Hourly Research Specialist (temporary)

The Institute for Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago is conducting a multi-year project to examine the impact of policies, programs and other factors in the built environment on youth eating and physical activity behaviors, and on youth obesity. We are seeking to hire academic hourly Research Specialists to collect observational data from locations across the continental U.S. in 2010. This temporary hourly position will last up to 4-5 months and will pay an hourly rate of $17 based on individual hours worked, without benefits. There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours per week. Research Specialists will work 25 to 40 hours per week and will spend a majority of time collecting data in a variety of environments. Individuals will travel by car and/or airplane to various locations throughout the U.S., and stay in hotels for several consecutive days. In each community visited, individuals will be required to travel by car/on foot in order to conduct observational research.


In this position you will:

- Collect data from food stores, restaurants, public parks, street segments, and recreational facilities that will help to identify the opportunities (or lack thereof) for healthy eating and active living in communities around U.S.;
- Work in teams of two and visit approximately 10-15 communities over the course of the project;
- Locate food and physical activity outlets in each community, and complete detailed survey forms about each location;
- Work closely under UIC supervision to collect and organize field data; and
- Participate in regular debriefing calls and web-based and/or in-person meetings with UIC research teams.

Qualifications:
- Availability to attend a paid training session in Chicago from April 12 – April 30 and to work through July 2010 for data collection;
- Bachelors degree;
- Possession of a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and a good driving record;
- Experience with traveling;
- Ability to travel around the country frequently (e.g., Monday through Friday on a weekly basis);
- Very strong organizational skills and high attention to detail;
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, and an ability to work with others in close environment;
- Basic computer literacy in Word as well as the Internet;
- Must be self-motivated and be able to work without daily supervision; and
- Must be an energetic and enthusiastic collaborative team player.

Desired qualifications:
- Previous experience with national fieldwork or observational data collection;
- Understanding of survey research and data collection; and
- Basic proficiency in Spanish.

To apply
For full consideration, please send a resume with a cover letter to btgcomp@uic.edu by February 12, 2010. References will be required as a condition of employment. Applications will be reviewed/accepted until the positions are filled.

Please, no phone calls. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants of interest will be contacted.

UIC is an AA/EOE.

WRD ENVIRONMENTAL IS CURRENTLY SEEKING:

Program Manager for Calumet Stewardship Corps

WRD Environmental, an ecological design/build firm that creates and fosters environmentally responsible landscapes, is seeking a Program Manager to design, plan, coordinate and direct the new Calumet Stewardship Corps (CSC). The program will be a restoration-based initiative of the Greencorps Chicago Program. Greencorps Chicago (GCC) is the City of Chicago Department of Environment's community greening and job training program run in partnership with WRD Environmental. Greencorps Chicago's mission is to promote establishment of natural spaces that are safe, healthy and sustainable through hands-on involvement with trainees and community partners.

This position is a full-time assignment through December 2011 that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) through the U.S. Forest Service. The program's intent is to build on existing momentum in the Calumet region of Chicago to restore more than 4,000 acres of open space in the Calumet Open Space Reserve.

As part of the CSC program, between 8 and 16 trainees from the Calumet region will be hired and trained in a range of skills including but not limited to ecological restoration, native plantings, invasive species control, basic horticulture, forestry, pesticide application, prescribed burns and more. Additional environmentally focused training may be provided through Greencorps training partners. Work will be conducted primarily in the Calumet region of Chicago on the City's far southeast side at properties owned by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and others. The Program Manager will serve as a WRD consultant to the Chicago Department of Environment to implement the program.

The responsibilities of the Program Manager include:

- Manage and supervise crews-on site each day and transport to and from work sites;

- Design the overall program and schedule for the two-year period;

- Create weekly schedule;

- Develop or adapt restoration curriculum and activities to prepare trainees with knowledge to complete field projects;

- Train crew in ecological restoration, landscape and related fields and arrange for outside trainers and speakers

- Work with City departments and sister and partner agencies to identify and schedule appropriate field projects for CSC crews;

- Evaluate and document crew performance on a monthly basis;

- Document project progress, manage budget and track data for ARRA reporting;

- Assist with special projects, events and other tasks as needed.

Qualifications for this position include:

- Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Restoration Ecology, Natural Resource Management or related field and five years experience in ecological site restoration, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

- Three years experience managing or leading field crews;

- Experience teaching in a classroom and/or field setting a plus;

- Project management experience, including program design and budget management;

- Construction, carpentry, hardscape, tree care, urban agriculture experience a benefit;

- Possessing a current Illinois pesticide applicator license or ability to secure one within two months;

- Having Forest Service S-130/S-190 burn training required; S-290/S-390 preferred with experience in active crew work on prescribed burns in the Chicagoland region;

- Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills;

- Ability to work independently while adhering to goals and timelines;

- Ability to work with a diverse population of hard to employ individuals and a wide range of partners;

- Understanding of the Calumet Region of Chicago a plus;

- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint);

- Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 – 75 lbs) and work outside in inclement weather and extreme temperatures;

- Must have a valid Illinois driver=s license with clean driving record for the duration of the project

- Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, evenings or holidays (schedule to be determined).

Salary range is $40,000 to $53,000 depending on experience.

Resumes accepted until February 17, 2010. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. WRD Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please submit resume in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format to:

Attn: Roxann Salinas

E-mail- wrdcaluresume@wrdenvironmental.com

1. Great Opportunity! Enroll Now. Registration is Closing Soon.
The University of Illinois' College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are working in partnership to offer Introduction to Illinois Prairies for Teachers this semester. This course can be taken for three hours of graduate-level credit or as a non-credit course for those educators who want the information but not the graduate credit. If you enroll for credit to be applied to a degree or a pay scale increase, the cost is $354 per credit hour ($1,062 total cost). If you enroll for the non-credit option (just for the information), the cost is $300 flat rate.

For more information on how to register for this course please contact: Heather Miller, Program Director College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, hmiller1@illinois.edu<mailto:hmiller1@illinois.edu.

2. Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant – application deadline – January 31
Don't wait! Submit your application now for the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Teachers may apply for up to $500 to take students on a field trip to study some aspect of Illinois' biological or cultural diversity. The field trip destination must be in Illinois and can include state parks, museums, nature centers and forest preserves. Complete instructions and the application form can be found at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/grants.htm. Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2010.

3. Register Now for Earth Day in the Parks – application deadline: February 28
Get your students involved with natural resources stewardship through the Earth Day in the Parks program from the IDNR! Participating state parks will offer students the opportunity to get their hands dirty and experience nature as they perform duties such as removing invasive exotic plants, planting native trees and wildflowers and building and installing bird nesting boxes. The list of participating parks and their associated projects is posted at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/EDITPinstruct.htm. Instructions and the application form are also available at that Web address. Applications must be received by February 28, 2010. For more information, contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or 217-524-4126.

4. New Web Site on Sustainability
Governor Pat Quinn's office has launched a new Green Illinois Web site at green.illinois.gov. The page has sections on sustainable school programs and green project funding, including the Zero Waste Grant (http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Recycling/).


Valerie A. Keener
Administrator, Division of Education
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
217-785-0973
Cell 217-725-9620
FAX 217-782-9552
valerie.keener@illinois.gov
http://dnr.state.il.us

Wednesday - January 13 – BOTANY – Greg Stack, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Wednesday – January 20 –SOILS – Ellen Phillips, Extension Educator, Crop Systems

Wednesday – January 27 – VEGETABLES – Ron Wolford, Extension Educator, Urban Horticulture/Environment

Wednesday – February 3- WOODY PLANTS-Richard Hentschel, Green Industry Programming

Wednesday – February 10 – HERBACEOUS PLANTS – Greg Stack, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Wednesday – February 17 – FRUITS –Richard Hentschel, Green Industry Programming

Wednesday – February 24 – PLANT PATHOLOGY – Nancy Pollard, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Wednesday- March 3 – INSECTS – Susan Grupp, Extension Educator, Environmental Science

Wednesday – March 10 – TURF – Matt Kostelnick, Extension Educator, Horticulture

Wednesday- a.m. – March 17 – IPM – Russel Higgins, Extension Educator, Integrated Pest Management

Wednesday-p.m. How to be a Volunteer – Larry Wilson, Extension Educator, Community & Economic Development

Wednesday – March – 24 -PLANT CLINIC, DATABASE, ORGANIC BASICS – Kirsten Akre, Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse, Sue Gasper, Chicago Master Gardener Organizer

Wednesday – March 31 – SNOW DAY

All-America Selections announces a revolutionary change to the introduction schedule of AAS Winners. Based on your input, the AAS Board is proud to announce the immediate introduction and availability of AAS winning varieties.

Seed is now available from your favorite seed supplier. Plants will be available this spring. Make room in your garden for these exciting AAS Winners!

Windy City Harvest is offering a series of monthly short courses on organic vegetable production starting in January 2010.

Workshop Topics & Dates:
Crop Planning January 23
Seed Starting February 27
Season Extension March 27
Window-box or Container Gardens April 24
Building Healthy Soil May 22
Organic Pest Control June 26
Harvest Techniques July 24
Cover Cropping August 28
Seed-Starting: Cool-Season Crop Planning September 25
Season-Extension Techniques October 23
Troubleshooting Cool-Season Production November 27
Fruit Tree Pruning December 2010

All workshops are held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the greenhouse classroom at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western Avenue. The cost is $30 each or $25 for five or more courses. All materials and handouts are provided. Workshops are taught by Chicago Botanic Garden and Windy City Harvest staff.

You can download registration form: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/windycityharvest/courses.php

If you have a lot of tomatoes, you might want to try making the homemade salsa recipe below. For more recipes, check out this website: www.homefoodpreservation.com. Chili Salsa (Hot Pepper-Tomato Dip) Yields approx. 6 to 8 pints 5 lbs tomatoes, chopped 2 lbs chili peppers, chopped 1 lb onion, chopped 1 cup vinegar 1 tbsp salt 1⁄2 tsp pepper Prepare Hot Peppers and Tomatoes Caution: Wear rubber gloves while handling chili peppers or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face. Wash and dry chili peppers. Slit the sides of peppers and peel them using one of the following methods: • Oven or broiler method: Place chili peppers in oven (400 F) or broiler for 6 to 8 minutes until skins blister. • Range-top method: Cover hot burner, either gas or electric, with heavy wire mesh. Place chili peppers on burner for several minutes until skins blister. Allow peppers to cool. Place in a pan and cover with a damp cloth. This will make peeling the peppers easier. After several minutes, peel each pepper. Cool and slip off skins. Discard seeds and chop peppers. If desired, leave skins on and chop peppers. Wash tomatoes and dip in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds or until skins split. Dip in cold water, slip off skins, and remove cores. Make the Salsa Coarsely chop tomatoes and combine with chopped peppers and remaining ingredients in a large kettle. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Fill jars, leaving 1⁄2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process pint jars 15 minutes in a boiling-water canner. Source: Martha J. Winter, Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness, mjwinter@illinois.edu

Tired of hearing about the bad economy or trying to figure our which candidate will really do what he says he is going to do? Perhaps you need to take a break and do a little Spring time planning and planting in your garden with bulbs.

To maintain 4 to 6 weeks of color from tulips in the landscape next spring select several cultivated varieties (cultivars) with various flowering times. According to Sandra Mason, U of I Extension Horticulture Educator, here are a few to consider for a spring full of color:

Very early types - late March to early April

• Water lily tulips are 4-12 inches tall with pointed petals that open wide. 'Stresa' is golden yellow and red.
• Tulipa greigii has lovely green leaves with maroon markings at 6-20 inches tall. The most popular is the brilliant red 'Red Riding Hood'.
• Emperor tulips are12-15 inches tall. 'Red Emperor' is a fiery red.

Early tulips - mid April to early May

• Single early are fragrant, but you will have to bend over to reach the 10 – 18 inch tall plants. 'Couleur Cardinal' is a dark cardinal red.
• Double early tulips resemble a peony at 10-12 inches tall. 'All Gold' is a deep golden yellow.
• Tulipa praestans is 8-12 inches tall with multiple flowers per stem. 'Fusilier' is orange scarlet.

Mid season - late April to mid May

• Triumphs have sturdy stems at 18-24 inches tall in many colors including bicolors.
• Darwin hybrids have large flowers on 24 inches tall plants. Flowers come in shades of mostly red.
• Tulipa tarda has star-like yellow flowers with white edges at a mere 4-6 inches tall.

Late - mid to late May

• Darwin tulips are very popular large flowers on 24-30 inches tall plants. They come in all colors and are sturdy, resisting damage from wind and rain.
• Cottage tulips have egg-shaped mostly pastel colored flowers on 22-30 inches tall plants.
• Double late tulips are peony flowered on 8-24 inches tall, very sturdy stems. 'Angelique' is a lovely pink.
• Rembrandt tulips have streaked petals on 2 feet tall plants.
• Lily flowered have slender urn-shaped buds with long, curving petals that turn outward at the tips. The flowers are long lasting and come in varied colors.
• Parrot tulips have large fringed, ruffled petals in vibrant colors.

With some tulips successive flower shows fail to rival the first season's bloom. Public gardens often treat tulips as annuals and replace them every year. Reportedly the longer lived types include single early, species types, Darwin, Lily flowered, Fosterana and Gregii cultivars. For long-lived tulips look for ones labeled "good for naturalizing".

Tulips and all the spring flowering bulbs such as crocus, daffodils and grape hyacinths should be planted in October. For best growth plant tulips 8 inches deep in masses in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Dry soil in summer will help tulip bulbs to live longer.

Tulips can be planted in ground covers such as English ivy or vinca. Plant tulips near perennials such as daylilies, hostas, asters, peonies, and fall anemones. To keep rabbits at bay, plant tulips surrounded by daffodils, grape hyacinths, or lily-of-the-valley. Since tulips rise and shine early in the season they can be planted in the back of a flower border.

For more information: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bulbs/

Author: Sandra Mason, Unit Educator, Horticulture & Environment, slmason@illinois.edu

Please read this opening from Allison at Common Threads. Contact her if you are interested.

Allison Liefer

Culinary Program Manager

Common Threads

Spring After School & Summer Garden Teacher
We are seeking a seasonal, part-time instructor to teach hands-on classes to 8-12 year olds during our spring after-school session and summer camp. Classes are held in our vegetable garden in Kenwood Community Park. Our six-week spring after-school classes run Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 28-June 4, 3:30-5:30pm. Summer camp gardening classes run from June 22-July 30th, Mondays-Thursdays, 12-4 pm. Classes will be held Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 3:30-5:30 during Spring session (May-June) and on weekday afternoons during Summer camp (June 23-Aug 1). Gardening Instructor(s) will teach gardening and craft activities to classes of 16-20 students. Curriculum is prepared for you, and no garden maintenance outside of in-class gardening activities is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Teaching experience; 8-12 year old age range preferred

Organization, leadership, and communication skills

Basic knowledge of plants, vegetables, gardening, &/or agriculture

Comfort leading arts & crafts activities, games, experiments with children

Commitment to complete spring & summer session class schedule

Interview & reference check; background check required before class begins

Allison Liefer

Culinary Program Manager

Common Threads

500 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 530

Chicago, IL 60654

Office 312.329.2501 x 202

Cell 773.319.8551

Fax 312.277.9517

allison@commonthreads.org

www.commonthreads.org

Volunteers Needed - Plant Sale - 10% Discount for Volunteers - Fundraiser for Park Gardens-Programming

Sale Details at www.wpgarden.org Volunteer times - SEE BELOW

Hello,

The Wicker Park Garden Club will have a plant Sale Saturday, Sunday, May 2 and 3 at Wicker Park 1425 N. Damen - 10am-3:30 PM. Sale will be outside if good weather or inside if not good weather. We begin Working with the Plants on Thursday, April 30.

VOLUNTEERS receive 10% discount on their plant purchases if they work 6 hours.

PLEASE send your volunteers times as soon as you know what you'd like to do: dougrwood@aol.com

PLANT SALE proceeds support the gardens in Wicker Park and Educational Programming for Adults and Children. PLANTS SOLD - Vegetables, herbs, container plants, zone 5 perennials, tender perennials.

VOLUNTEERS - Price plants - sell plants - answer questions on design and plant care-MG help would be appreciated, help set up and assist workshop teachers, assist with the silent auction of the Park Kids Grow kites that will be sold to benefit the community gardens that assisted with the Flower Show.

PARK KIDS GROW - If you'd like to come to the Saturday sale and talk about your kites - great-let me know!

TIMES VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
1. Thursday, April 30
1-6pm - Receive Plants - remove from truck and Price plants

2. Friday, May 1
10-5 - Price plants-and set up tables

3. Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3
You can pick one or more of the suggested shifts below.

8-10am - set up sale and lecture rooms for workshops
10-1pm 1st Shift - Sell Plants-Answer Gardening Questions
1-3:30 2nd shift - Sell Plants-Answer Gardening Questions
3:30-5pm - Move plants inside

Doug Wood
www.wpgarden.org