Biodiversity Festival

 For those of you who live in the Chicago region, here are two upcoming events:

 
On September 23 the Wetland Initiative is joining with the Geographic Society of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Council of Science and Technology, and many other community science organizations. We are hosting a day of fun and nature exploration at Big Marsh Park!
 

Free event. Register here

 
Big Marsh Park is a hidden restoration gem in the middle of the Rust Belt. When you step into the park, you are immediately immersed in a beautiful restored marsh with abundant life.  This is a wonderful opportunity for families, scout groups, science clubs, and community groups to come together and delve into the fascinating natural and cultural history of the southeast side.
I’ll be bringing all 6 of my artworks completed as the resident artist at The Wetlands Initiative.

Plus:
- Mark Bouman from the Field Museum will be presenting a talk about historic maps and map  makers of the Calumet Region
- Meet scientists and live animals
- Arts and science activities
- BioBlitz nature observations and guided tour by TWI’s senior ecologist Dr. Gary Sullivan

So mark your calendars and save the date - we can't wait to see you there!

In October, the Oak Park Public Library will be hosting an exhibition of my work with The Wetlands Initiative and photography of the wetlands themselves by senior ecologist Dr. Gary Sullivan.
 
Gallery Exhibition: October 10 – November 11
Reception and Panel discussion on November 9th, 6PM
Free Parking

Hope to see you at one of the events.
Lindsay

Hubbard Fellows with The Nature Conservancy

 Hi everyone,

 

We’re accepting applications for our 11^th class of Hubbard Fellows with The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska!  I’d love your help in spreading the word.

 

This program is designed for recent college graduates looking for a career in conservation.  Hubbard Fellows spend a year as employees of The Nature Conservancy, gaining experience in land stewardship, research, conservation planning, outreach, fundraising, and more.  The hope is to round out their experiences and skills to make them more employable for whatever conservation role they’re aiming for.

 

Fellows live on a TNC Preserve (Platte River Prairies) and get full benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance), in addition to their salary.  We take them to conferences, involve them in nearly all aspects of our work, and help them design and carry out an independent project that fits their individual interests.

The Green Program

 

350Kishwaukee

This weekend thousands of people will attend demonstrations announcing that we need to reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use. Fossil fuels are made from plant and animal remains after millions of years when they become oil, gas, and coal.  Food and Water Watch, 350.org, The Sierra Club, and Extinction Rebellion will have members who show their commitment to reducing their use of fossil fuels by joining these public events.  The greenhouse gases made of fossil fuels emit emissions containing carbon dioxide, methane, Nitrous Oxide, and other greenhouse gases that hold heat created from sunlight in the atmosphere. This warm heat in the atmosphere causes Earth to become warmer and interferes with the climate’ normal patterns; which is why local weather is changing. 

While larger cities like New York City, London and Chicago will host the biggest demonstrations, DeKalb will also have two events which organizers are calling Stand to Reduce Use of Fossil Fuels. Everyone is invited to our free events which will be held Saturday Sept. 16 and Sunday Sept. 17 from 2:00 to 3:30. Participants are welcome to come either once or for both days.  We will meet on the northeast corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway.  Participants will be able to hold our signs or may bring their own signs. 

One purpose of these demonstrations is to drive the transformation needed for nations to reduce their fossil fuel use in order to meet the United Nations' commitment to their Sustainable Development Goals.  The U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has made it clear that every nation must step-up to phase out fossil fuels to avert a climate catastrophe.

These events are organized by 350Kishwaukee under the direction of Meryl Greer Domina and Nancy Proesel.  They want to invite every NIU students, professor, and staff member to stand up with us!

 

 

Information Session on The Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science

 

Please join us. The Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS) is a graduate program within the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research will host an information session about the program on October 2, 2023.  I am reaching out to ask for you to share this information with anyone you think would benefit from attending this session. This informational session is scheduled for Monday, October 2, 2023,  from 11:00 -12:00 p.m. EST.  Advance registration is required.   REGISTER NOW Our curriculum is concerned with a broad set of data sources including survey data, but also including social media posts, sensor data, and administrative records, as well as analytic methods for working with these new data sources. We bring to data science a focus on data quality — which is not at the center of traditional data science. The MPSDS name speaks to what we teach and work on at the intersection of social research and data. We offer students a choice of “tracks” or emphases—social science, data science or statistics.  All of our students are thoroughly introduced to numerous methods for collecting data and combining data from multiple sources for conducting social research.  We focus on evaluating and improving data quality.