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Projects Updates for Urbana Park District (UPD) Climate Action, Resilience, Education and Sustainability (CARES) Plan

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  1. Upcoming sustainability events - August 2022

    The semester is right around the corner. Welcome back to campus! You are invited to several upcoming climate-related events:

    1. Let’s Talk about Sustainability: iSEE (Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment) is hosting a daily in-person gathering from 10-11 AM during the first week of the semester (August 22-26) in the South Lounge at the Illini Union. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Together, we will listen to a brief presentation by a subject-matter expert (agenda below), followed by an open discussion of ideas and questions from attendees. Stop by one morning - or each day next week - and help spread the word! This is a great opportunity to get connected, ask questions, network, and strengthen your interest in campus sustainability.
    • Monday 8/22: Meet iSEE/iCAP with campus sustainability staff
    • Tuesday 8/23: Plastic reduction with ISTC and Champaign County
    • Wednesday 8/24: Student involvement with SSLC (Student Sustainability Leadership Council)/SECs (Students for Environmental Concerns)
    • Thursday 8/25: Sustainable transportation (learn how to register your bike – and more!) with F&S and the Bike Center
    • Friday 8/26: Educational opportunities with iSEE
    1. Urbana Park District's Climate Action Week 2022 will be held throughout next week, August 22-28. Daily events include tours, hiking and lunch & learns. The week will culminate in a main event at Crystal Lake Park on Saturday, August 27, from 1 PM-4 PM. Click the title link to learn more about UPD's Green Initiatives and Programs.
       
    2. iSEE’s TED Talk: Eco-Edition series: Kick start your commitment to sustainability this academic year on Wednesday, August 31 from 7-8 PM. This month’s Zoom Ted Talk event is hosted by the four co-presidents of the Student Sustainability Leadership Council (SSLC): Jack Reicherts, Danika Ford, Owen Jennings, and Maiah Caise. We will watch a pre-recorded TED Talk followed by a guided, thought-provoking discussion. The discussion will highlight environmental activism and how to get involved in environmental initiatives on campus. All are welcome, whether near or far! Register here.

    Have you signed up for the iSEE newsletter yet? This is the best way to stay up-to-date on all things sustainability. Let me know if you have any questions, and see you soon!

  2. UPD Climate Change Event Planning - Aug 2022

    Hello, friends!

    I am planning a large climate-change-focused community event for August 22-29, 2022, to take place at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana. We are seeking community partners to get involved in planning (especially partners who reflect the wide diversity of our community). I am reaching out here just as a feeler to start…

    ·Would you or someone from your workplace like to be invited to a planning meeting in the coming month?

    ·Is there anyone you recommend I reach out to?

    ·Do any of you know who used to plan the Green Fair-type events that were at Research Park several years ago?

     

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have for me!

     

    A very rough draft of a schedule and activities is included below, so you can get an idea about what we’re thinking. This is all subject to change, of course!

     

    Sat, Aug 20

    Candlelight Symphony Boat Event (Janet)

    Climate Fresk workshop(s) for youth and/or adults (Savannah) (David?)

    Mon, Aug 22

    Talk: Climate Change in Champaign County (Savannah; Climate Reality)

     

    Tues, Aug 23

    Talk: IL State Climatologist Trent Ford (or Jim Angel?)

     

    Wed, Aug 24

    Program: sustainable cooking / food

     

    Th, Aug 25

    Talk: IL Clinicians for Climate Action

     

    Fri, Aug 26

    Movie Screening (w/ free food?)

    C4 Green Drinks

    ·Involve Riggs / “uncorked” / craft beer

    Sat, Aug 27

    Main Event:

    ·Green Vehicles “Touch a Truck”

    ·Live Music

    ·Tree planting / care (Ryan Pankau?)

    ·Community Bike Rodeo / other biking component (Open Road @ CLP)

    ·Public Input opportunities

    ·Create community art piece (something to leave behind after the event)

    ·End with nighttime luminaire “reflection” event on the lake

     

    Sun, Aug 28

    Rain Date: Main Event

     

     

    To add to draft schedule??:

    • “Run for the Sun” fun run?
    • KRT bike ride?
    • Recycling component/collection
    • Community art display
    • TickTock contest?

     

     

    Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

    Savannah

     

    UPD Logo 2020

    Savannah Donovan (she/her)
    Environmental Program Manager

    President-Elect, Environmental Education Assoc. of IL

    p: 217-384-4062 ext. 359 | f: 217-384-1052
    Anita Purves Nature Center | Urbana Park District

    1505 N. Broadway Ave. Urbana, IL 61801

    Read our Strategic Plan

    Read our COVID-19 Facility Guidelines

    www.urbanaparks.org

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