The Calumet  Stewardship Initiative

 

C.S.I.

Wolf Lake, from Eggers Woods Forest Preserve.

(Photo by Joann Podkul © 2006)

CSI Mission Statement: The Calumet Stewardship Initiative envisions a Calumet region marked by vibrant communities and cultures, healthy natural areas and a strong economy. Toward this end, the Calumet Stewardship Initiative engages residents and member organizations in partnerships that advance nature education, environmental stewardship, scientific discovery, cultural understanding and economic growth. Articles from the CSI Summer 2008 Newsletter: A Call to Action: “Leave No Child Inside” by Kirk Anne Taylor, The Field Museum Calumet Stewardship Initiative is participating in a national movement focused on reconnecting children with nature. A growing body of research has shown that children today, more than in generations past, grow up with few direct experiences in nature. Sparked by Richard sLouv! groundbreaking book, The Last Child in the Woods, the Leave No Child Inside campaign was formed to address the gap between children and nature. In the Chicago region, the Calumet Stewardship Initiative has joined forces with Chicago Wilderness to raise awareness of the importance of nature to the physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being of children. Among the benefits of nature to children are an increased ability to concentrate and cope with stress, improved motor coordination, a reduction in the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, and increased creativity in play. Several studies conducted in public housing communities in Chicago showed that: Teenage girls with green views outside of their windows performed significantly better on tests of concentration, and inhibiting impulses than those with desolate views;1 Children observed in green outdoor spaces engaged in more play and more creative forms of play than children in desolate spaces; 2 Children exhibited less ADD symptoms after they played outdoors in green settings; the greener their surroundings the less symptoms they showed. 3 Last fall, over 100 teachers, scientists, and members of nonprofit and community-based organizations from around the city created a Chicago region action plan to implement the Leave No Child Inside campaign locally. Calumet Stewardship Initiative partners will offer a variety of school and family programs that will create opportunities for parents and teachers to explore nature in Calumet with children. For more information on how you can bring the children in your life closer to nature check out these resources: www.kidsoutside.info www.calumetstewardshipinitiative.org www.chicagowilderness.org  1 Faber Taylor, A. Kuo, F. & Sullivan W. (2002) “views of nature and self-discipline” evidence from inner city children.” Journal of Environmental Psychology 22: 49-63. 2 Faber Taylor, A., Wiley, A. , Kuo F. & Sullivan, W. (1998) “Growing up in the inner city: Green spaces as places to grow.” Environment and Behavior 30 (1): 3-27. 3 Faber Taylor, A. Kuo, F. & Sullivan, W. (2001) “Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings.” Environment and Behavior 33(1): 54-77 Come Celebrate Kickapoo Prairie’s First Year of Volunteer Stewardship! by Alice Brandon, Friends of the Forest Preserves Kickapoo Prairie is a beautiful remnant in dire need of care when it was adopted by Eileen Klees from Friends of Dan Ryan Woods last year. The prairie flowers and animals were slowly disappearing under an onslaught of invasive brush and trees before volunteers lent a helping hand. Since then students and adults have been working hard to make a difference on the fourth Saturday of each month. The place is already coming back to life with the prairie opening already doubled in size since the work began. In celebration of their first year of hard work and as a part of National Public Lands Day we hope you will join us on Saturday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the lands plants and animals need to thrive and that we all enjoy with over 100,000 participants each year. Volunteers will be trained in using hand tools to remove invasive brush and the day will finish off with refreshments, snacks and good company. Tools, gloves and refreshments are provided. Kickapoo Prairie Forest Preserve is located in Riverdale at 144 and Halsted Streets. To learn more or to sign up to help contact Alice Brandon at alice@fotfp.org ; 312-356- http://www.mikemacdonald.com/ 9990 Site for downloading CSI Membership Application and Memorandum of Understanding Forms: http://homepage.mac.com/kevinmurphy1532/FileSharing20.html OTHER PAGES ON THIS SITE: Activities Schedule Accolades Announcements Environmental Education Programs Learning Centers and Museums Links to Member Organizations Links to other, related Organizations Photo/Video Gallery of Recent Activities CONTACT US: kevinmurphy1532@mac.com http://www.kidsoutside.infohttp://www.calumetstewardshipinitiative.orghttp://www.chicagowilderness.orgmailto:alice@fotfp.orghttp://www.mikemacdonald.comhttp://homepage.mac.com/kevinmurphy1532/FileSharing20.htmlActivities_Schedule.htmlAccolades.htmlAnnouncements.htmlEnvironmental_Education_Programs_.htmlLearning_Centers_and_Museums.htmlLinks_to_Member_Organizations.htmlLinks_to_Other_Related_Organizations.htmlPhoto_Video_Gallery_of_Recent_Activities.htmlmailto:kevinmurphy1432@mac.comshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6shapeimage_1_link_7shapeimage_1_link_8shapeimage_1_link_9shapeimage_1_link_10shapeimage_1_link_11shapeimage_1_link_12shapeimage_1_link_13shapeimage_1_link_14