The Next Generation

By Rebecca Blazer, CIMBY, and Laura Milkert, Field Museum

On February 5, 2010 more than 100 high school students from five schools on Chicago's south side converged on the US Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Conference Center in downtown Chicago for CIMBY's annual Environmental Leadership Workshop. CIMBY (Calumet Is My Back Yard) is a 10-year-old environmental service-learning project founded by the BOLD Chicago Institute that engages Calumet-area high school students and teachers in long-term efforts to care for and learn about the region's forest preserves and other natural areas.

For this Friday-morning workshop, CIMBY students took a break from their usual stewardship

routines in Calumet natural areas, including cutting invasive brush, picking up trash and collecting and planting native seeds. Instead, they gathered in a business setting to learn about environmental career opportunities and to practice problem-solving skills with the help of an excellent group of guest environmental professionals.

CIMBY staff brought together seven Chicago-area professionals currently working in a wide variety of jobs within the environmental field - from a Student Conservation Association program director to a solar cell scientist at Chicago State University to the IL Department of Natural Resources' urban fishing coordinator. Meeting with CIMBY students in rotating small groups, the guest professionals first spoke about their jobs and the education and career path choices they made that got them to where they are today. Then they presented problem-solving exercises based on challenges that the professionals might face in the course of their work. With this format, students were able not only to practice important problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills, but also to get a feel for what it might be like to work jobs similar to those of the professionals they worked with.

At the end of a wonderful day of learning and connecting to the broader environmental world, students completed an evaluation of the workshop that yielded very positive reviews of the program specifically and the students' interest in the environment in general. When asked if environmental education activities like CIMBY had made a positive impact on them, 98% responded positively (69% replied "yes," 29% replied "somewhat").  When asked if they were interested in doing more to help the environment, 99% responded positively (73% replied "yes," 26% replied "somewhat").

Following are a few examples of the students' written comments about the workshop:
          
“The most interesting was the pollution in the air. I already knew about pollution in the environment. I just opened my eyes to look a little deeper.”

"So far it's going great and I feel as though I have an opinion and I have learned so much about the environment and what is going on right now."

"I love Environmental Day because it brings schools together that are interested in the same things as me. I liked learning about the solar cell.”

"The presenters were very informative. I believe I was quite interested in the green restoration of the city. I think what was most helpful is seeing that these agencies care about the environment as much as I do."

CIMBY staff and partners were pleased to find that these positive comments about the workshop from the students were seconded by our colleague at the US EPA who helped us secure the conference center. After the workshop, when we thanked him for his assistance, we got an email back from him saying that he had stopped in a couple of times during the workshop and was very impressed with what was going on, noting that the workshop was “very nice training for these sharp students." He ended by saying, "There is no need to thank me...seeing the next generation of environmental leaders was reward enough!!!"

Based on the positive feedback about the event from the students, the teachers and the guest environmental professionals, CIMBY’s 2010 Environmental Leadership Workshop was a huge success. Now, CIMBY staff and partners are working to harness the great momentum generated by the workshop and cultivate budding leadership potential through our summer intern program, which places approximately 25 students with local environmental organizations for paid summer internships.

We hope that some of these CIMBY students will go on to pursue careers in the environment and that all of them will continue to share their time and energy to care for the earth in some capacity in their adult lives.

Great thanks to the guest environmental professionals who very generously took time out of their busy workdays to share their energy and experience with the CIMBY students. They were: Dr. Mark Bouman, Prof. of Geography, Chicago State University; Mirtha Capiro, Environmental Scientist, US EPA; Doug Chien, Former Field Representative, Sierra Club; Brenda McKinney, Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources; Quiana Moore, Solar Cell Research Technician, Chicago State University; Rebecca Moss, Naturalist, Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook County; and Sam Vargara, Prog. Coord, Student Conservation Association.  

Butternut Tree Named Official Tree of Riverdale

by Helen Denham, Village of Riverdale

The Village of Riverdale Board of Trustees approved a resolution naming the 360 year old butternut tree as the "official tree" of Riverdale.  The tree was measured by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Division, as being the largest butternut tree within the state of Illinois, standing 60' tall, (with) a crown span of 70', (and) a circumference of 14'8".

The butternut tree is recognized by its large, sometimes nearly three foot, compound tropical-looking leaves, and a broadly spreading growth form.  It is an uncommon species of tree growing in moist ravines and coves in forest communities east of the Mississippi River,  It is believed that the tree was part of an ancient moist forest in the area many years ago.

"It's an amazing tree, an ancient relic, a historical landmark to the Village," said Riverdale Arborist, Dave Shepard.  "It should be protected and recognized.  It's a sense of history, Native American."

The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Riverdale as a "Tree City USA" community honoring the commitment of the Village to a comprehensive community forestry program.

For more information, please contact the Village of Riverdale Tree Commission, Riverdaletrees@aol.com, or call 708-841-2000.

Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event at Calumet Park.  (Photo by Lloyd DeGrane)

Shirley Heinze Land Trust Volunteer Workday at Ambler Flatwoods--Boardwalk Construction (Photo by Ron Trigg)

Spring Wildflower Walk Reveals the Natural Treasures of Eggers Grove

Nature lovers participated in a Spring Wildflower Walk at Eggers Grove Forest Preserve, East 112th Street and Avenue E, Chicago, IL, where Calumet Ecological Park Association Tours and Restoration Chairman, John Pastirik, led the group in a leisurely walk to enjoy the many spring wildflowers.

CSI Outreach Coordinator, Linda Cook, also a Master Gardener, talks to some of the tour group members about planting certain types of bulbs.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Calumet Summit 2010 Connects People and Places

Following 2000 and 2006 summits, the third Calumet Summit provided a forum for cross-regional collaboration. The audience consisted of a wide range of Calumet region stakeholders, including residents, ecological stewards, regional planners, educators, students, and representatives from cultural institutions, government agencies, environmental groups, and businesses. The Summit emphasized the region’s multi-layered connections between people, places, the past and future, research and on-the-ground action. The Summit’s goal was to familiarize attendees with the wealth and extent of projects related to sustainability and the environment in the bi-state region and to increase collaboration among people and organizations working in the region.   (Photos by Joann Podkul)

Conference attendee arriving at Purdue Calumet Conference Center. 

Conference room fills as more attendees arrive.

Discussion phase of a presentation.

CIMBY students welcome experts.  (Photo by Jon Schmidt)

Third Annual 10th Ward Green Summit Kickoff Event

The Third Annual 10th Ward Green Summit received an enthusiastic kickoff on Friday, April 30, at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant Training Center.  Emcee Kevin Murphy, Secretary/Webmaster of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, welcomed the audience and opened with a brief commentary about the origin of the 10th Ward Green Summit, following which he introduced 10th Ward Alderman, John A. Pope, who provided information about the direction the Ward is headed, in terms of environmental building, learning, and living.  

Then, South Chicago Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Neil Bosanko, and Marilyn Engwall, of Chicago Department of Community Development, announced the awarding of LEED Building certification to South Chicago's Rainbow Apparel store. 

Ms. Engwall also announced that Chicago has won national recognition for its plan to meet LEED Community Certification standards for South Works and an equal-sized section of South Chicago proper that adjoins South Works.   It is the first of that size (1140 acres) in the nation.

Then, Murphy introduced CocoMocha Studios co-founders Derric Clemmons and Luz Maria Castillo, who described the environmental and educational nature of their projects, at their base of operations in Hyde Park's King College Prep High School.  (The audience members had been treated to audio, and visual, delights during the breakfast segment of the schedule, as models from CocoMocha Studios moved stunningly throughout the conference room, accompanied by the musical offerings of Flo Mills and The 63rd Street Drummers.)

Claretian Associates Executive Director, Angela Hurlock, presented Community Recognition Awards to SETF's Peggy Salazar, and to Master Gardener, Gregory Bratton, for their long, effective work for the community.

Finally, Jackie Samuel, Director of Claretian Associates New Communities Program, wrapped up with program with a video presentation of the new South Chicago Bus Tour, and a "sneak peek" a the even newer, smart-phone capable, self-guided South Chicago neighborhood tour.

The room fills as guests arrive.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Emcee Kevin Murphy starts the proceedings.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

10th Ward Alderman, John A. Pope, updates audience about current projects in S.E. Chicago.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

South Chicago Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Neil Bosanko, and Chicago Department of Planning Community Project Manager, Marilyn Engwall, announce the awarding of LEED Certification to Rainbow Apparel.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Derric Clemmons and Luz Maria Castillo, of Cocomocha Studios.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Claretian Associates Executive Director, Angela Hurlock,  announces awardees of 2010 Community Recognition Awards.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Jackie Samuel, Director of the Claretian Associates New

Communities Program, wraps up the 10th Ward Green Summit Kickoff event.

Ford Environmental Student Summit at Rainbow Beach

The Ford Environmental Student Summit was held at Rainbow Beach in Chicago on Friday May 14th, where students from Southeast Chicago area schools participated in a series of hands-on environmental learning activities.

The summit included experts from Alliance for the Great Lakes, Calumet Is My Backyard (CIMBY), Chicago Master Gardeners, C.M.A.P., Chicago Park District, Chicago State University, Field Museum's Calumet Environmental Education Program and Field Museum Natural Science staff, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Indiana Dunes Learning Center, Save The Dunes Conservation Fund, and the Calumet Stewardship Initiative.

Indiana Dunes Learning Center's Dominic Williams demonstrates the process of animal and plant classification to students at Chicago's Rainbow Beach Park.   (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Rainbow Beach, Chicago, radiates with learning activity, as students participate in environmental  demonstrations at dedicated stations.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Activity was just as intense and widespread inside the Rainbow Beach Field House.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Calumet Is My Back Yard's Rebecca Blazer (top center of photo, pointing to her right) explains  CIMBY learning opportunities to students.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Student in Mighty Acorns learning group explains his display project to other students.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Field Museum's Angela Viands works with students to articulate their vision of the Calumet Region's ideal future.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

CSI Chairperson, Joann Podkul, briefs students on "Green" buildings in Southeast Chicago. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Garlic Mustard Monday at Eggers Grove Forest Preserve

On Monday, May 24, 2010, Girl Scouts from East Side's Annunciata School worked with CEPA Steward, John Pastirik, and CEPA's Illinois Vice President, Linda Ruxton, to learn about, and remove, invasive garlic mustard plants from Eggers Grove Forest Preserve.  The group enjoyed a hot dog roast at the end of the work session.

CEPA Steward, John Pastirik, acquaints volunteers with plants to avoid, plants to remove, and post-project cleanup instructions.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

CEPA V.P., Linda Ruxton (blue jacket, facing group), and CSI's Chair, Joann Podkul (black blouse, facing group), give preliminary orientation to Girl Scout volunteers from Annunciata School.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Linda Ruxton starts one team off to its work site. 

(Photo by Kevin Murphy)

LNCI

The CSI Education Committee met at the Southeast Environmental Task Force Office on Monday, May 24, 2010, to plan the field events for the June 19, 2010, Get Outside Day Family Event, which will be held at Wolf Lake's William Powers Forest Preserve.  A planning meeting was held at the SETF office, following which, the group moved outside to the Powers Forest Preserve to lay the plan out on the ground.   (Photos by Joann  Podkul)

Alderman John Pope Conducts 3rd and Final 2010 Green Summit Trolley Tour

Wrapping up the Third Annual 10th Ward Green Summit, 10th Ward Alderman, John Pope, conducted the third--and final--Green Summit Streetcar Tour of the 10th Ward's  important new green buildings, gardens and open spaces.  As part of this tour, Alderman Pope also presented plaques commemorating Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to two new buildings designed to be green from their moment of construction, Victory Centre of South Chicago,and Rainbow Apparel.  The following video and photos highlight moments of that tour.

Tour group convenes at Villa Guadalupe Senior center, with Alderman John Pope.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

Alderman Pope presents LEED Award plaque to Victory Centre of South Chicago's Sales Counselor, Norma Munoz.

(Photo by Kevin Murphy)

AWLI Wind and Water Festival includes Wind-Surfing Training

On Saturday, May 29, 2010, and Sunday, May 30, The Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative held its 10th Annual Wolf Lake Bi-State Wetlands, Wind & Water Festival at Hammond Beach, in Hammond, Indiana, and at William Powers Conservation Area, 12949 Avenue O, Chicago.  The festival showcased Wolf Lake and surrounding natural areas as a resource for recreation and family fun, and helped foster bi-state cooperation.  Activities included a fishing clinic, kite flying, face painting, canoeing, birding, hiking/nature walk, wind-surfing instructions, a bike tour of Wolf Lake, student demonstrations, a picnic lunch, a sunrise service, tours, a poster contest and campfires.

Canoeists take to the water from Hammond Beach as part of the Wetlands, Wind, and Water Festival.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

New Photos of Recent CSI Spring Events

The following photos of various CSI Spring events were submitted by Laura Milkert, Stewardship Coordinator for the Field Museum's ECCo: Environment, Culture, and Conservation Program.  They were taken by photographer, Larry Unruh.

Shooting Star plant, Powderhorn Lake, Spring, 2010

Wild Geraniums and Golden Alexanders, Powderhorn Lake, Spring, 2010

Jackie Grom, Powderhorn Lake, 05/2010

 Powderhorn Lake volunteers, 4/24/10

Lunch on a blanket,  Powderhorn, 4/24/10

Olive Harvey College students demonstrating happy teamwork, Beaubien Woods, 5/1/10

Olive Harvey students and their Garlic Mustard harvest, Beaubien Woods, 5/1/10

An interesting footnote: a work team pulled 640 pounds of garlic mustard at the Beaubien workday on May 1st!

FOTFP Executive Director, Benjamin Cox, and family.

The restored wetland prairie area at Kickapoo Woods--the fruit of our labor, 05/2010.

Green Summit: Marian Byrnes Natural Area--Calumet Jewel in the Rough

Sponsored by Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF) and Calumet Ecological Park Association (CEPA), this May 15 open house highlighted Calumet region education and Stewardship opportunities, followed by  a special presentation on the Marian Byrnes Natural Area (the Van Vlissingen Prairie), which focused on Marian Byrne's role in the preservation of the site and included a brief history and current description of the site,  followed by a short discussion of possible future uses.

Audience assembles at SETF office.  (Photo by Judith Lihota)

SETF's President, Bob LeSeur, and CEPA's Treasurer, Grace Sowa, make the presentation.

(Photo by Judith Lihota)

Marian Byrnes -- 1925-2010                       (Photo by Judith Lihota)

Get Outside Day Gets Outside at William Powers Conservation Area

On Saturday, June 19, 2010, CSI and Chicago Wilderness member organizations hosted Get Outside Day: Explore, Discover, Play, at the William Powers Conservation Area, at Wolf Lake.    Part of the Chicago Wilderness Leave No Child Inside initiative (LNCI), the day was devoted to some of the many ways children--of all ages--can become healthily involved in their environment, capturing their imaginations via the excitement of the many activities available during the event.  

Participating children were able to learn how to fish; to race turtles; to build survival shelters and camp outdoors; to Geocache, using GPS devices; to engage in responsible environmental stewardship, and much more, working with teams fielded by Calumet is My Backyard/Bold Chicago, Chicago Geographic Society, Chicago State University's Department of Geography, Chicago Wilderness, Field Museum's Calumet Environmental Education Program, Fishin' Buddies, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Raptor Center, L. L. Bean, Mayor Daley's Bicycle Ambassadors, Midwest SOARRING Foundation, Save the Dunes Organization, Southeast Chicago Sportsman's Club, University of Illinois Extension, and the Beverly Arts Center.

Following a horrendous night of storms, Nature provided a perfect day for outside activity, having washed the atmosphere clear of dust, and dispersed all but about three wispy clouds.  

While CSI observer/recorders have yet to see the formal feedback from the event, empirical observation recorded high levels of enthusiasm and excitement on the part of participants.  (Photos by Joann Podkul and Kevin Murphy, except where otherwise indicated. )

CSU's Mark Bouman teaches kids to Geocache using GPS units.

Kids encourage their entries in the turtle races.

Kids came from as far as Michigan City.

Forest Preserve Staff provided support services for exhibiting organizations.

Members of local sportsmens' club cleaned up Indian Creek.

Field Museum's Angela Viands (right side of table) teaches about invertebrates.

Staff from L. L. Bean teach about tents and camping.

Representative from American Indian organization explains about artifacts.

"Save the Dunes" organization was well represented.

Beverly Arts Center staff showed kids how to create art from the Earth.

The setting.

Turtle racing stars.   (Photo by Laura Milkert)

Raptor specialist with future green program planner.  (Photo by Laura Milkert)

Master Gardeners, ready to teach planting.  (Photo by Laura Milkert)

"CSI wants YOU . . .

to discover The Calumet!"

(Photo by Laura Milkert)

Calumet Green Corps, and Chicago Department of Environment staff members host the Hegewisch Marsh Restoration Project site.  (Photo by Laura Milkert)

Back-to -School Fest in South Chicago

The South Chicago Chamber of Commerce held its annual Back to School Fest on Saturday, July 31, 2010, in a blocked off section of Exchange Avenue, in the space in front of the South Chicago Family Health Center, which was also conducting its annual health fair during that same time (9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.).  The Health Center offered free back-to- school physicals and shots to the first 100 students to apply.

More than 230 free bags of school supplies were given to young students in attendance.

A resource fair was also held, to promote local organizations and agency services in the community.   Organizations participating in the resource fair included Advocate Trinity Hospital, Claretian Associates Chicago New Communities Program, El Valor Rey Gonzalez Children and Family Resource Center, EPIC Academy, Food-i-Tude TV, La Causa Community Committee, South Chicago Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Chicago Eating and Weight Disorders Clinic at Chicago Health Center. 

There was a "Moon Walk," I.D. kits for the children, free cookies and lemonade, courtesy of MacDonald's, free tattoos (removable), and popcorn, among other things, for kids of all ages. - kpm

La Causa Community Committee Executive Director, Al Reyes, with associate, Maricela Rivera.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

South Chicago Chamber of Commerce Exec. Dir., Neil Bosanko, helps out at the Claretian Associates table, with Claretian's New Communities Program Director, Jackie Samuel.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

"The Midway." (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Patrick Owens, ATH Community Relation/Health Awareness Coordinator, and staff member, take blood pressure, and blood sugar, readings.

(Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Photo by Kevin Murphy

Chicago Conservation Corps Regional Network Kick-Off Meeting

CDOE's Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) held its first Regional Network Kick-Off Meeting at the 24/7 Roast Coffee Shop, 2926 E. 79th Street, on Monday, August 2, 2010.

Graduates of the C3 Community Leadership Training Program, and C3 Student Club teachers met for the very first time as a team, in this gathering.

The Southeast region includes Avalon Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Chatham, East Side, Greater Grand Crossing, Hegewisch, Hyde Park, Pullman, Riverdale, South Chicago, South Deering, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.

The meeting was coordinated by Britt Willey, C3 Explorer Track Coordinator WRD Environmental Consultant for the Chicago Conservation Corps, Chicago Department of Environment, and hosted by 24/7 owner, Pat Peter, who generously provided coffee, soft drinks and snacks for participants.

11 members of the two C3 groups joined forces to plan for future joint ventures intended to increase the beauty, dignity, health and citizen involvement in Southeast Chicago region communities. - kpm

C3's Britt Willey (standing) guides group in a planning session. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Principal and Community Resource Informational Luncheon Held on August 24

The South Chicago Chamber of Commerce (a CSI member organization) hosted an informational luncheon for community school personnel on August 24, at the Chamber office. 

Principals and/or their assistants, attended from Marsh School, Sacred Heart School, Our Lady of Guadalupe, EPIC, LEARN Charter School, Arnold Mireles Academy, New Millenium School of Health, Immaculate Conception School, and New Sullivan School.

Fourteen agencies were invited, and all 14 agencies attended the luncheon, which was designed to familiarize neighborhood school principals and their key staff members with the many services available to students, parents, and the community, in general.  They also  distributed fliers and informational pamphlets.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Neil Bosanko, spoke of chamber initiatives, including the street car, security patrol, and of working to  engage local businesses in fundraising opportunities for local schools and community groups. - kpm

Photos by Kevin Murphy